Culture Re-View: 'Friends' Takes the World by Storm On September 22, 1994, the very first episode of the hit sitcom 'Friends' debuted. Little did anyone know that this show about six friends living in New York City would become a massive cultural phenomenon of the 90s. 'Friends' has had a lasting impact on pop culture, inspiring personality quizzes, reaction GIFs, and countless merchandise featuring iconic moments from the show.

The show quickly garnered a massive audience, averaging about 30.8 million viewers during its second season. It attracted big-name celebrity guests like Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis, and Julia Roberts, and became a must-watch for fans and critics alike. Initially known as 'Insomnia Café', the show was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman. It went through various title changes, including 'Friends Like Us' and 'Six of One', before settling on the now-iconic name 'Friends'.

The show starred Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Matt Le Blanc as Joey Tribbiani, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, and David Schwimmer as Ross Geller. What made 'Friends' stand out was its ensemble cast, with each main character given equal screen time. This was a unique approach and contributed to the show's success. It ran for a remarkable ten seasons and concluded on May 6, 2004, with an episode aptly titled 'The Last One', which attracted a staggering 52.5 million viewers in the US.

'Friends' is often regarded as a symbol of 90s nostalgia, with references like "The Rachel" haircut and memorable in-jokes becoming ingrained in popular culture. The show provided a comforting presence for many, with its familiar characters and sets akin to an old armchair. The enduring popularity of 'Friends' can be attributed to its cozy atmosphere, capturing a sense of simpler times.

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