This book offers a long overdue, extensive study of one of the most beloved television shows: Friends. Why has this sitcom become the seminal success that it is? And how does it continue to engage viewers around the world a quarter century after its first broadcast? Featuring original interviews with key creative personnel (including co-creator Marta Kauffman and executive producer Kevin S. Bright), the book provides answers by identifying a strategy of intimacy that informs Friends use of humour, performance, style and set design. The authors provide fascinating analyses of some of the most well-remembered scenesthe one where Ross cant get his leather pants back on, and Ross and Rachels break-up, to name just a coupleand reflect on how and why A-list guest performances sometimes fell short of the standards set by the ensemble cast. Also considered are the iconic look of Monicas apartment as well as the programmes much discussed politics of representation and the critical backlash it has received in recent years. An exploration of Joey, the infamous spin-off, and several attempts to adapt Friends successful formula across the globe, round out the discussion, with insights into mistranslated jokes and much more. For students, scholars, creative industry practitioners and fans alike, this is a compelling read that lets us glimpse behind the scenes of what has become a cultural phenomenon and semi-permanent fixture in many of our homes.

Dr Simone Knox is Associate Professor of Film and Television at the University of Reading, UK. She sits on the board of editors forCritical Studies in Television, and has published on topics including acting, audio-visual translation, format adaptation, representation and television aesthetics.

Dr Kai Hanno Schwind is Associate Professor at Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway, and has published on international television formats, format adaptation, sitcom, television humour and satire. He has a background in creative writing and directing for radio, stage and screen.  

Introduction.-The One with All the Laughing and the Hugging: Specificity of Humour and Comedic Types.-The One where They Tame the Three-headed Monster: Foregrounding Holistic Performance.-The One where They Look at Monicas Apartment: Style, Space, Set Design.-The One with the Emblematic Problematic Fave:Friends and the Politics of Representation.-The One with the Orbit of Failure: TheJoey Spin-off, other Adaptations and the Global Reception ofFriends.-Conclusion: The One where Theyll Still Be There for You: Reflections on Friends Place in Television Culture for its 25th Anniversary