There is nothing more significant to introducing the most loved and adored TV Series, ‘friends.’ Everybody is very much aware of this show and how for 10 years, it ruled the aura of tv series in Hollywood.
After ruling for about 10 years, the tv series was repeatedly viewed and appreciated by the audiences. Even if we talk about 2015, the show hasn’t lost its spirit and vibe. Whether you are a non-holly person, a full-on holly person, or an addict of Hollywood, ‘Friends’ is a show you never want to miss.
10 Amazing Facts Behind the TV Series- FRIENDS
1. Revolutionary Reactions
Yes, we know it is a comedy, and the comic timings ought to be perfect, but this show’s level of perfection is outstanding. The reactions these characters give are not only complemented by the laughter that goes behind them but is also pushed to a burst of stomach-aching laughter by taking into consideration the view it.
The camera is placed in several directions. The reaction is repeated each time. In whichever direction the comic ratio is more, the scene is shot there—so much dedication towards the work.
2. The Perfect Arrangement of Settings
Initially, it was not believable to me as well that the significant setting of the show, i.e., ‘Central Perk,’ is a standard square room, not very large. This room is arranged and then rearranged each day in the mornings before the shoot. But we never realize it as it is done with utter perfection ‘each day.’ When the show is shot only in Monica’s apartment, this same room is converted into the apartment.
3. The Characters
Initially, the show was shot with only 4 characters; ROSS, RACHEL, MONICA, and JOEY. Phoebe and Chandler were supposed to be supporting characters. Later on, the show was converted into a 6-friends show before its first telecast. The characters who were supposed to be the supporting ones supported the ladder of success that went into the show.
4. how Are You Doin’? /nothin’ Much, Juz Need Food!
Yes, that’s our Joey. He doesn’t share food. But do you know that Matt le Blanc doesn’t share food too? One of Matt le Blanc’s facts tells us that when he auditioned for the show, he had in his pocket only 11$, and when all of these characters got their first payments, they bought expensive items. For example, Monica got an expensive car, but what did joey get? Yes, you are right; it was an excellent full hot plate of food.
5. Oops! I forgot, but let’s ask the audience!
The show’s producers were always conscious of what their audiences thought about every scene. So, they had a crew as the audience to give suggestions and comment on every scene. In the first episode of ‘FRIENDS,’ i.e., The pilot, Monica forgets the name of the guy she slept with.
Producers thought this might be morally wrong, and the audience might start hating her. So, they asked the crew if it could be changed. However, they relented, and the scene was shot.
6. 5 hours for 1 episode
Yes, it took 5 hours to shoot 1 episode of ‘FRIENDS.’ But why? The reasons include arranging the rooms and the scenes to be shot and shot carefully with the audience’s consent on each scene. One interesting point I found out about the shooting of the episodes is that the sound of even an opening door was shot in a manner that would evoke laughter.
Now I know why even the sound of Chandler banging on a table makes it so hilarious! These sounds are not the natural sound of the door or the table, and they come from the background. There is another crew for that.
7. The United ‘SIX’
As the show’s name suggests, these six actors became close friends by the 2nd or 3rd season. When this show started, their salaries were just $22,000, but their stipend increased by the time they reached the 2nd or the beginning of the 3rd season. But according to the popularity aspect, their salaries weren’t equivalent, which they protested.
These were the only actors to ask for equal salaries while being united. They asked for an equal salary of $100,000 per episode, which by the 10th season went up to $1 million.
8. Homosexuality
As you might have noticed, the character of Chandler was very feminine. When Liza Kudrow read the script for the first time, she almost thought Chandler’s character was gay.
Later, the producer clarified that the character is not gay, and never was! But Matthew Perry interpreted the character differently and filled it with humor rather than conforming to the gay thing.
9. ‘Smelly Cat‘ on Guitar… Nooo!
Liza Kudrow hated guitar. After reading the script, she asked the producers to substitute the guitar with some other instruments.
Also, she knew nothing about guitar. But the producers disagreed, and she had to learn some of the guitar’s chords, which according to the demands of the show, were enough as Phoebe herself wasn’t good at it. She realized the actual value of the scenes she shot with a guitar in her hand when ‘smelly cat‘ became so popular and loved.
10. It Was Monica and Joey!
The main love interest in the show was Rachel- Ross’s love story, and the maximum of the episodes revolved around this, but do you know that initially, the main love interest, as decided by the producers, was supposed to be Monica and Joey?
And thus, the show was a great hit! A lot of effort went into making it; a lot of life was inflicted into it to make it as adorable and humorous as it is to us today.
It’s no doubt a mood buster!
Make sure you check the Icy tales for more entertaining articles.
– Priyanka Kaushik
