{"product_id":"friends-a-reading-of-the-sitcom-9783030254285","title":"Friends: A Reading of the Sitcom","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book offers a long overdue, extensive study of one of the most beloved television shows: \u003ci\u003eFriends\u003c\/i\u003e. Why has this sitcom become the seminal success that it is? And how does it continue to engage viewers around the world a quarter century after its first broadcast? Featuring original interviews with key creative personnel (including co-creator Marta Kauffman and executive producer Kevin S. Bright), the book provides answers by identifying a strategy of intimacy that informs \u003ci\u003eFriends\u003c\/i\u003e’ use of humour, performance, style and set design. The authors provide fascinating analyses of some of the most well-remembered scenes—the one where Ross can’t get his leather pants back on, and Ross and Rachel’s break-up, to name just a couple—and reflect on how and why A-list guest performances sometimes fell short of the standards set by the ensemble cast. Also considered are the iconic look of Monica’s apartment as well as the programme’s much discussed politics of representation and the critical backlash it has received in recent years. An exploration of \u003ci\u003eJoey,\u003c\/i\u003e the infamous spin-off, and several attempts to adapt \u003ci\u003eFriends\u003c\/i\u003e’ successful formula across the globe, round out the discussion, with insights into mistranslated jokes and much more. For students, scholars, creative industry practitioners and fans alike, this is a compelling read that lets us glimpse behind the scenes of what has become a cultural phenomenon and semi-permanent fixture in many of our homes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Simone Knox and Kai Schwind that in Friends: A Reading of the Sitcom they have produced an extremely comprehensive and markedly reflective exploration of the complexity, artistry and cultural import of a series … . Their book, through its careful, assiduous research and very evident personal engagement with the series … . Knox and Schwind’s work illuminates the talent, skill and professionalism that went into the creation of series … .” (Mary Irwin, Critical Studies in Television, Vol. 17 (3), 2022)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIntroduction.-The One with All the Laughing and the Hugging: Specificity of Humour and Comedic Types.-The One where They Tame the Three-headed Monster: Foregrounding Holistic Performance.-The One where They Look at Monica’s Apartment: Style, Space, Set Design.-The One with the Emblematic Problematic Fave: \u003ci\u003eFriends\u003c\/i\u003e and the Politics of Representation.-The One with the Orbit of Failure: The \u003ci\u003eJoey\u003c\/i\u003e Spin-off, other Adaptations and the Global Reception of \u003ci\u003eFriend\u003c\/i\u003es.-Conclusion: The One where They’ll Still Be There for You: Reflections on Friends’ Place in Television Culture for its 25\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e Anniversary\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Springer Nature Switzerland AG","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51021116866903,"sku":"9783030254285","price":23.74,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1739\/5799\/files\/9783030254285.jpg?v=1750785215","url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/friends-a-reading-of-the-sitcom-9783030254285","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}