Friends - by Simone Knox & Kai Hanno Schwind Paperback

Book Synopsis

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 scenes--the one where Ross can't get his leather pants back on, and Ross and Rachel's break-up, to name just a couple--and 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 Monica's apartment as well as the programme's 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.

From the Back Cover

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 scenes--the one where Ross can't get his leather pants back on, and Ross and Rachel's break-up, to name just a couple--and reflect on how and why A-list guest performances often fell short of the standards set by the ensemble cast. Also considered are the iconic look of Monica's apartment as well as the programme's much discussed politics of representation andthe 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.

Review Quotes

"Simone Knox and Kai Schwind that in Friends: A Reading of the Sitcom they have produced an extremely comprehensive and markedly reflective exploration of the complexity, artistry and cultural import of a series ... . Their book, through its careful, assiduous research and very evident personal engagement with the series ... . Knox and Schwind's work illuminates the talent, skill and professionalism that went into the creation of series ... ." (Mary Irwin, Critical Studies in Television, Vol. 17 (3), 2022)

About the Author

Dr Simone Knox is Associate Professor of Film and Television at the University of Reading, UK. She sits on the board of editors for Critical 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.