21 Sep 2019  |   04:01am IST

That's what FRIENDS are for

The iconic series ‘Friends’ is celebrating its 25th anniversary on September 22, 2019. The group of six friends has been making the audience laugh over the years through its ten seasons and numerous reruns over the years. The timeless jokes and that fun slice of life that lasted 10 years are things still adored, even 25 years later

Dolcy D’Cruz

Six simple people in their 20s, with different

backgrounds, traits and qualities, managed to strike a chord with viewers 25 years ago. The hit US sitcom ‘Friends’ ran from 1994 to 2004 and the iconic series is celebrating its silver jubilee on September 22, 2019. The show has been so popular that it has been telecast on all major English channels on TV as well as online streaming channels. Most youngsters have grown up watching this show and it still continues to entertain the masses.

Clive Almeida from Varca loves the interaction between Chandler and Joey the most. “Chandler’s sarcasm and Joey’s unintelligent responses were some of my favourite moments. Chandler is my favourite character. Phoebe used to be my least favourite character, but as I grew up with the show, I started to like her more as I could understand her a lot better,” says Clive, who has watched the show over 20 times.

Film director Milroy Goes is a huge fan of Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc, who he still refers to as Joey. “What I loved the most about the series is its spontaneous humour. They always had great situational comedy. My favourite episode has to be the one in which Bruce Wills come in as Elizabeth’s father. I still watch the show on Netflix. It never gets old. I have almost followed all their works after ‘Friends’,” says Milroy.

Dianne Mendonça, a manager at Soundemic Entertainment, says, “I think it’s one of the best written shows I’ve come across. It’s my go-to show; it’s relatable and can make me smile instantly. Each character is so original that they have their own traits. Rachel Green’s wardrobe in every season is spot on. I love all of them but if I had to pick a favourite, it would be Chandler Bing. I even have a Friends’ trivia game. If I could relate to any episode it would be the one where Monica is planning Phoebe’s wedding and is a complete control freak,” says Dianne.

Deidre Reys from Verna can keep watching the show over and over again and laugh at the same jokes. “You can never get fed up watching it as it never gets old. It teaches so much about friendship, and that it’s ok not to be perfect. Rachel Green is my favourite character because her friends taught her not to live on her father’s money so they helped her get rid of her credit cards and find a job. Her character is all about fashion and working in the fashion industry and she’s always been supportive to all her friends. I also like Monica Geller’s character because she’s a perfectionist and it describes me because I like everything to be perfect and clean. I still watch the show every day on Netflix,” says Deidre.

Purti Satardekar from Ponda likes the fact that you can pick out any episode at random and watch it to have a good time. “The show is timeless; it never ages. The actors and writers are so good, you laugh at every joke no matter how many times you’ve watched it before. The characters’ on-screen relationships are reflect their off-screen connect. My favourite moments are every time Janice makes an entrance; it’s hilarious. Chandler and Phoebe without a doubt are my favourites for their comic timing but I love all of them. The show ended on a very good note and a movie will only spoil it,” says Purti.

“The fact that at the end of each day, this bunch of friends would meet no matter what, that’s what makes connections and relationships. Also the fact they were candid as ever without having any malice of any kind is something you don’t see so much now. My favourite would have to be Monica and Joey. It’s such an easy watch and the jokes never get old,” says Diana Braganza from Old Goa, who watches the show anytime she gets a chance.

Illustrator Malcolm Rebello was inspired to do an artwork of Joey after watching the series. “The show never gets old. The cast is just perfect and the script is great. It covers multiple moments that are relatable to everyone. My favourite moment would be the time when Ross goes to the gym to help Chandler cancel his gym membership and ends up joining the gym. Whenever I’m low or tired, any random episode can just cheer me up,” says Malcolm.

In honour of Friends’ 25th anniversary, Google has hidden seven show-inspired Easter eggs across search results. All you have to do is search for your favourite characters and laugh away!