For me, TV shows fall into 3 distinct categories:

The first category is for shows that I think are truly noteworthy.  I’ve enjoyed them, and will definitely be watching again.

Next there are shows that I thoroughly disliked.  This may be due to weak characters, bad plot, or simply awful acting.  Either way, I don’t plan to watch it again, and if necessary, I remove it from my queue.

The third category is for those shows that I feel are borderline.  They were just mediocre, neither good, nor bad.  In these cases, I feel there may be some redemptive value, and. will give these shows another ‘look-see’ before making my final decision.

That being said, this week, “Friends” (90’s show with Lisa Kudrow, Courtney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry,  and Matt Le Blanc) is in the love category.  As a rule the show is one of my favorites. Can’t be helped, I grew up watching these guys on primetime.  But, I must admit,  the last few seasons before the finale  (for me, at least), hasn’t been one of my best.   Has fame gone to the heads of the collective writers?

Anyway…I don’t know exactly what it is about Friends that I like so much that after years of watching the series, I find myself watching it over and over again. There’s something about the Friends formula that even after watching the repeats it feels as if it’s your first glimpse at the episode.

For instance, the joke you heard so many times that’s actually considered a cliché, sounds incredibly funny just because it was from Chandler. Perhaps this is THE show for me.

You know what I’m talking about…we all have at least one TV show we can’t live without. Classic characters like Joey in Dawson’s Creek, or Brenda in Beverly Hills 90210, or  Carrie in Sex and the City, feel like they’re your real friends. Their antics always bring a smile to your face, no matter your mood. You can watch episode after episode and never get bored.

So I guess that’s the effect that Friends has on me. During those moments when I feel a night of watching old shows, snuggled  in cozy pj’s with a hot cup of tea, is just what I need, I turn to Friends for comfort.

Anyway, I’m signing off to watch yet another rerun (thank you TiVo!).

Enjoy the OST from Friends – “I’ll Be There For You” by the Rembradts. Ciao!