The Overrated Status of ‘Friends’ TV Show in India: My Perspective

The ‘Friends TV show has gained immense popularity in India, with a large number of proud fans creating hype around it on social media. However, I personally believe that the show is overrated in the Indian context. In this detailed analysis, I will explain my reasons for feeling this way and delve into the factors contributing to its continued popularity.

The Hype and Cool Factor:

Many people I know are obsessed with ‘Friends,’ but it is worth noting that the show aired 11 years ago and is no longer on the air. Despite this, its popularity remains strong in India, which can be attributed to the perceived cool factor associated with watching the show. Social media trends and multiple channel re-runs have further fueled the hype, but the question remains: why do Indians love ‘Friends’ so much?

Outdated Content

While ‘Friends’ was undoubtedly beloved when it first aired, I believe it is not as great as its dedicated fan base suggests. Some individuals watch it repeatedly for over 21 years, even though the actors are now old enough to be their parents. In comparison to other popular shows like ‘How I Met Your Mother,’ ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ and ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Friends’ seems to be holding onto its relevance in India. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the popularity of these shows is driven by their current airing status.

Underwhelming Comedy

Having watched a couple of ‘Friends’ episodes myself, I failed to experience the side-splitting laughter that many claim the show induces. The banter and blissful dumbness displayed by the characters did not resonate with me. While a few jokes managed to bring a smile, most of the humour felt outdated and reminiscent of early ’90s US television. Personally, I found the show to be lacklustre and couldn’t understand the hype surrounding it.

Personal Taste and Predictability

While recognizing that ‘Friends boasts a talented cast and well-written scripts, it simply did not capture my interest. I found the plot to be predictable and lacked the element of surprise that draws me to other shows. While the show’s quality is undeniably good, it failed to resonate with my personal taste in TV genres.

Conclusion

In India, ‘Friends’ has gained an excessively high level of praise and attention, particularly among urban dwellers in their 20s or mid-20s who consider watching the show a prerequisite for being part of the “cool” gang. However, it is important to recognize that in the United States, where the show originated, it has lost much of its appeal, and current trends focus on shows that are currently on the air. ‘Friends’ is just another TV show that aired in the past, and while it may have its merits, it is overrated in the Indian context, and there are several other shows that deserve equal recognition.