I would like to know how Chandler and Monica’s children would have handled their grandfather being transgender & how they would have inspired Chandler to be more accepting. I don’t really see Male affection to be a serious issue at all. Things that could have gone in spot #10 instead include: 1. Age gaps in relationships ie Monica & Richard & Frank Jr and Alice 2. Phoebe’s whole backstory 3. Workplace sexual harassment when Phoebe was assaulted by Paulo 4. Interracial relationships Ross & Charlie 5. Financial Issues 6. Ross’s anger issues 7. Ross’s Homophobia toward the male nanny & how he didn’t let Ben play with a Barbie
Chandler's and Monica's relationship gradually developed and became the HEART and SOUL of "Friends". The fertility conceivement issues they encountered and dealt with after marriage when trying to have kids became a major reason for that characterization. This quote from a Season 10 episode from Chandler about Monica symbolizes that: "My wife is an incredible woman. She's loving, devoted, and caring...I love my wife more than anything in this world....and it kills me that I can't give her a baby. I really want a kid, and when that day comes, I'll learn how to be a good dad. But my wife, she's already there. She's a mother, without a baby."
Chandler's smoking Ross's trust issues Rachel's reaction to believing that she wasn't pregnant Monica's relationship with Richard (the major age gap) Joey's female conquests and how he was always sleeping around Phoebe's childhood
@@alyteima4185 It is pretty risky though as Rachel pointed out. Imagine if she had celebrated with joy. Then Phoebe would've had to tell her the truth and honestly that probably would've produced an equally funny moment as with what we got.
I really thought they were gonna mention Chandler's smoking too because that was one of Matthew Perry's low points in his life as he was battling drug addiction at the time I believe...
Monica and Chandler's fertility issues showed how strong of a couple they were, in how they battled tough problems together. Plus, Matt and Courteney's acting was phenomenal in those scenes! 👌💗
Chandler's and Monica's relationship gradually developed and became the HEART and SOUL of "Friends". Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox portrayed such a natural compatibility and chemistry on-screen. The fertility conceivement issues they encountered and dealt with after marriage when trying to have kids became a major reason for that characterization. This quote from a Season 10 episode from Chandler about Monica symbolizes that: "My wife is an incredible woman. She's loving, devoted, and caring...I love my wife more than anything in this world....and it kills me that I can't give her a baby. I really want a kid, and when that day comes, I'll learn how to be a good dad. But my wife, she's already there. She's a mother, without a baby."
Ross and his ex and her partner were fighting over the baby. Phoebe mentioned how lucky the baby was that people were fighting over who gets to love him. Her father abandoned her and her mother died.
Technically her birth mother abandoned her too (Teri Garr). The woman who raised her adopted her and Ursula. Her father ran off and left them. Then their adopted mom (who they thought was their birth mom) killed herself and their stepdad went to prison. So Phoebe was abandoned by literally every parental figure she ever had, except her grandmother, who helped lie to her about her birth mother and father her entire life, until she too left Phoebe (but by dying, not technically abandonment as with all the others).
@@fashiondiva6972 I’ve always had trouble with the grandmother thing. Phoebe lived on the streets for most of her teenage years so where was this grandmother? Where was ursula? She never mentions that they both lived on the streets. Why does Phoebe live with her grandmother as an adult? Why didn’t phoebe get all the family stuff that Úrsula did get (suicide note, poem, birth certificate, etc)? Could it be that the grandmother took only Ursula in when Lily died? The grandmother wasn’t really their grandmother since Lily wasn’t actually their mother, so it could be. Her sole existence in the show makes phoebe’s past even worst.
And the fact she had healthy and alive sister, half brother, mother, father & grandmother. This is really shocking she still suffered so much. Her whole family is irresponsible 😞
I would like to add toxic parenting. Monica's mom is clearly abusive towards her, and is likely the reason of her former obesity. She keeps criticizing and belittling her, and acts like Monica is the bad guy when she calls her out. They also went after her dad and Ross, whose aloofness (one because he was just clueless? didn't care? and the other because he benefited from it) could be interpreted as tacit agreement.
I think Jack's issues came from aloofness and cluelessness. I believe Jack did care about Monica, but wasn't able to show it like he should have because he wasn't very... aware of things. But he did care more than Judy. Jack comforted her after her break up with Richard, and he gave her his Porche to make up for what happened to her childhood stuff. Monica and Chandler named their son after Jack.
@@wyntertheicewyvern6226 True. He seemed genuinely unaware and remorseful when Ross brought up the issue with him. He didn't mean to enable his wife's behavior, but I believe his lack of reaction only added (unconsciously) more weight to Monica's abuse, and cemented her belief that her parents (both of them) didn't love her. It's one thing to brush off rude comments, but I think he sometimes deliberately turned a blind eye. Did he really not notice how unfair it was for Monica to spend all the money they put aside for her future wedding just because she didn't find a husband quickly enough? Especially since, I presume, they payed/helped to pay for Ross's wedding? Or when they turned her room into a gym (the dog's room? Can't remember) while Ross's was left in pristine condition just because he won a few trophys? Did he really not notice the message it sent (that she wasn't welcome anymore in their house), or at least the disparity between his two children? Like I said, I don't think Jack didn't love Monica, but I think his unconscious refusal to address the abuse did contribute to it. However he does seem to rise up to right his wrongs, even if Ross has to rub his nose in them.
@@roguebritgravy1 I don't see why it can't be both. It's a running gag, yes, but just because they're making fun of it doesn't mean the abuse wasn't real. And they actually do address it in the show, mostly from passing remarks from Monica, but I remember two specific instances where it has a more prominent place: in the episode where Ross and Monica's grandmother dies (S01x08), where Monica broaches the subject with her mother, and the one where Ross has to spell to his father that Monica thinks they don't love her (S07x13). It may not be treated with the same seriousness than some other subjects, like Monica and Chandler's issues conceiving, but I don't think it was included just for laughs either.
@@Elrewin59 well I never said it couldn't be both. I feel it was utilised more as a running joke throughout the series. There's a few confrontations with the parents but it's never truly resolved like with chandler's relationship with his father. That got resolved and they weren't estranged or as much so then at the beginning of the show. Yeah her father was remorseful about being confronted by this but Monica never gets the chance to out right say this to her mother. Confront her on the issue. There's a sly reference in season 1 with the funeral but it's never followed up with Monica and the mother again. From the way she acted at the funeral, I'd say it was implied she might know what Monica was going on about and she could have endured the same abuse from her mother or it may have gone over her head. Its a serious issue no doubt but it's not tackled 100 percent. There are other times in the show its used for darkly comedic purposes. Disturbing and twisted yes but darkly comedic. When Monica and chandler watch the birth video accidentally and Monica says 'no wonder my mother hates me!'
Suicide was referenced in multiple episodes related to Phoebe’s mom (not her birth mom). She even prevented guest star Jason Alexander’s suicide in one episode. I’d say that’s a fairly weighty topic.
yeah but I would wager that they made fun of suicide more than they portrayed it well...I am glad they mentioned it, but that whole scene with Jason Alexander seemed to make fun of it more than it helped, although the part where Phoebe says that it doesn't matter that his office didn't care about him, that the universe cared was nice. I just wish they didn't put a laugh track after he says he's going to kill himself....also I should add that this is my favorite show of all time so I promise I am not a hater, I skip that episode if I am feeling suicidal because it seems to trivialize suicide way too much for me.
@@LadyDelSangue87 it was more so the scene wasn't too heavy seeing as suicide was still an extremely taboo subject in the 90s and 2000s. Looking at it from today's P.O.V. it's can come across as mocking it, but we can't apply today's standards to a show that ended like a decade and half ago.
I really like the Joey and Ross nap together scene, and then Joey said it was such a good nap he wanted to do it again. I think they did nap together again and got caught by the rest of the gang.
Chandler's and Monica's relationship gradually developed and became the HEART and SOUL of "Friends". Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox portrayed such a natural compatibility and chemistry on-screen. The fertility conceivement issues they encountered and dealt with after marriage when trying to have kids became a major reason for that characterization. This quote from a Season 10 episode from Chandler about Monica symbolizes that: "My wife is an incredible woman. She's loving, devoted, and caring...I love my wife more than anything in this world....and it kills me that I can't give her a baby. I really want a kid, and when that day comes, I'll learn how to be a good dad. But my wife, she's already there. She's a mother, without a baby."
That why I loved her wedding vows in s10 - ‘growing up I never had a normal mom and dad, and I always knew something was missing but now I stand here today knowing I’ve got everything I need in you’
Yes, Courteney did suffer from fertility issues. She suffered seven miscarriages including one the day before they filmed Rachel giving birth. She said in an interview that it was so painful to be funny.
Which is kind of interesting considering that David Schwimmer was the one who (alongside Jennifer Aniston) spoke out to make sure all of the actors on the show got paid the same.
I never thought this show got enough credit for how well it tackled topics when it was time to get real. Ross and Susan dancing at the wedding and Chandler's reconciliation with his father always have me a bit teary-eyed. 🤧
For all the criticism its getting, it really was ahead of its time in so many ways. No other shows were showcasing episodes about weight, gender, and gay marriage. Yes it lacked diversity but it did not lack heart and soul.
I still think that this was a true reflection of life in the 90s. I doubt a racially diverse group of friends with a strong connection would have been very convincing back then. Personally, I really appreciated the way that they dated indiscriminately.
I was an adolescent in the 1990’s, and your assessment is right on point. Most of the shows on TV at the time had jokes and plots that wouldn’t age well. It just so happened that “Friends” is an incredibly funny and high quality show that has stood the test of time when others haven’t. I think probably every show from the 90’s would be problematic if looked at through a 2021 lens.
Phoebe selfless voulenteering to be a surrogate parent to the triplets, Rachel starting up her fashion career which is her first job, Monica and Chandler take the adoption route with pride, Susan and Carol's wedding and Chandler and Joey embrace their bromance in full display. Those are my favourite moments on Friends.
You guys missed some big ones Ross - anger/sabbatical Phoebe - both biological/birth parents Joey - no health insurance (probably even more relevant today and also his money issues in general
The fertility issue between Monica and Chandler reminded me of what happened with my parents. I was adopted from Russia by my parents, who also couldn't conceive a child of their own, and they tried everything else to get one, even American Adoption, but nothing worked. So after hearing about International Adoption from a friend of theirs who adopted a boy from overseas, they gave it a try, and it worked. They chose me as their son and they were happy to take me home a few months later. That story makes me cry thinking about the struggle my parents went before adopting me on April 24, 2001, one year after I was born on March 9 in Moscow, Russia.
@@natedawg3926 you have a beautiful real-life family story - and I also love that this story arc in Friends apparently increased adoption enquiries in the US when it was first broadcast. So many parents & children brought together forever by the show addressing such an important topic. X
Also, Richard and Monica breaking up in spite of how much they loved each other, because Monica wanted to have children so badly and he was done with that phase of his life
@Jay Anthony you misunderstand what I said - the way you explain their circumstances is in line with the way I phrased it; I simply didn’t include the lengthy explanation. I didn’t say that she wanted children and he didn’t, and then they broke up; it’s that she wanted children and he didn’t himself (because he was done with that phase of his life) but was willing to still have kids for her, because he loved her, but she wanted someone who would be equally invested in having children with her as she would be. She didn’t want to go there with him because she knew that he was personally done with that, and that he just wanted to be with her badly enough to be willing to do it anyway. Considering the show’s popularity I figured that anyone who cared enough would know the information, so I summarised it the way I did above
I love Friends. The show gets a lot of hate for being insensitive etc. but as this video states several times, some of the more normal things we see today were huge no-nos back in the 90s, and things that were more accepted back then are big no-nos today, so people need to cut the show some slack. One of the best shows ever.
I totally agree!People these days just hate on the show saying that it never handled any serious issues. I know, it did mishandle some of the things - like all the main cast being white and attractive, the sometimes homophobic and sexist jokes.... But they don't realise that it was still ahead of its times. Plus it did handle a lot of issues, as we can all see from the video nd the comment section. People need to understand that it was a sitcom, so it didn't wanted to bring serious issues bcoz they needed to make a joke of almost everything. But they still managed to include a lot of social issues! I would say, yeah the show would be a lot different if it's made now, but plz, give it a rest!
This show did such a good job at balancing the comedy as well as the real struggles of life. They did it perfectly and it also plays a part in why the show did so well, I believe.
Joey's and Chandler's friendship was the reason I loved friends so much. Their relationship was my favourite of all in the group. The epitome of best friends forever. Also I'm kinda surprised that phoebe's childhood didn't make the list. She came from a harsh childhood and yet became an amazing person with a heart of gold
Yes, Phoebe said her mother committed suicide in an oven and when she was working as a sales person selling toners, the suicidal guy was played by Jason Alexander
When I started watching Friends years ago I did not really expect anything. But seeing the episode of Carol and Susan getting married, made me so happy. The representation of gay marriage in one of outstanding TV series of all time is indeed remarkable. Thanks, Friends.
Thanks for this. Yes a LOT has aged badly, & many things were not right even at the time. but it had some progressive stuff for the era it was in. People keep forgetting that with older shows & movies that meant well at the time but watching it now we are wiser about many things. Just as I’m sure shows made today will face criticism for stuff we aren’t thinking about now but should be.
This movies and shows should be regarded as classics. Media kind paves the way for the future changeling present culture norms so in a future their just norms and forgetting that is what is wrong with cancel culture. Is just a personal opinion and ideology but I believe is a fact
yess! people give it a hard time, too hard even, considering that it was a show in 90's and it did a lot (at least whatever was possible back in the day)
Agreed. I was an adolescent in the 1990”s, and the other comedy TV shows at the time also had jokes that wouldn’t be well received today. “Friends” just stands out because it has stood the test of time, while most of the others did not.
I feel like Phoebe’s childhood deserves a solid mention. Her mother’s suicide, her father leaving, homelessness, dishonesty, so on and so forth. Not even to mention her history with Ursula!
I think friends is the only show that didn't tackle any racial situation, which I'm glad there aren't any racist characters in the show whether they are main or recurring.
@@gabrielabagala Eh, not recognising a person’s race can be problematic - in the case of Aisha Tyler‘s character Charlie, they had a real opportunity to talk about issues of race, for example the underrepresentation of Black women in academia, the racial wage gap, racial gaslighting of Black women in professional settings, stigma around natural hair.
I’m a White woman who was a teenager in the 1990”s, and I can confirm that we White people didn’t really know how to talk about the subject of racism then.
The fertility issue always touched me. Now, years later, my husband and I are struggling with fertility issues. It means all the more seeing our struggle portrayed like it is in friends. It let's people have a glimpse of what we are going through.
One that sticks out to me is how much Chandler and Monica's house hunting affected Joey. Everyone had things going on in their lives propelling them and Joey felt he was being left behind and even afraid he would be forgotten....but then Monica and Chandler surprise him by making sure he had his own room in their new house... reassuring him that no matter what, he is loved, and that no matter what, Joey is important to them and he will always be a part of their lives.
It's ok to criticize the parts that are problematic and still enjoy the show, if we pretend it was perfect then we can't learn and do better. So no, it's not whining nor is it a call to change it, it's just taking a critical look at media so we don't take the wrong lessons away and don't repeat the same problems.
The first episode aired almost 30 years ago. Its insanity that you people expect it to be anything like today. Problematic?? Where? It was the 90s!!! The only people who think this show is problematic should be the god fearing conservatives that are 80 years old!! You have to be absolutely kidding me! I get jokes are super trigging now, hence why they aren't allowed anymore, but my god. Not everything is made FOR YOU. Especially not something from 30 years ago that ended YEARS before 99% of you were even alive!!
Also who is "we"? "We can't learn and do better." Oh so are you a television producer? I'm not, I can guarantee nobody here is either. So what mistakes could "we" possibly make when deciding to love a show from 30 years ago without analyzing its social climate? This show tore down walls and opened so many doors. It wasn't just ahead of its time, it literally started the conversation. Now people whine about it being problematic from the other side of the spectrum?? If it weren't for huge breakthroughs in media like this from so long ago, we would be decades behind where we are now. All anyone wanted then was to be treated the same, then Gen Z decided nahhh, I want to be treated special and have my own personal feelings affect everything and when it doesn't meet my specific needs/tastes, its problematic. Its like saying the womens rights activists of 1920 were problematic because they weren't fighting for women being able to run society as equals and simply wanted the right to vote, how dare they! Didn't they know the right to vote is the bare minimum??? Thats literally how you all sound. They are called stepping stones, you know, change?? Transformation is instant, change is not, it takes time. Anything that didn't make an immediate overhaul transformation is now problematic apparently. Its actual insanity. I just can't wait till you all grow up and see that. We have a more accepting world today because of things like this but you can't see past your own existence. What was big and life changing for us is now somehow problematic to you because feelings?? The thought of a woman even leaving home without being married made the world laugh back then and growing up, seeing that as a reality playing out on my tv screen every week, made me have real hopes and dreams for myself. You can never appreciate something you didn't experience but calling it problematic because it doesn't fit the standards of your life that are now possible because of the better world this show helped create is honestly mind blowing.
I find it strange that you mentioned single motherhood in reference to Rachael but ignored Ross who was in exactly the same boat, twice. There’s even one episode early in where he demands more time with his son.
Chandler and Joey’s bromance is iconic for a reason. When it comes to affection in friends groups, I know in my friend group back in college, we kind of touched on the topic of is it okay to give your friends a kiss on the lips (like a peck on the lips, not a full on kiss with tongue); what are y’all’s thoughts? Carole and Susan’s relationship and wedding was done so well, especially in a time where gay marriage was kind of taboo. It was honestly because of Friends that I learned what surrogacy was.
very true, not even a nomination. she’s a master of timing and physical comedy and her dramatic scenes with matthew perry were far more effective (and tear-jerking) than those of jennifer aniston and david schwimmer’s
Monica and Chandler are among my favorite TV couples. They act like real couples actually would (minus a little bit of Chandlers weirdness) My favorite scene between them is when Monica gets pissed that Chandler doesn't want to spend his entire life savings on the wedding and he puts his foot down. He does in the end capitulate but when he outlines his dream for the future Monica realizes that they have the entire life together and their wedding is just a party. It outlines that, while important to a person's life, a wedding is just a party and your family is what you should facilitate the growth of. They balance each other well
The great part of The One With The Lesbian Wedding is when Ross finally accepts that Carol and Susan genuinely love each other and makes it up with Susan at the end, when they dance together.
I'm honestly upset this doesn't mention "the one with peobes uterus" not because of pheobe going through surrogacy, but for the museum storyline. Its pretty obvious that they were portraying racism with the blue blazers and the white coats in the Cafeteria. And ending the separation when Joey and Ross sit together in the middle. Beautifully portrayed and sends a good message.
I don’t know if it was intended to be about racism as much as it was intended to be about cliques. If they were as concerned with racial issues to address them in the way you suggest, then they probably would have had a more diverse cast.
I really dislike it when Friends are in any way "shamed" for the Trans father storyline... ultimately, the show followed Chandler and his own perception of his childhood and young adulthood with his dysfunctional parents. "Dysfunctional" - primarily due to the face that he was a child of divorce and on multiple admissions, used sarcasm as a coping strategy... of course this was highlighted and inflated by the fact that both parents went in polar opposite directions, making them both tremendous embarrassments for him throughout his schooling years.. His mother became a romance novelist who flaunted her sexuality, whereas his father became a headline act as a female impersonator in a las Vegas burlesque show. - basically, making him recoil and open to ridicule even amongst other children of divorce.... The show was about all 6 friends growing up with each others support.... and it was the Kathleen Turner episode that really did that.... They did NOT make fun of "trans" issues, in fact, it was never determined whether Chandlers father had transitioned or was impersonating... If anything, Chandler was finally called out for his ongoing opposition to his father and shown that he should grow up and look at the big picture... to Quote Monica "it didn;t matter what he came to your Swim meet dressed as - the fact is, he was there to cheer you on - that is an amazing Dad" - She was right... As a trans person, I found a level of discomfort with the jibes and targeting of Chandlers father, that we'd never met or seen throughout the first 7 seasons.... It was my fear we'd never see him/her/them... It was my fear that we never would and thus, Chandlers father was removed and that was the end of it.... It felt like this was the case considering it was within the first two seasons that he'd made peace with his Mother - whom had actually kissed one of his friends within the same episode! The episode in Vegas - was wonderful... Chandler finally got over himself and embraced both parents... Subsequent interactions with "Helena/Charles" was very true to life and showcased how people legitimately react to Trans people... Basically showing us that - regular people, have no issues whatsoever with it, but had never been exposed to it (cause it was never in the media and when it was - it was shone in a negative light) The joke that saw Rachel talk to Amanda, who she mistook for Chandlers father and then put her foot in it with "oh, i get it! A - MAN - Der!" was so true to life... The casting of Kathleen Turner considered "Appropriate" or not i'm not going to touch.... she had a deep voice and had spent her career being asked whether she was born a male - in many regards it was a good fit and i understand the choice.... Has the storyline and episode aged well? - no.... but i wish it could be seen for what it was.... being a VERY BIG reason, why we have aged since. and the bottom line is - Chandlers parents were both at his wedding and he couldn't have been happier about it.
Some great points here, thank you for sharing your experience. I do feel like the show often normalised LGBTQ people being used as a punchline with no consequences for the perpetrators of the jibes and jokes against them. So Chandler, Ross and Joey making homophobic jokes throughout the show never really get taught a lesson that that’s not okay. More importantly, we don’t see representation of the impact of these microaggressions and “jokes “on the LGBTQ characters, which I feel dehumanises them - their existence is a platform for entertainment but they don’t get to exist as people with emotions and humanity in their own right. So I think it’s fine to reflect bigotry in TV but there has to be a lesson in it otherwise it’s just perpetuating it.
I was talking about this to my dad the other day. He and I said that the reason why the scene with Chandler's dad is "cringe worthy" and uncomfortable to watch is because it's suppose to be how Chandler is feeling. Of course, Chandler feels uncomfortable. Sure, maybe the episode hasn't aged well, but it ticks me off when people call the show transphobic, homophobic, and sexist. Now I'm none of those things, okay. But here's why it makes me upset when people call it out for being those things. First off, I don't think that Chandler is transphobic. The reason why he is not a big fan of his dad is because it was his father's direction in life that was the reason why his parents got divorced and therefore ruined his childhood. I know that people today would be like, "Well, if that's who he/she/they are, then he needs the accept and support him/her/them no matter what. Blah, blah, blah." But again, here's the thing that many people forget, Chandler was 9 FREAKING YEARS OLD when this all started. If he was teenager, maybe he would've understand (although maybe not, due to the time period). But he was still a kid. He wasn't even a decade old. And again, that was the age that his parents got divorced. I mean, how do you explain all of that stuff (divorce, sexual orientation/preference) to a child, who at first grew up with heterosexual parents? But no, Chandler doesn't like his dad and his dad HAPPENS to be trans or gay. So that makes him homophobic and/or transphobic. Yeah, that's not how that works. The second thing is that it also makes me upset when people call Ross out for being homophobic and sexist. I mean, first off I don't think Ross is homophobic. People may disagree because of how he handles Carol and Susan's relationship. But let's real guys. Obviously, you wouldn't want to be nice to the person who had an affair with your wife. And given the fact that the person who had an affair with his wife was a women, that's gotta hurt really bad. Because not only does Ross feel betrayed, but now he feels like all those years with Carol was a lie and that he was probably wondering, "Did my wife even love at all?" I mean, that's just stabs you right in the heart. Plus, Susan was kind of a douche bag to Ross for like no reason at all. Like anytime Ross wanted to be involved with something, she just kinda pushed him away. Like, "Oh well, guess what? Carol's not with you, she's with me and she loves me. So F you." And that's probably one of the reasons why Ross doesn't like her. And no, he's not homophobic because he doesn't like her and she happens to be gay. Ross still hangs out with Carol and Susan ones in a while and he's still nice and respectful to them. If he was a homophobe, he wouldn't talk to them nor would he be nice to them. Also the episode where Ross freaks out about a Barbie doll is kind of understandable. Sure, it may not have aged well and people may see it as sexist, but here's the real thing, though. Kids are not like teenagers and adults. They don't have grey areas. They have a black and white mentality. When babies are born, they don't know anything. That's why you have to give them a black and white mentality first, like right and wrong, normal and not normal, good and bad, safe and dangerous, or boys and girls. That's why you have to give them gender norms or standards to them. Because that stuff can be REALLY complicated to a child, especially to a little kid. It's not like telling them about junk food where it's like, "It's not healthy for you, but you can still eat it. But you cannot eat too much or otherwise you are going to get sick." No it's a lot more complex than that. Because who knows, the kid might have this huge gender identity crisis and it's going to hard to solve. Because then the kid might have all these questions like, "why don't boys wear dresses, or why don't girls wear ties or have short hair?" I mean, imagine them growing up without placing gender norms. Just imagine them going and experiencing the real world, they will have a lot and I mean A LOT of unanswered questions. Now I'm not saying stuff like Boys should only watch things like Cars and Spider-Man and Girls should only play with dolls and barbies. But what I am saying is that you need to place gender norms to them to remind them what they are and what they were born as. And then when they get older, they will decide that for themselves.
@@oscarrinza2256 Awesome... I think, that anyone, at any age... has a right to feel and voice discomfort/upset/embarrassment and even contempt for someone in their lives who turn around and suddenly announce... "The me that you thought that you knew.... and trusted based on that concept... isn't real... and wasn't true. - The Me you loved was a mirage, but its gone now.... this IS the real me.... and because i hadn't been honest before, you won't recognise any of it and now the onus is on you to adapt." - I look forward to the day people can begin again to embrace the potentially "politically incorrect," which would enable people to find support and to voice emotion and negative feelings towards people from the LGBT community.. To basically allow them to process, learn from and to realise what is ultimately important... without being labelled "transphobic/homophobic/etc" in the event a parent turns around and says "i'm not who you thought i was and never actually have been." "Who cares if your dad came to your swim meets dressed as Carmen Miranda.... the fact is, he was there for you." - and he realised that, realised what mattered and embraced his father. - I'm so grateful to Friends for including that.
I also believe it was done well. They showed the issue from the boy´s (Chandler) point of view. It is not easy for the children, and the mother was not a mother role also
I would definitely agree with you, if I viewed Chandler's dad as just being a drag queen. But I definitely think they're supposed to be trans. I would say she, but the show says he so idk 😂 I just took that as, its from the 90s, the show didn't know better. But Chandler's dad dressed and presented as female, every time we saw him, not just when he was working. Even talking about the past, like him wearing the fruit hat at Chandler's swim meet etc. I just feel like he is really a trans woman, but the writers didn't know better at the time how to properly write that and handle it. BUT, I agree with you and the video, the show still handled it very well especially for the time it was on
@@mondler107 Helena Handbasket was my favorite character on the show. I love how Chandler finally forgave his father and let her walk him down the aisle at his wedding.
Yeah, I was really confused when they called it "problematic". Like, did you listen to the stories Chandler told? Why wouldn't he feel the way he does about his parents?
We often hear this quote says" A girl may not be the queen to her husband but is definitely a princess to her parents." But this quote just got opposite in the show chandler treated her like queen and her parents never treated her with the same love and affection as they did to ross but after her marriage with chandler she totally got that love,affection and care that she deserved.
Ross & Charlie (Aisha Tyler) seriously dating was played PERFECTLY. No sermon, no question whatsoever...The interracial relationship did not ignore the real world problems of then or even now. But it rather showed us how it really can be & is for some people. I was glad they did not 'tackle' this subject. They portrayed a post Archie Bunker world that IS FORMING & was refreshing to glimpse. TgT
*Rachel's boss harassing Chandler by undressing him and leaving him handcuffed although he clearly disliked her. * Ross having an issue with a male nanny (the manny). * When Pheobe was harassed by Rachel's boyfriend when she was massaging him on her job. * Joey's girlfriend who couldn't stop punching him.
The first and last are not "serious issues". Chandler wasn't harassed he was there willingly and undressed willingly. And that punching thing was nothing, just her being annoying, not knowing how to take a hint
I just love Friends in any way. The series are so... Alive. They are funny and eye-watering at the same time. I love that any kind of humour and any kind of issues are there and the variety of characters and loved and disliked, they're not perfect at all. Now there are many more tolerant series, made on a highest level, but they don't stay in your heart for such a long time. IMHO
as someone who is just now coming to turns with the fact that due to my medical issues I may not be able to have children of my own, monica and chandlers fertility issues story arc makes me really happy, i’ve loved the show since I was little and it’s nice to see it can bring me some comfort later in life, it’s such an amazing show all around!
I think that despite the portrait of the Trans father of chandler did not agen the best, it was so heart warming that chandler invited his father to the wedding accepting and forgiving him instead of just denying him and just make the character a source of jokes and punch lines, the real message with the reaction of the actress was Amazing In my humble opinion
I loved how they showed infertility through Monica and chandler. I didn’t know that a few years after the series ended, that I was in their exact position. Rewatching those episodes now after going through all that myself, it brings it to a whole other level for me.
Friends may be rather unrealistic in terms of how much free time the characters have, or how they can afford such slick apartments, but it is still amazing how they managed to approach all these real life issues so accurately. This wonderful show has taught me many many things about adult life, which I now feel prepared to handle if I come across to them. For example, body shaming: I grew up with an overweight sister, and seeing her building a low self confidence all these years has been devastating for me (and my family). Now that she's overcome that, I believe Monica's example helped her.
friends honestly teaches you a lot (thats why its one of my favorite shows) but it most taught me that life can be very unpredictable...you may never know what you gonna get!! there are a lot of plot twist that may happen, and its about how fun & memorable you'd experience throught out your journey! like look at the character development?!
I remembered watching #1 and feel so bad 4 them since my mom and my dad almost had that issue and cld bring a son which wld of been my older brother. So watching that episode hits hard 4 my parents.
What “solo journey”? Ross was there the entire time, Rachel was never alone. They weren’t together when Emma was born, but neither one of them fit the title of “single parent”.
I thought this was an odd characterisation as well. I guess “single parent” tends to mean single parent household, even if two parents are present in a child’s life. But even so, Rachel are various points live with both Joey and Ross so Emma always had two parent figures around.
How about Pheobe's attitude towards animals and the environment? She is a vegetarian. Also, Pheobe is against capitalist conglomerates (she did work for one as a masseuse for a while though).
Before I watch this video, here are my guesses (not necessarily in order): 1. The lesbian wedding 2. Phoebe finds out she’s adopted 3. Phoebe is a surrogate mother for Frank and Alice 4. Rachel’s parents get divorced 5. Ross getting Rachel pregnant when they weren’t dating 6. Ross dating a student 7. Fun Bobby’s alcohol addiction 8. Ross and Monica’s grandmother dying 9. Phoebe’s grandmother dying 10. Monica and Chandler adopt the twins
There was a sitcom in the UK, Only Fools and Horses, pretty much the most popular British sitcom we ever had, half the population of the country watched the last episode. It was really funny, every episode had at least one really funny moment, but they tackled serious stuff too. Family death (after the actor died for real) Miscarriage, getting beaten up, but that just made it even better, made you connect with the characters more than you might with just constant comedy.
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I would like to know how Chandler and Monica’s children would have handled their grandfather being transgender & how they would have inspired Chandler to be more accepting.
I don’t really see Male affection to be a serious issue at all.
Things that could have gone in spot #10 instead include:
1. Age gaps in relationships ie Monica & Richard & Frank Jr and Alice
2. Phoebe’s whole backstory
3. Workplace sexual harassment when Phoebe was assaulted by Paulo
4. Interracial relationships Ross & Charlie
5. Financial Issues
6. Ross’s anger issues
7. Ross’s Homophobia toward the male nanny & how he didn’t let Ben play with a Barbie
When Chandler and Monica found out that they may not ever be able to have kids was a totally emotional moment
Agreed, I almost bawled the first time I saw that episode! 😭💔
Yeah and it is a tough subject between my brother and his wife cos it's the same situation they are having right now...
Chandler's and Monica's relationship gradually developed and became the HEART and SOUL of "Friends". The fertility conceivement issues they encountered and dealt with after marriage when trying to have kids became a major reason for that characterization. This quote from a Season 10 episode from Chandler about Monica symbolizes that:
"My wife is an incredible woman. She's loving, devoted, and caring...I love my wife more than anything in this world....and it kills me that I can't give her a baby. I really want a kid, and when that day comes, I'll learn how to be a good dad. But my wife, she's already there. She's a mother, without a baby."
@@ocsocalrules3132 yeah love what Chandler said...I bawl every time I watch that scene
I can't help but notice this 😭 i litteraly see you comment on each friends related videos
Chandler's smoking
Ross's trust issues
Rachel's reaction to believing that she wasn't pregnant
Monica's relationship with Richard (the major age gap)
Joey's female conquests and how he was always sleeping around
Phoebe's childhood
Rachel’s reaction will always be one of my favorite Friends moments. Phoebe was so smart and it’s so heartwarming
@@alyteima4185 It is pretty risky though as Rachel pointed out. Imagine if she had celebrated with joy. Then Phoebe would've had to tell her the truth and honestly that probably would've produced an equally funny moment as with what we got.
I really thought they were gonna mention Chandler's smoking too because that was one of Matthew Perry's low points in his life as he was battling drug addiction at the time I believe...
And Monica’s binge eating disorder-from her childhood
you forget about Monica' relationship with Ethan, or Evan, whatever, and Ross and his student.
Monica and Chandler's fertility issues showed how strong of a couple they were, in how they battled tough problems together. Plus, Matt and Courteney's acting was phenomenal in those scenes! 👌💗
and knowing Courtney was pregnant for the finale while Monice got those babies made it so sweet
yep
Chandler's and Monica's relationship gradually developed and became the HEART and SOUL of "Friends". Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox portrayed such a natural compatibility and chemistry on-screen. The fertility conceivement issues they encountered and dealt with after marriage when trying to have kids became a major reason for that characterization. This quote from a Season 10 episode from Chandler about Monica symbolizes that:
"My wife is an incredible woman. She's loving, devoted, and caring...I love my wife more than anything in this world....and it kills me that I can't give her a baby. I really want a kid, and when that day comes, I'll learn how to be a good dad. But my wife, she's already there. She's a mother, without a baby."
@@ocsocalrules3132 whoa
@Caleb Mayfield one is a Matt and one is Matthew
Ross and his ex and her partner were fighting over the baby. Phoebe mentioned how lucky the baby was that people were fighting over who gets to love him. Her father abandoned her and her mother died.
Technically her birth mother abandoned her too (Teri Garr). The woman who raised her adopted her and Ursula. Her father ran off and left them. Then their adopted mom (who they thought was their birth mom) killed herself and their stepdad went to prison. So Phoebe was abandoned by literally every parental figure she ever had, except her grandmother, who helped lie to her about her birth mother and father her entire life, until she too left Phoebe (but by dying, not technically abandonment as with all the others).
@@fashiondiva6972 Phoebe's childhood sucked
@@fashiondiva6972
Mike was indeed the perfect match for her. She finally found that loving family she's always craved for
@@fashiondiva6972 I’ve always had trouble with the grandmother thing. Phoebe lived on the streets for most of her teenage years so where was this grandmother? Where was ursula? She never mentions that they both lived on the streets. Why does Phoebe live with her grandmother as an adult? Why didn’t phoebe get all the family stuff that Úrsula did get (suicide note, poem, birth certificate, etc)? Could it be that the grandmother took only Ursula in when Lily died? The grandmother wasn’t really their grandmother since Lily wasn’t actually their mother, so it could be. Her sole existence in the show makes phoebe’s past even worst.
I do love when she says I really didn't even have pieces to make a whole parent. I wish her bio mom was in more episodes.
Every story about Phoebe's past was hard hitting and serious
And from all her previous lives
And the fact she had healthy and alive sister, half brother, mother, father & grandmother. This is really shocking she still suffered so much. Her whole family is irresponsible 😞
She was fighter, with real problems
@@sherinaseen9603 - healthy and alive but aloof and insensitive twin sister, Ursula
She stabbed a cop.
I would like to add toxic parenting. Monica's mom is clearly abusive towards her, and is likely the reason of her former obesity. She keeps criticizing and belittling her, and acts like Monica is the bad guy when she calls her out. They also went after her dad and Ross, whose aloofness (one because he was just clueless? didn't care? and the other because he benefited from it) could be interpreted as tacit agreement.
I think Jack's issues came from aloofness and cluelessness. I believe Jack did care about Monica, but wasn't able to show it like he should have because he wasn't very... aware of things. But he did care more than Judy. Jack comforted her after her break up with Richard, and he gave her his Porche to make up for what happened to her childhood stuff. Monica and Chandler named their son after Jack.
Your suggestion has a point but it's more of a running gag than an issue explored in the show
@@wyntertheicewyvern6226 True. He seemed genuinely unaware and remorseful when Ross brought up the issue with him. He didn't mean to enable his wife's behavior, but I believe his lack of reaction only added (unconsciously) more weight to Monica's abuse, and cemented her belief that her parents (both of them) didn't love her. It's one thing to brush off rude comments, but I think he sometimes deliberately turned a blind eye. Did he really not notice how unfair it was for Monica to spend all the money they put aside for her future wedding just because she didn't find a husband quickly enough? Especially since, I presume, they payed/helped to pay for Ross's wedding? Or when they turned her room into a gym (the dog's room? Can't remember) while Ross's was left in pristine condition just because he won a few trophys? Did he really not notice the message it sent (that she wasn't welcome anymore in their house), or at least the disparity between his two children?
Like I said, I don't think Jack didn't love Monica, but I think his unconscious refusal to address the abuse did contribute to it. However he does seem to rise up to right his wrongs, even if Ross has to rub his nose in them.
@@roguebritgravy1 I don't see why it can't be both. It's a running gag, yes, but just because they're making fun of it doesn't mean the abuse wasn't real. And they actually do address it in the show, mostly from passing remarks from Monica, but I remember two specific instances where it has a more prominent place: in the episode where Ross and Monica's grandmother dies (S01x08), where Monica broaches the subject with her mother, and the one where Ross has to spell to his father that Monica thinks they don't love her (S07x13). It may not be treated with the same seriousness than some other subjects, like Monica and Chandler's issues conceiving, but I don't think it was included just for laughs either.
@@Elrewin59 well I never said it couldn't be both. I feel it was utilised more as a running joke throughout the series. There's a few confrontations with the parents but it's never truly resolved like with chandler's relationship with his father. That got resolved and they weren't estranged or as much so then at the beginning of the show. Yeah her father was remorseful about being confronted by this but Monica never gets the chance to out right say this to her mother. Confront her on the issue. There's a sly reference in season 1 with the funeral but it's never followed up with Monica and the mother again. From the way she acted at the funeral, I'd say it was implied she might know what Monica was going on about and she could have endured the same abuse from her mother or it may have gone over her head.
Its a serious issue no doubt but it's not tackled 100 percent.
There are other times in the show its used for darkly comedic purposes. Disturbing and twisted yes but darkly comedic. When Monica and chandler watch the birth video accidentally and Monica says 'no wonder my mother hates me!'
Suicide was referenced in multiple episodes related to Phoebe’s mom (not her birth mom). She even prevented guest star Jason Alexander’s suicide in one episode. I’d say that’s a fairly weighty topic.
yeah but I would wager that they made fun of suicide more than they portrayed it well...I am glad they mentioned it, but that whole scene with Jason Alexander seemed to make fun of it more than it helped, although the part where Phoebe says that it doesn't matter that his office didn't care about him, that the universe cared was nice. I just wish they didn't put a laugh track after he says he's going to kill himself....also I should add that this is my favorite show of all time so I promise I am not a hater, I skip that episode if I am feeling suicidal because it seems to trivialize suicide way too much for me.
@@LadyDelSangue87 it was more so the scene wasn't too heavy seeing as suicide was still an extremely taboo subject in the 90s and 2000s. Looking at it from today's P.O.V. it's can come across as mocking it, but we can't apply today's standards to a show that ended like a decade and half ago.
Joey and Chandler's bromance was always a highlight, without mocking how close they were.
We must have subscribed to the same channels, I see your comments on every video I watch, and I love it 😊
@@lady_stog Great minds certainly must think alike, then! 😉💗
I really like the Joey and Ross nap together scene, and then Joey said it was such a good nap he wanted to do it again. I think they did nap together again and got caught by the rest of the gang.
Chandler's and Monica's relationship gradually developed and became the HEART and SOUL of "Friends". Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox portrayed such a natural compatibility and chemistry on-screen. The fertility conceivement issues they encountered and dealt with after marriage when trying to have kids became a major reason for that characterization. This quote from a Season 10 episode from Chandler about Monica symbolizes that:
"My wife is an incredible woman. She's loving, devoted, and caring...I love my wife more than anything in this world....and it kills me that I can't give her a baby. I really want a kid, and when that day comes, I'll learn how to be a good dad. But my wife, she's already there. She's a mother, without a baby."
this scene gets me every time, it's so emotional. They are a wonderful couple
One of my favorite scenes ever in the show and my favorite relating Chandler and Monica's relatonship
Yeah, Monica & Chandler were easily the best couple of the show.
The fact that Phoebe went through soo much yet was soo positive in life was astonishing. She honestly deserved the best
That why I loved her wedding vows in s10 - ‘growing up I never had a normal mom and dad, and I always knew something was missing but now I stand here today knowing I’ve got everything I need in you’
Yes, Courteney did suffer from fertility issues. She suffered seven miscarriages including one the day before they filmed Rachel giving birth. She said in an interview that it was so painful to be funny.
😮😔😭
I had no idea how aweful.
Jesus. That sucks. At least she was finally able to have a child.
Oh my god
what interview does she talk about this in?? :(
you forgot the time where Ross unfairly divided dinner money amongst themselves when Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey weren't earning as much
I also thought of the same thing.
Which is kind of interesting considering that David Schwimmer was the one who (alongside Jennifer Aniston) spoke out to make sure all of the actors on the show got paid the same.
I never thought this show got enough credit for how well it tackled topics when it was time to get real. Ross and Susan dancing at the wedding and Chandler's reconciliation with his father always have me a bit teary-eyed. 🤧
I love how they showed Chandler and Joey were the best of friends and not a homosexual couple.
There were more of brothers from different mothers.
Dude, I like seeing dudes show that they care about each other platonically. Its not a bad thing.
@@sapphirewingthefurrycritic985 I know. It's just, from where I grew up, I saw them as brothers from different mothers.
I come from a family with many gay relatives yet I still believe just because two people that live together can't just be great friends.
@@rosesmith6925 no judgments to you for your perspective.
Chandler and Joey's friendship and bromance are the best part of Friends , without them probably a lot of people don't even would watch Friends
Grammar error. The one where Chandler dies is hilarious
dats coz theyre more like brothers😊
For all the criticism its getting, it really was ahead of its time in so many ways. No other shows were showcasing episodes about weight, gender, and gay marriage. Yes it lacked diversity but it did not lack heart and soul.
I still think that this was a true reflection of life in the 90s. I doubt a racially diverse group of friends with a strong connection would have been very convincing back then. Personally, I really appreciated the way that they dated indiscriminately.
“The Golden Girls” is an 80’s show that tackles serious issues and it was also ahead of their time.
I was an adolescent in the 1990’s, and your assessment is right on point. Most of the shows on TV at the time had jokes and plots that wouldn’t age well. It just so happened that “Friends” is an incredibly funny and high quality show that has stood the test of time when others haven’t. I think probably every show from the 90’s would be problematic if looked at through a 2021 lens.
@@sakura3837 It wasn't ahead of its time. The issues were of its time
Phoebe selfless voulenteering to be a surrogate parent to the triplets, Rachel starting up her fashion career which is her first job, Monica and Chandler take the adoption route with pride, Susan and Carol's wedding and Chandler and Joey embrace their bromance in full display. Those are my favourite moments on Friends.
Her first job was working at central perk
You guys missed some big ones
Ross - anger/sabbatical
Phoebe - both biological/birth parents
Joey - no health insurance (probably even more relevant today and also his money issues in general
The fertility issue between Monica and Chandler reminded me of what happened with my parents. I was adopted from Russia by my parents, who also couldn't conceive a child of their own, and they tried everything else to get one, even American Adoption, but nothing worked. So after hearing about International Adoption from a friend of theirs who adopted a boy from overseas, they gave it a try, and it worked. They chose me as their son and they were happy to take me home a few months later. That story makes me cry thinking about the struggle my parents went before adopting me on April 24, 2001, one year after I was born on March 9 in Moscow, Russia.
So happy you found them and they found you... You sound like one lucky family... x
@@Shelsight for us, it was a blessing from God
@@natedawg3926 you have a beautiful real-life family story - and I also love that this story arc in Friends apparently increased adoption enquiries in the US when it was first broadcast. So many parents & children brought together forever by the show addressing such an important topic. X
Chandler and Joey's hug is cute and iconic
Seconded, it's incredibly adorable to see them simply being affectionate with each other! 💕
How is it iconic?
Also, Richard and Monica breaking up in spite of how much they loved each other, because Monica wanted to have children so badly and he was done with that phase of his life
This is why I tell people at the beginning of the “relationship” that I do not want children.
@Jay Anthony you misunderstand what I said - the way you explain their circumstances is in line with the way I phrased it; I simply didn’t include the lengthy explanation. I didn’t say that she wanted children and he didn’t, and then they broke up; it’s that she wanted children and he didn’t himself (because he was done with that phase of his life) but was willing to still have kids for her, because he loved her, but she wanted someone who would be equally invested in having children with her as she would be. She didn’t want to go there with him because she knew that he was personally done with that, and that he just wanted to be with her badly enough to be willing to do it anyway.
Considering the show’s popularity I figured that anyone who cared enough would know the information, so I summarised it the way I did above
I love Friends. The show gets a lot of hate for being insensitive etc. but as this video states several times, some of the more normal things we see today were huge no-nos back in the 90s, and things that were more accepted back then are big no-nos today, so people need to cut the show some slack. One of the best shows ever.
I totally agree!People these days just hate on the show saying that it never handled any serious issues. I know, it did mishandle some of the things - like all the main cast being white and attractive, the sometimes homophobic and sexist jokes.... But they don't realise that it was still ahead of its times. Plus it did handle a lot of issues, as we can all see from the video nd the comment section. People need to understand that it was a sitcom, so it didn't wanted to bring serious issues bcoz they needed to make a joke of almost everything. But they still managed to include a lot of social issues! I would say, yeah the show would be a lot different if it's made now, but plz, give it a rest!
Friends made me cry , smile and laugh during 10 seasons
You missed the biggest issue in the history of the show, one that still troubles this country.... shark porn.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🦈
We are very very lucky that Chandler didn´t randomly switch the channel to Disney or something else with children!
That is indeed a very serious issue, it's too serious that they didn't mention it
@@gabrielabagala shit i just realized that 🤣😅🤣😂🤣🤣🤣😂
Haha that is so funny
This show did such a good job at balancing the comedy as well as the real struggles of life. They did it perfectly and it also plays a part in why the show did so well, I believe.
"Everyday is lesbian lover day" i don't know why , but this one waw funny
Ikr 😂😍
Friends is a show you can never get bored of watching. Hope the reunion will be class and as funny as the episodes were. 👍
Joey's and Chandler's friendship was the reason I loved friends so much. Their relationship was my favourite of all in the group. The epitome of best friends forever.
Also I'm kinda surprised that phoebe's childhood didn't make the list. She came from a harsh childhood and yet became an amazing person with a heart of gold
Watching this when the reunion is like 3 days away...!
It's nostalgic...I'm not crying...
Hold up, what about suicide. Remember Phoebe's mom or that guy Phoebe was talking to over the phone.
Yes, Phoebe said her mother committed suicide in an oven and when she was working as a sales person selling toners, the suicidal guy was played by Jason Alexander
Perry and LeBlanc bromance/friendship are so pure and sweet.
When I started watching Friends years ago I did not really expect anything. But seeing the episode of Carol and Susan getting married, made me so happy. The representation of gay marriage in one of outstanding TV series of all time is indeed remarkable. Thanks, Friends.
Thanks for this. Yes a LOT has aged badly, & many things were not right even at the time. but it had some progressive stuff for the era it was in. People keep forgetting that with older shows & movies that meant well at the time but watching it now we are wiser about many things. Just as I’m sure shows made today will face criticism for stuff we aren’t thinking about now but should be.
This movies and shows should be regarded as classics.
Media kind paves the way for the future changeling present culture norms so in a future their just norms and forgetting that is what is wrong with cancel culture.
Is just a personal opinion and ideology but I believe is a fact
yess! people give it a hard time, too hard even, considering that it was a show in 90's and it did a lot (at least whatever was possible back in the day)
Yeah, watched a few episodes of Saved by the bell during my breaks at an old job. A lot of episodes would never be made today.
Agreed. I was an adolescent in the 1990”s, and the other comedy TV shows at the time also had jokes that wouldn’t be well received today. “Friends” just stands out because it has stood the test of time, while most of the others did not.
It hasn't aged that badly at all lol. Only in youtube comments, where everything is analyzed to the nth degree
I feel like Phoebe’s childhood deserves a solid mention. Her mother’s suicide, her father leaving, homelessness, dishonesty, so on and so forth. Not even to mention her history with Ursula!
I think friends is the only show that didn't tackle any racial situation, which I'm glad there aren't any racist characters in the show whether they are main or recurring.
To be fair (?) there were two African American actresses as love interests (I refuse to say the color because I feel it might be an insult)
@@charliejoson9145 yeah that's mildly putting it.
@@charliejoson9145 it was wonderful that in both cases the color of the woman was not mention at all, never.
@@gabrielabagala Eh, not recognising a person’s race can be problematic - in the case of Aisha Tyler‘s character Charlie, they had a real opportunity to talk about issues of race, for example the underrepresentation of Black women in academia, the racial wage gap, racial gaslighting of Black women in professional settings, stigma around natural hair.
I’m a White woman who was a teenager in the 1990”s, and I can confirm that we White people didn’t really know how to talk about the subject of racism then.
Chandler and Monica were my favorite couple because, to me, their problems and personal experiences seemed more real than the others.
"It means my guys don't get off their barcaloungers and you have a uterus that is prepared to kill the ones that do".
Chandler’s smoking and Phoebe’s rough childhood should have been honorable mentions too
"Welcome to the real world
It sucks
Your gonna love it"
The fertility issue always touched me. Now, years later, my husband and I are struggling with fertility issues. It means all the more seeing our struggle portrayed like it is in friends. It let's people have a glimpse of what we are going through.
“There’s a small child inside this man.”
There’s small children inside all these men and women
And the doctors say that if they remove them, we’ll die
11:30 that was the saddest “ I know” that Monica ever said 😢
As a recovering alcoholic I was happy for Fun Bobby. One day at a time
When Monica and Chandler find out that they have fertility issues it's really sad and too real
Friends never get boring.
I just finished Saison 10 today .
I enjoyed every episode again just like I did when I was a kid
Excited about the reunion ❤
I mean, the whole "WE WERE ON A BREAK" thing seems like a serious issue to me...
TBH that should have been mentioned.
One that sticks out to me is how much Chandler and Monica's house hunting affected Joey. Everyone had things going on in their lives propelling them and Joey felt he was being left behind and even afraid he would be forgotten....but then Monica and Chandler surprise him by making sure he had his own room in their new house... reassuring him that no matter what, he is loved, and that no matter what, Joey is important to them and he will always be a part of their lives.
It's ok to criticize the parts that are problematic and still enjoy the show, if we pretend it was perfect then we can't learn and do better. So no, it's not whining nor is it a call to change it, it's just taking a critical look at media so we don't take the wrong lessons away and don't repeat the same problems.
❤️❤️❤️
Great comment.
The first episode aired almost 30 years ago. Its insanity that you people expect it to be anything like today. Problematic?? Where? It was the 90s!!! The only people who think this show is problematic should be the god fearing conservatives that are 80 years old!! You have to be absolutely kidding me! I get jokes are super trigging now, hence why they aren't allowed anymore, but my god. Not everything is made FOR YOU. Especially not something from 30 years ago that ended YEARS before 99% of you were even alive!!
Also who is "we"?
"We can't learn and do better."
Oh so are you a television producer? I'm not, I can guarantee nobody here is either. So what mistakes could "we" possibly make when deciding to love a show from 30 years ago without analyzing its social climate? This show tore down walls and opened so many doors. It wasn't just ahead of its time, it literally started the conversation. Now people whine about it being problematic from the other side of the spectrum?? If it weren't for huge breakthroughs in media like this from so long ago, we would be decades behind where we are now. All anyone wanted then was to be treated the same, then Gen Z decided nahhh, I want to be treated special and have my own personal feelings affect everything and when it doesn't meet my specific needs/tastes, its problematic. Its like saying the womens rights activists of 1920 were problematic because they weren't fighting for women being able to run society as equals and simply wanted the right to vote, how dare they! Didn't they know the right to vote is the bare minimum??? Thats literally how you all sound. They are called stepping stones, you know, change?? Transformation is instant, change is not, it takes time. Anything that didn't make an immediate overhaul transformation is now problematic apparently. Its actual insanity. I just can't wait till you all grow up and see that. We have a more accepting world today because of things like this but you can't see past your own existence. What was big and life changing for us is now somehow problematic to you because feelings?? The thought of a woman even leaving home without being married made the world laugh back then and growing up, seeing that as a reality playing out on my tv screen every week, made me have real hopes and dreams for myself. You can never appreciate something you didn't experience but calling it problematic because it doesn't fit the standards of your life that are now possible because of the better world this show helped create is honestly mind blowing.
Probably that's why while re-watching the show even now, it doesn't feel a generation older.
I find it strange that you mentioned single motherhood in reference to Rachael but ignored Ross who was in exactly the same boat, twice. There’s even one episode early in where he demands more time with his son.
Chandler and Joey’s bromance is iconic for a reason. When it comes to affection in friends groups, I know in my friend group back in college, we kind of touched on the topic of is it okay to give your friends a kiss on the lips (like a peck on the lips, not a full on kiss with tongue); what are y’all’s thoughts?
Carole and Susan’s relationship and wedding was done so well, especially in a time where gay marriage was kind of taboo. It was honestly because of Friends that I learned what surrogacy was.
Helll no that’s horrible idea
It remains a travesty that Courtney Cox never got an Emmy for her work on Friends.
To quote Monica, "I KNOW!"
very true, not even a nomination. she’s a master of timing and physical comedy and her dramatic scenes with matthew perry were far more effective (and tear-jerking) than those of jennifer aniston and david schwimmer’s
I Know!
I know but she finally got her star on the Hollywood walk of fame 😊
Top 10 Times The Boondocks said what we were thinking gotta love Aaron Mcgruder for this aspect of the show
Side note:
Some couples have been able to conceive naturally even after being told they can’t
Monica and Chandler are among my favorite TV couples. They act like real couples actually would (minus a little bit of Chandlers weirdness) My favorite scene between them is when Monica gets pissed that Chandler doesn't want to spend his entire life savings on the wedding and he puts his foot down. He does in the end capitulate but when he outlines his dream for the future Monica realizes that they have the entire life together and their wedding is just a party. It outlines that, while important to a person's life, a wedding is just a party and your family is what you should facilitate the growth of. They balance each other well
The great part of The One With The Lesbian Wedding is when Ross finally accepts that Carol and Susan genuinely love each other and makes it up with Susan at the end, when they dance together.
I'm honestly upset this doesn't mention "the one with peobes uterus" not because of pheobe going through surrogacy, but for the museum storyline. Its pretty obvious that they were portraying racism with the blue blazers and the white coats in the Cafeteria. And ending the separation when Joey and Ross sit together in the middle. Beautifully portrayed and sends a good message.
I don’t know if it was intended to be about racism as much as it was intended to be about cliques. If they were as concerned with racial issues to address them in the way you suggest, then they probably would have had a more diverse cast.
I really dislike it when Friends are in any way "shamed" for the Trans father storyline... ultimately, the show followed Chandler and his own perception of his childhood and young adulthood with his dysfunctional parents. "Dysfunctional" - primarily due to the face that he was a child of divorce and on multiple admissions, used sarcasm as a coping strategy... of course this was highlighted and inflated by the fact that both parents went in polar opposite directions, making them both tremendous embarrassments for him throughout his schooling years.. His mother became a romance novelist who flaunted her sexuality, whereas his father became a headline act as a female impersonator in a las Vegas burlesque show. - basically, making him recoil and open to ridicule even amongst other children of divorce....
The show was about all 6 friends growing up with each others support.... and it was the Kathleen Turner episode that really did that.... They did NOT make fun of "trans" issues, in fact, it was never determined whether Chandlers father had transitioned or was impersonating... If anything, Chandler was finally called out for his ongoing opposition to his father and shown that he should grow up and look at the big picture... to Quote Monica "it didn;t matter what he came to your Swim meet dressed as - the fact is, he was there to cheer you on - that is an amazing Dad" - She was right...
As a trans person, I found a level of discomfort with the jibes and targeting of Chandlers father, that we'd never met or seen throughout the first 7 seasons.... It was my fear we'd never see him/her/them... It was my fear that we never would and thus, Chandlers father was removed and that was the end of it.... It felt like this was the case considering it was within the first two seasons that he'd made peace with his Mother - whom had actually kissed one of his friends within the same episode! The episode in Vegas - was wonderful... Chandler finally got over himself and embraced both parents...
Subsequent interactions with "Helena/Charles" was very true to life and showcased how people legitimately react to Trans people... Basically showing us that - regular people, have no issues whatsoever with it, but had never been exposed to it (cause it was never in the media and when it was - it was shone in a negative light) The joke that saw Rachel talk to Amanda, who she mistook for Chandlers father and then put her foot in it with "oh, i get it! A - MAN - Der!" was so true to life...
The casting of Kathleen Turner considered "Appropriate" or not i'm not going to touch.... she had a deep voice and had spent her career being asked whether she was born a male - in many regards it was a good fit and i understand the choice....
Has the storyline and episode aged well? - no.... but i wish it could be seen for what it was.... being a VERY BIG reason, why we have aged since. and the bottom line is - Chandlers parents were both at his wedding and he couldn't have been happier about it.
Yes
Some great points here, thank you for sharing your experience. I do feel like the show often normalised LGBTQ people being used as a punchline with no consequences for the perpetrators of the jibes and jokes against them. So Chandler, Ross and Joey making homophobic jokes throughout the show never really get taught a lesson that that’s not okay. More importantly, we don’t see representation of the impact of these microaggressions and “jokes “on the LGBTQ characters, which I feel dehumanises them - their existence is a platform for entertainment but they don’t get to exist as people with emotions and humanity in their own right. So I think it’s fine to reflect bigotry in TV but there has to be a lesson in it otherwise it’s just perpetuating it.
I’m old enough to remember the 1990” s. I was an adolescent then, and I assure you that what you are describing is accurate for the era.
I was talking about this to my dad the other day. He and I said that the reason why the scene with Chandler's dad is "cringe worthy" and uncomfortable to watch is because it's suppose to be how Chandler is feeling. Of course, Chandler feels uncomfortable. Sure, maybe the episode hasn't aged well, but it ticks me off when people call the show transphobic, homophobic, and sexist. Now I'm none of those things, okay. But here's why it makes me upset when people call it out for being those things.
First off, I don't think that Chandler is transphobic. The reason why he is not a big fan of his dad is because it was his father's direction in life that was the reason why his parents got divorced and therefore ruined his childhood. I know that people today would be like, "Well, if that's who he/she/they are, then he needs the accept and support him/her/them no matter what. Blah, blah, blah." But again, here's the thing that many people forget, Chandler was 9 FREAKING YEARS OLD when this all started. If he was teenager, maybe he would've understand (although maybe not, due to the time period). But he was still a kid. He wasn't even a decade old. And again, that was the age that his parents got divorced. I mean, how do you explain all of that stuff (divorce, sexual orientation/preference) to a child, who at first grew up with heterosexual parents? But no, Chandler doesn't like his dad and his dad HAPPENS to be trans or gay. So that makes him homophobic and/or transphobic. Yeah, that's not how that works.
The second thing is that it also makes me upset when people call Ross out for being homophobic and sexist. I mean, first off I don't think Ross is homophobic. People may disagree because of how he handles Carol and Susan's relationship. But let's real guys. Obviously, you wouldn't want to be nice to the person who had an affair with your wife. And given the fact that the person who had an affair with his wife was a women, that's gotta hurt really bad. Because not only does Ross feel betrayed, but now he feels like all those years with Carol was a lie and that he was probably wondering, "Did my wife even love at all?" I mean, that's just stabs you right in the heart. Plus, Susan was kind of a douche bag to Ross for like no reason at all. Like anytime Ross wanted to be involved with something, she just kinda pushed him away. Like, "Oh well, guess what? Carol's not with you, she's with me and she loves me. So F you." And that's probably one of the reasons why Ross doesn't like her. And no, he's not homophobic because he doesn't like her and she happens to be gay. Ross still hangs out with Carol and Susan ones in a while and he's still nice and respectful to them. If he was a homophobe, he wouldn't talk to them nor would he be nice to them.
Also the episode where Ross freaks out about a Barbie doll is kind of understandable. Sure, it may not have aged well and people may see it as sexist, but here's the real thing, though. Kids are not like teenagers and adults. They don't have grey areas. They have a black and white mentality. When babies are born, they don't know anything. That's why you have to give them a black and white mentality first, like right and wrong, normal and not normal, good and bad, safe and dangerous, or boys and girls. That's why you have to give them gender norms or standards to them. Because that stuff can be REALLY complicated to a child, especially to a little kid. It's not like telling them about junk food where it's like, "It's not healthy for you, but you can still eat it. But you cannot eat too much or otherwise you are going to get sick." No it's a lot more complex than that. Because who knows, the kid might have this huge gender identity crisis and it's going to hard to solve. Because then the kid might have all these questions like, "why don't boys wear dresses, or why don't girls wear ties or have short hair?" I mean, imagine them growing up without placing gender norms. Just imagine them going and experiencing the real world, they will have a lot and I mean A LOT of unanswered questions. Now I'm not saying stuff like Boys should only watch things like Cars and Spider-Man and Girls should only play with dolls and barbies. But what I am saying is that you need to place gender norms to them to remind them what they are and what they were born as. And then when they get older, they will decide that for themselves.
@@oscarrinza2256 Awesome... I think, that anyone, at any age... has a right to feel and voice discomfort/upset/embarrassment and even contempt for someone in their lives who turn around and suddenly announce... "The me that you thought that you knew.... and trusted based on that concept... isn't real... and wasn't true. - The Me you loved was a mirage, but its gone now.... this IS the real me.... and because i hadn't been honest before, you won't recognise any of it and now the onus is on you to adapt." - I look forward to the day people can begin again to embrace the potentially "politically incorrect," which would enable people to find support and to voice emotion and negative feelings towards people from the LGBT community.. To basically allow them to process, learn from and to realise what is ultimately important... without being labelled "transphobic/homophobic/etc" in the event a parent turns around and says "i'm not who you thought i was and never actually have been."
"Who cares if your dad came to your swim meets dressed as Carmen Miranda.... the fact is, he was there for you." - and he realised that, realised what mattered and embraced his father. - I'm so grateful to Friends for including that.
i love it when joey comes back in and hugs chander one more time.
I thought the Chandler’s dad thing was done really well. She was a drag act after all, which is a lot different from being transgender (like me) 👍❤️
I also believe it was done well. They showed the issue from the boy´s (Chandler) point of view. It is not easy for the children, and the mother was not a mother role also
I would definitely agree with you, if I viewed Chandler's dad as just being a drag queen. But I definitely think they're supposed to be trans. I would say she, but the show says he so idk 😂 I just took that as, its from the 90s, the show didn't know better. But Chandler's dad dressed and presented as female, every time we saw him, not just when he was working. Even talking about the past, like him wearing the fruit hat at Chandler's swim meet etc. I just feel like he is really a trans woman, but the writers didn't know better at the time how to properly write that and handle it. BUT, I agree with you and the video, the show still handled it very well especially for the time it was on
@@mondler107 Helena Handbasket was my favorite character on the show.
I love how Chandler finally forgave his father and let her walk him down the aisle at
his wedding.
Yeah, I was really confused when they called it "problematic". Like, did you listen to the stories Chandler told? Why wouldn't he feel the way he does about his parents?
The only thing that beat these for me was when marshall lost his dad (HIMYM). Jason's line was so real and heart-felt
We often hear this quote says" A girl may not be the queen to her husband but is definitely a princess to her parents."
But this quote just got opposite in the show chandler treated her like queen and her parents never treated her with the same love and affection as they did to ross but after her marriage with chandler she totally got that love,affection and care that she deserved.
At 1:43 you can see the edge of the stage where Monica's living room wall ends lol
friends was so ahead of its time, and it never seemed forced
Do a part two! there are more serious issues the show tackled.
Ross & Charlie (Aisha Tyler) seriously dating was played PERFECTLY. No sermon, no question whatsoever...The interracial relationship did not ignore the real world problems of then or even now. But it rather showed us how it really can be & is for some people. I was glad they did not 'tackle' this subject. They portrayed a post Archie Bunker world that IS FORMING & was refreshing to glimpse. TgT
Charlie was a token because critics complained that there were no Black people on the show.
Friends is such a classic, has anyone watched the reunion?! 🙋🏻♀️
It hasn’t aired yet but I’m totally going watch it!
@@alyteima4185 same ❤️❤️❤️💜💜💜
Joey and Chandler Love each other and are not ashamed of it!! And that's how things should be...love can have different meanings ❤️
Joey and Chandler are one of the greatest bromances ever ❤
I love the theme song for this show!
*Rachel's boss harassing Chandler by undressing him and leaving him handcuffed although he clearly disliked her.
* Ross having an issue with a male nanny (the manny).
* When Pheobe was harassed by Rachel's boyfriend when she was massaging him on her job.
* Joey's girlfriend who couldn't stop punching him.
The first and last are not "serious issues". Chandler wasn't harassed he was there willingly and undressed willingly. And that punching thing was nothing, just her being annoying, not knowing how to take a hint
I just love Friends in any way. The series are so... Alive. They are funny and eye-watering at the same time. I love that any kind of humour and any kind of issues are there and the variety of characters and loved and disliked, they're not perfect at all.
Now there are many more tolerant series, made on a highest level, but they don't stay in your heart for such a long time.
IMHO
as someone who is just now coming to turns with the fact that due to my medical issues I may not be able to have children of my own, monica and chandlers fertility issues story arc makes me really happy, i’ve loved the show since I was little and it’s nice to see it can bring me some comfort later in life, it’s such an amazing show all around!
I think that despite the portrait of the Trans father of chandler did not agen the best, it was so heart warming that chandler invited his father to the wedding accepting and forgiving him instead of just denying him and just make the character a source of jokes and punch lines, the real message with the reaction of the actress was Amazing
In my humble opinion
I got emotional with chandler and monica moment also with phoebe giving the babies
could this show BE any better
I found the episode tackling relative income discrepancies within a friend group fresh and identifiable.
I loved how they showed infertility through Monica and chandler. I didn’t know that a few years after the series ended, that I was in their exact position. Rewatching those episodes now after going through all that myself, it brings it to a whole other level for me.
I thought Kathleen Turner did a good job as chandler's father Charles. Chandler and Charles did resolve their differences at the end of the episode.
They did?! I must have forgotten that part.
@@Showtunediva yeah, Chandler invited and wanted his dad at the wedding. Dad shows up at their wedding.
I use to love watching Friends
Friends may be rather unrealistic in terms of how much free time the characters have, or how they can afford such slick apartments, but it is still amazing how they managed to approach all these real life issues so accurately. This wonderful show has taught me many many things about adult life, which I now feel prepared to handle if I come across to them. For example, body shaming: I grew up with an overweight sister, and seeing her building a low self confidence all these years has been devastating for me (and my family). Now that she's overcome that, I believe Monica's example helped her.
friends honestly teaches you a lot (thats why its one of my favorite shows) but it most taught me that life can be very unpredictable...you may never know what you gonna get!! there are a lot of plot twist that may happen, and its about how fun & memorable you'd experience throught out your journey! like look at the character development?!
7:41 Ok I'm not against the community, but that made me laugh
rachel and ross break up we are on a break one touched my heart
Even til this day it annoys me period if she slept with somebody else oh she had a right too but him oh typical man bs
I remembered watching #1 and feel so bad 4 them since my mom and my dad almost had that issue and cld bring a son which wld of been my older brother. So watching that episode hits hard 4 my parents.
What “solo journey”? Ross was there the entire time, Rachel was never alone. They weren’t together when Emma was born, but neither one of them fit the title of “single parent”.
I thought this was an odd characterisation as well. I guess “single parent” tends to mean single parent household, even if two parents are present in a child’s life. But even so, Rachel are various points live with both Joey and Ross so Emma always had two parent figures around.
Could this be any more one of a kind of a show ?
All these reasons plus the chemistry among the cast were the key catalysts for the series’s success
Unlike most other sitcoms, this has aged well. I suspect that much like I Love Lucy, people will still be watching this 50 years from.
chandler and joey hands down have my favorite relationship on the show! i can only dream of having a friend like them ❤
Joey and Chandler's relationship was the best! 🥰
How about Pheobe's attitude towards animals and the environment? She is a vegetarian. Also, Pheobe is against capitalist conglomerates (she did work for one as a masseuse for a while though).
Rachel wasn't a single mother, she just wasn't in a relationship with the father.
That makes her a single mother
That's the definition of single mother
it seems that Watchmojo adores Friends, there are so many videos where they evoke scenes, highlights of the series.
The fact that Matthew perry still calls Kathleen turner “Dad” just makes me so happy
This show shows me what life really is ❤️
Before I watch this video, here are my guesses (not necessarily in order):
1. The lesbian wedding
2. Phoebe finds out she’s adopted
3. Phoebe is a surrogate mother for Frank and Alice
4. Rachel’s parents get divorced
5. Ross getting Rachel pregnant when they weren’t dating
6. Ross dating a student
7. Fun Bobby’s alcohol addiction
8. Ross and Monica’s grandmother dying
9. Phoebe’s grandmother dying
10. Monica and Chandler adopt the twins
Which episode did Rachel’s parents get divorced in?
There was a sitcom in the UK, Only Fools and Horses, pretty much the most popular British sitcom we ever had, half the population of the country watched the last episode. It was really funny, every episode had at least one really funny moment, but they tackled serious stuff too. Family death (after the actor died for real) Miscarriage, getting beaten up, but that just made it even better, made you connect with the characters more than you might with just constant comedy.