One Man's Opinion: The one with Barclay

Fans of one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, "Friends," know well that each and every episode is titled, "The One with..." The program is a generational and pop culture icon. This pandemic has in part reminded me of the importance and many benefits of pop culture as a distraction, as a reminder of the "lighter side of life," and on occasion for a bit of escaping the not entirely daily realities of the real world for the past couple of years. We can all use an extra daily dose of whatever helps make us laugh, relax or smile.

And though each generation may have their favorite sitcom or TV show, there are a few like "Friends," which attracts viewers across multiple generations, since the program first aired on NBC in 1994, and for the 10-rating topping seasons that followed. It’s six core cast members became rightfully successful and wealthy, even if only a few matched those successes in later performances and venues, but the show, not unlike the Petries of New Rochelle or the Ricardo's of New York or Mary Richards and WJM-TV have become effectively timeless and beloved by millions.

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