As someone who grew up watching Friends, I can wholeheartedly say that the show was more than just a sitcom for me – it was a comforting constant during my formative years. Lisa Kudrow‘s poignant recollection of the impact of Friends on people during and after 9/11 resonates deeply with me.
The TV show “Friends” is widely recognized as one of the greatest sitcoms ever produced, offering viewers endless laughs and heartwarming experiences. By creating characters that resonate with audiences – from a dramatic Rachel to an organized Monica, an awkward Ross, a sarcastic Chandler, a lovable Joey, or a quirky Phoebe – the show has allowed fans to identify with these iconic personalities. This year marks the 20th anniversary of “Friends,” and actress Lisa Kudrow has been reflecting on the lasting impression the series has left behind, sharing how a poignant moment during 9/11 underscored the profound impact of this cherished sitcom.
Lisa Kudrow recently appeared as a guest on Ted Danson’s podcast titled “Where Everybody Knows Your Name“. During the conversation, the former “Friends” star discussed how the fame that comes with being an actress can be temporary and should not define a person’s worth. In her own life, she admitted to minimizing her sitcom success, but it was after the September 11th attacks when she had a revelation in her car about the fleeting nature of fame and its lack of correlation with personal value.
At times, your dismissive remarks about unimportance can feel a bit extreme. Following the events of 9/11, I was commuting home from work in LA. If I stopped at traffic lights, someone in the car next to me would often look over and react with surprise or wave. In the aftermath of 9/11, this happened a few times during my commute, and on those occasions, people looked drained and weary. Instead of waving, they would simply mouth ‘Thank you.’
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the pivotal role “Friends” played during a time when America seemed uncertain. The New York Times reported that Season 8 of this beloved NBC series might have been its last due to declining ratings and financial constraints stemming from the notoriously high salaries of the cast, as well as fierce competition from CBS’ hit show, “Survivor.” Yet, somehow, the creators managed to pull through, giving us more laughs, love, and life lessons from our favorite group of friends.
Following the events of September 11, the television series experienced a surge in creativity, particularly with storylines such as Monica and Chandler’s wedding and Rachel’s pregnancy. This boosted ratings by 17%, making it less significant for the show not to be renewed for another season.
Kudrow explained to Danson that the car scene was when it struck her deeply that her work on TV was not merely for laughter, but held significant meaning for many people. It was truly heartfelt.
As I found myself on the brink of tears, it struck me then: We’re more than just a game; we’re offering a respite – a mental health refuge, if you will. In these trying times, people need an escape, a momentary break from reality. A chance to chuckle, forget their worries, and immerse themselves in a world untouched by the harshness of the real world.
The Emmy-winning series was incredibly timely and beneficial to audiences during its run. Each episode provided an opportunity for viewers to laugh heartily and find solace in something uplifting. Despite Lisa Kudrow’s successful ventures in TV and film post-series, fans continue to associate her with the character of Phoebe, demonstrating the lasting impact of the show. Given that Kudrow’s vibrant, musical character became a household name for over a decade, it’s understandable why fans still identify her with the character.
A poignant moment during 9/11 profoundly showed Lisa Kudrow the significance of her show “Friends” in offering comfort and laughter to an audience who sought solace after the WTC disaster. Today, we’re fortunate to have numerous timeless TV shows that can uplift our emotional wellbeing when needed.
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2024-08-04 21:07