The critical reception

THE CRITICAL RECEPTION

Tom Feran, from The Cleveland Plain Dealer, wrote that the series treated the style of Seinfeld, but with less success, while, Ann Hodges from Houston Chronicle called the series of “the new Seinfeld, but never will be funny as Seinfeld.” On the contrary, Ray Richmond from Los Angeles Daily News, said that the series was “one of the most brilliant comedies of the new season”, and the Los Angeles Times said that it was “the best comedy series of the new season”.

As the series progressed, more opinions became positives and Friends became one of the most popular sitcom of its time. The critics praised the series by having a consistent script and chemistry between the main actors. Noel Holston from Newsday, who had judged unfounded the pilot as an “I want to be Seinfeld”, in 1994, repudiated his previous revision, after reviewing the episode, writing an apology to the authors. Heather Havrislesky from Salon.com said that the series “found its way” in the second season.

As a result of the success of the series, Friend was featured in the list of the Time “The 100 Best Television Programs of all time”, saying: “The hidden secret of this series is that it calls Friends and it really was about family”. Criticisms about the end of the series were from mixed to positive. Robert Bianco from USA Today described the final as funny and gratifying, moreover, he praised it by the emotion mixed with humor and in the same time presenting each one of the stars.