What's the appeal of Friends?
And why I vividly remember Friday 28th May 2004
My article for this week is over at an exciting new website called Seen and Unseen which claims to offer Christian perspectives on just about everything. Bishop Graham Tomlin sets out the vision over here, but in short what they’re offering is:
…material that is thoughtful, accessible to non-specialists, the fruit of deep thinking both about the Christian tradition and contemporary life, and can help you not only think more clearly, but live a better life.
What’s not to like? And why not use my article on Friends as a way in? I look at the secret of the show’s success. One key reasons is seems obvious but worth pointing out:
It was really funny. It’s reliably funny. I can still remember the thrill of excitement on a Friday. The whole evening was planned around watching Friends because I knew it would not disappoint. And that’s what the audience is looking for. It’s like your favourite biscuit, burger or takeaway. You know what you’re getting. You love it. It’s the same every time. An episode of a sitcom is meant to be that kind of snack. It’s familiar and comforting. I should know this. I’m a sitcom writer.
I then go on to explain why I remember Friday 28th May 2004 extremely well. While the last ever episode of Friends was about to be broadcast on Channel, BBC1 was showing my episode of My Family.
Read how I felt about that over here.
Popcorn Parenting Popping Off
Meanwhile, Nate Morgan Locke and I recorded one last Popcorn Parenting podcast to talk briefly about the surprisingly good Puss in Boots 2. Then we announce how the back catalogue of Popcorn Parenting will be appearing on Nate’s Reformed Mythologist YouTube channel with extra visuals and graphics.
But if you hurry, you can still listen to them as podcasts over here, so now’s your chance to hear our thoughts on Toy Story, The Lion King, Wall-E, The Lego Movie, Hercules, Moana and how it just isn’t autumn until you’ve watched The Iron Giant. Plus many more. Why not have a quick look now?