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Its ongoing popularity since being added to thebest streaming servicesis only more testament to that.

Why is Friends still such a go-to for many of us?

The entire Friends cast stands in the apartment one last time

There’s nothing to tell!

Granted, it’s hardly a wild, out there storyline.

In the context of the 1990s it certainly betrays typically-safe, family-oriented sitcom themes right out of the gate.

Rachel and Phoebe in Friends

Through a 2024 lens?

It feels a tad vanilla.

It evokes feelings of safety and belonging: a wholly separate vibe than prestige television.

The Friends crew

Not only that, its easy to dip in and out.

Doesn’t matter where I start or even if my partner watched some without me.

The storytelling is accessible no matter where you dive in.

Monica and Chandler hold hands in the apartment of Friends

I might not recallexactlywhats happening but in a matter of moments I pick it up.

Oh, right, this is the one where Monicas mad about Rachel kissing Ross."

Clowning around with your best buddies

A lot of the draw is the platonic intimacy.

The cast of Friends in a promotional image for the show

Once you sink in, it offers sharp and still-relevant observations about relationships and making it as a twenty-something.

ButFriendsboasts another form of longing: human connection.

Dont worry, I’m not about to rag on technology.

The Friends crew in the aparament

So while it doesnt affect us all, isolation due to the surge in online culture is very real.

Its a cozy example of community.

Who hasnt missed that over the last few years?

Max

I know I have.

They have keys to each others places.

They hang at Central Perk.

Second screen shows that allow for a watcher to scroll their phone while watching are huge.

At the height of the pandemic, reruns became must-watch TV for their soothing, comfort factor.

Ive been making my way through from the beginning lately.

For the zillionth time.

Who knew that the series' catchy-as-hell theme song would adopt another meaning all these years later?

That it’s the show itself that’s been there forus.

Friendsis one of thebest Max shows, with 10 seasons streaming on the platform in the US.

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