Despite being universally liked, a Big Bang Theory producer argues that Friends unintentionally ruined sitcoms. Around twenty years because the hit sitcom capped off its 10-year run, the New York-set sequence maintains its recognition due to its reruns and availability on streaming providers. In 2021, HBO Max even staged a Friends solid reunion, which proved to be very profitable, additional emphasizing its cultural influence. However, amid the love that the sequence has constantly gotten because it premiered in 1994, one other hit sitcom producer says that it really ruined the style for some time.
The Big Bang Theory producer Eddie Gorodetsky explains in Jessica Radloff’s guide, The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive Inside Story Of The Epic Hit Series, how he believes that the NBC comedy unintentionally ruined the sitcom. His concern primarily stems from the casting of Friends. For context, Gorodetsky has labored on a number of profitable sitcoms apart from The Big Bang Theory together with Two and a Half Men, Mom, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Read his full quote beneath:
While it is a fan-favorite, Friends has its flaws. Gorodetsky’s major concern with it stems from the characters’ bodily appearances and the way it’s used to masks different elements of the present which he finds lackluster. Everyone seemed good and polished on a regular basis. While the actors themselves are all attractive, he criticizes how the present introduced them. Despite Rachel and Phoebe’s cash woes, they by no means really appear to be they’re strapped for money. At the very least, Friends confirmed how Chandler helped with Joey’s monetary issues. He argues that The Big Bang Theory broke the sample that Friends and its success created by not specializing in the solid’s seems to be, however on the sitcom’s story and comedy.
While comparisons between the 2 are anticipated, the reply to that is extra complicated than one thinks. Despite The Big Bang Theory‘s recognition, it was additionally affected by quite a lot of issues. It did not fall into the lure of counting on a fantastic solid as Gorodetsky argues, nevertheless it had different points, particularly with its model of comedy within the earlier seasons. There had been criticisms about the way it oversexualized Penny — one thing that Kaley Cuoco agreed with. The Big Bang Theory was additionally blasted for its typically offensive jokes.
Both The Big Bang Theory and Friends had their respective points, and but, they continue to be two of essentially the most beloved sitcoms of all time. Looking again at their shortcomings is integral in making certain that upcoming sitcoms do not commit the identical errors that they did whereas addressing their legacy within the present panorama and what audiences can study from them. Perhaps like Friends, The Big Bang Theory actors can even reunite for a particular venture sooner or later the place they will study the legacy of the nerd-centric sitcom.