Friends was a cultural phenomenon that changed the sitcom dynamic in a major way by focusing on co-ed friendships instead of just romance or same-gender friendships. The show also showed that love could blossom naturally between friends over time. The off-screen friendship and supportive relationship between the cast members, particularly David Schwimmer's role in advocating for equal pay, helped create a healthy environment on set. Friends spawned copycats and inspired-bys, but its juggling of multiple plot points in every episode made it funnier, crisper, and easier to watch. It appealed to the masses for all the right reasons, making it a timeless and feel-good classic.
