Friends fans – I’ll Be There For You: The One About Friends needs to be added to your must-read list.
In the book, author Kelsey Miller takes the reader chronologically through the creation, casting and production of the 10-season show, with behind-the-scenes highlights and insider information from each season. It doesn’t delve into gossip about the actors’ personal lives; it’s really a smart and fascinating analysis of the show itself, and a discussion of why it was so popular and became so iconic.
It’s also not a puff piece, as Miller talks about some of the issues with the show (for example, almost complete lack of racial diversity) and mistakes that were made, but it certainly celebrates Friends for the success it was – and still is. Plus, Miller and I agree that “The One Where Everybody Finds Out” was the best episode of all time. (“They don’t know we know they know!”)
I was impressed to learn more about the six cast members’ commitment to joint negotiations and remaining a unit. I think there’s a real lesson to be learned there about colleagues, teamwork and professional relationships. According to Matt LeBlanc (Joey) the cast earned 1.3 million dollars each, per episode, in the final season, so their tactics were certainly fruitful.
I also enjoyed all the insider tidbits, as Miller weaves in interviews with people connected to the show, as well as commentary from various experts (shout out to gossip queen Lainey Lui!)
From the endorsements to the London episode to Ross and Rachel’s love story to the show’s 9/11 reaction and more, I’ll Be There For You covers it all – even the biggest Friends die-hard will learn something new!
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of the book for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own.