As a die-hard Friends fan (watched all 10 seasons thrice on VHS, on loop on Nick at Nite and have ALL the trivia down), I can't help but emphasize how much Friends was THE sitcom of the 90s. A show about six friends navigating work, relationships and life's messy bits in NYC, it was and IS still the perfect emotional escape. It had the magic blend of humor, romance, drama and the whole Ross-Rachel 'will they, won't they' kept the audience hooked.
Though Friends may seem cheesy to some, it was a revolutionary show for its time. It wasn't afraid to address social issues like single motherhood (you go, Rachel), divorce, adoption and even surrogacy (Phoebe carrying her brother's triplets, anyone?). It was fresh, it was funny, and it was relatable. I can't imagine the 90s without Friends, and I can't imagine my life without it too!
Crazy-obsessed Friends fan here! Totally with you on this. And let's not forget, it brought COFFEE SHOPS into popularity. THEY made hanging out at Central Perk cool way before Starbucks sipping became a thing. Besides, Joey's 'how you doin', Ross's 'we were on a break', Chandler's sarcasm, Monica's competitiveness, Rachel's hairstyles, and Phoebe's 'Smelly Cat', are iconic!