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Reviews
Generation Friends: An Inside Look at the Show That Defined a Television Era by Saul Austerlitz
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
ericabo_louise's review against another edition
2.0
What a wholly unnecessary book! That I, an idiot, read/skimmed all of! You will learn just as much if not more reading the IMDB trivia page and if you have watched the show, you can skip about 80% of the book as it is a lot of series recaps and also overweening praise of the show for things it barely got right while sidestepping the things it didn't! I feel like Jake Peralta at the end of Serve and Protect (and I LIKE Friends!)!!
layla_platt's review against another edition
3.0
As a person who can quote Friends at any time of day and in any situation, I felt that this would be a good read for me! I completely acknowledge the fact that Friends has aged poorly. Like, really poorly. And I wanted to see if this book addresses that and how it still has a huge cultural impact.
While it didn’t fully address the way the show has aged since the 90’s it did have some fun facts and insight that I hadn’t known before and found very interesting! I love learning about behind the scenes aspects and the impact that shows have on fans, culture and the television industry. So this book was a good read!
While it didn’t fully address the way the show has aged since the 90’s it did have some fun facts and insight that I hadn’t known before and found very interesting! I love learning about behind the scenes aspects and the impact that shows have on fans, culture and the television industry. So this book was a good read!
lauralovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
I grew up watching FRIENDS, and still find myself drawn in to watch the show if it’s on. I knew I needed to read this book, to get all of the behind the scenes details.
I loved that some of the influences of the show creators were represented in Phoebe, Chandler and Monica. I can’t imagine the characters being represented by any other actor, so that was interesting to learn that som of the actresses auditioned for other characters for the show!
*Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy for review. All opinions are my own.
I loved that some of the influences of the show creators were represented in Phoebe, Chandler and Monica. I can’t imagine the characters being represented by any other actor, so that was interesting to learn that som of the actresses auditioned for other characters for the show!
*Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy for review. All opinions are my own.
kimscapturedlife's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite sitcom of all time so it is hard to rate it any less. Nostalgic, funny, and informative book. From details on the creation, casting, characters, plots, and theme song. Funny moments and context over the 10 seasons and character arcs. And why people still watch it today. I also enjoyed the 90s time capsule section; a world before smart phones and social media.
mcnaughtreading's review against another edition
4.0
An inside look and cultural analysis of the phenomenon that was and still is Friends. This NF gem is jam packed with all the tidbits from the making of, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest television shows of all time.
If things like how Jennifer Aniston was cast, the writing of smelly cat, and why in the world Rachel and Joey were ever a thing interest you then you will fly through this one.
Could there BE a better way to end a year of reading?
If things like how Jennifer Aniston was cast, the writing of smelly cat, and why in the world Rachel and Joey were ever a thing interest you then you will fly through this one.
Could there BE a better way to end a year of reading?