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Reviews
Generation Friends: An Inside Look at the Show That Defined a Television Era by Saul Austerlitz
marshmallowbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I'm by no means the biggest FRIENDS super-fan alive. I was 10 when it first aired, but never really watched it while it was on. I've only ever seen it as reruns and on Netflix. Even so, I was able to find my place among the crowds and do really like the show, and don't think I ever won't like it.
This book was a fun read as it shared about how the show began, things I hadn't thought about but found fascinating and completely made sense as I learned about them: like the color schemes of characters, the casting, the A, B, and C plots, and the way the cast looked out for and supported each other outside the show.
No matter what you think of FRIENDS; if you watched it or not; if you liked it or hated it; despite things it did one way when it could have done them another; it was a one-of-kind show in its lasting impact (for better or worse). That alone gives it credit.
This book was a fun read as it shared about how the show began, things I hadn't thought about but found fascinating and completely made sense as I learned about them: like the color schemes of characters, the casting, the A, B, and C plots, and the way the cast looked out for and supported each other outside the show.
No matter what you think of FRIENDS; if you watched it or not; if you liked it or hated it; despite things it did one way when it could have done them another; it was a one-of-kind show in its lasting impact (for better or worse). That alone gives it credit.
kai93's review against another edition
3.0
It’s a bit hard to peg this one. Some bits of this book were really, really well-done. Others, though, were decidedly less so.
There were some interesting peeks into the production and writer’s rooms. Yet a large amount of time was dedicated to basic episode recaps with no real further commentary. Other recaps were accompanied by opinionated commentary presented as gospel fact. There were some episodes and arcs curiously missing. Others were ever-so-briefly touched upon but never really explored. The author had an almost unnatural way of speaking: odd turns of phrase (used more than once), always going for the million dollar word when a fifty cent word would have sufficed. This is not me lamenting the use of big words- it is of using the biggest, most obscure word every single time.
It would have been nice had the cast been in on the book as well as the production team. Even some of the supporting cast would have had some interesting stories to add. There was one instance where the addition of Tate Donovan to the show was mentioned. Based on the preamble seemed certain that a story or two of his would follow. It all build up to... a couple of sentences about the cast groaning at his nervous lack of reaction to a practical joke.
The end of the book, the last chapter in particular, was a bit of a slog. All-in-all this was a decent but flawed trip back in time.
There were some interesting peeks into the production and writer’s rooms. Yet a large amount of time was dedicated to basic episode recaps with no real further commentary. Other recaps were accompanied by opinionated commentary presented as gospel fact. There were some episodes and arcs curiously missing. Others were ever-so-briefly touched upon but never really explored. The author had an almost unnatural way of speaking: odd turns of phrase (used more than once), always going for the million dollar word when a fifty cent word would have sufficed. This is not me lamenting the use of big words- it is of using the biggest, most obscure word every single time.
It would have been nice had the cast been in on the book as well as the production team. Even some of the supporting cast would have had some interesting stories to add. There was one instance where the addition of Tate Donovan to the show was mentioned. Based on the preamble seemed certain that a story or two of his would follow. It all build up to... a couple of sentences about the cast groaning at his nervous lack of reaction to a practical joke.
The end of the book, the last chapter in particular, was a bit of a slog. All-in-all this was a decent but flawed trip back in time.
tayhoerig18's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
2.0
Oh my goodness this one really drug on for me. A lot of the time, the author was just recalling scenes from the show and I didn't love that. I wanted this to be more information on my favorite show, but that didn't happen here.
dja777's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this look back at what was one of my favorite shows back when it originally aired. It doesn’t ignore the problematic stuff, but also talks about what made the show different and explores why it still has fans 25 years later.
ruaidhri_'s review against another edition
Nothing personal, I just borrowed it from the library and never finished
msgabbythelibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
Yes. I just read a book about Friends. No, it wasn't a book of substance. No, it won't win a Pulitzer. But I found myself engaged reading about a TV show I enjoy. (I'm also one of those fans who is a generation AFTER it aired on NBC. Netflix has been awesome in enabling binge watching.It's also the perfect sitcom to watch as I fall asleep. Even Scott likes the show.)
It did feel like I was reading episodes almost word for word. I wouldn't say I learned anything new. BUT it was cool to learn about how the cast members felt that not one of them was over the other--so they fought for the same salary. That makes me really happy.
And I still hate Ross.
It did feel like I was reading episodes almost word for word. I wouldn't say I learned anything new. BUT it was cool to learn about how the cast members felt that not one of them was over the other--so they fought for the same salary. That makes me really happy.
And I still hate Ross.
paigedc's review against another edition
5.0
This book, like gum, is perfection. When you read it, you've found your lobster. You'll want to PIVOT into your favorite chair and dive into it. Could it BE any more fulfilling for a Friends fan? You won't want to be on a break from any of the chapters. The 5th dentist caved, and they're all recommending that you read this book. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would definitely give it 7...7...7... SEVEN...seven.
If you have any nostalgia and knowledge of Friends from the 90s and early 2000s, this book will make your heart so happy. It's an in-depth look at everything behind the scenes, from casting to writing to filming to contracts to drama to comedy to analysis of the "lightning in a bottle" that made this show the megawatt hit that it was. Thoroughly researched and keenly written, you'll absolutely want to grab a cup of coffee and jump into this book that will always be there for you.
If you have any nostalgia and knowledge of Friends from the 90s and early 2000s, this book will make your heart so happy. It's an in-depth look at everything behind the scenes, from casting to writing to filming to contracts to drama to comedy to analysis of the "lightning in a bottle" that made this show the megawatt hit that it was. Thoroughly researched and keenly written, you'll absolutely want to grab a cup of coffee and jump into this book that will always be there for you.
reeeeedmg_123's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.75