I'll Be There for You: The One about Friends

By: Kelsey Miller

Narrated by: Amber Benson, Kelsey Miller

An InStyle 10 Books You Won't Be Able to Put Down This October

SIX FRIENDS THAT BECAME A FAMILY.

A TELEVISION SHOW THAT BECAME A PHENOMENON.

Today, Friends is remembered as an icon of ’90s comedy and the Must See TV years. But when the series debuted in 1994, no one anticipated the sensation it would become. From the first wave of Friends mania to the backlash and renaissance that followed, the show maintained an uncanny connection to its audience, who saw it both as a reflection of their own lives and an aspirational escape from reality. In the years since, Friends has evolved from prime-time megahit to nostalgic novelty, and finally, to certified classic. Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe have entered the pantheon of great television characters, and yet their stories remain relevant still.

I’ll Be There for You is a deep dive into Friends history and lore, exploring all aspects of the show, from its unlikely origins to the societal conditions that amplified its success. Journalist and pop culture expert Kelsey Miller relives the show’s most powerful moments, sheds light on its sometimes dated and problematic elements, and examines the worldwide trends that Friends catalyzed, from contemporary coffee culture to the wildly popular ’90s haircut The Rachel. Taking listeners behind the scenes, Miller traces the cast’s rise to fame and untangles the complex relationship between the actors and their characters. Weaving in revelatory interviews and personal stories, she investigates the role of celebrity media, world-changing events and the dawning of the digital age - all of which influenced both the series and its viewers.

I’ll Be There for You is the definitive retrospective of Friends, not only for fans of the series, but for anyone who’s ever wondered what it is about this show - and television comedy - that resonates so powerfully.

©2018 Kelsey Miller, LLC (P)2018 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited.

Calling all Friends fans...

...this book is for you! If you love the show Friends or are just intrigued by 90s pop culture, this is a great read. Miller goes into the history of the show, it's relevancy to 90s culture, and its impact today. She doesn't shy away from controversy but manages to discuss the show's shortcomings in context and without bashing it or the creators. You can tell she's a real fan and that's who this book is written for.

Fun, Nostalgic Ride

As a fan of Friends, this is a wonderful, behind the scenes look at the phenomenon of this show. I was never bored, nor tired of the "inside" stories. I highly recommend this fun adventure back in time!

My only pet peeve is that, shame on Mrs. Miller's editors for not correcting her usage of the word between, when it should have been among. It really is distracting for anyone who understands the rules of grammar.

Great Story — But a Little Heavy with the Politics

A very robust story about the making of Friends as well as interesting insights into some specific episodes. The only drawback is that the author drifts into extended assessments of Friends within the context of today’s politics, and her criticism over what Friends didn’t do sometimes overshadows what Friends did accomplish.

The narrator does a good job bringing the story to life. I liked her attempts to capture people’s dialect. Her Lisa Kudrow impression is pretty good.

Really good, if you love FRIENDS

My official review for this book can be found at the following web site: https://opinionatededucator.tumblr.com/post/180701697290/ill-be-there-for-you-the-one-about-friends

Great fun for fans!

I don't have much more to say other than that it's a great book if you are Friend's fan.

A must listen for any Frends fan.

Great attention to detail. The writer really did her homework vary impressed. As I stated before a must listen for any Friends fan.

Nostalgic Ride

📖 As a lifelong fan of Friends, I was excited to dive into Kelsey Miller's book. I expected a lighthearted, nostalgic journey through the show, and I was not disappointed. Miller's writing is witty and engaging, capturing the essence of the series perfectly.

She delves into the characters' personalities, relationships, and growth, offering new insights even for seasoned fans. I particularly enjoyed her exploration of the show's themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery.

The book is filled with fun anecdotes and behind-the-scenes tidbits that made me feel like I was right there with the cast and crew. Miller's love for the show shines through on every page, making it a joy to read.

If you're a Friends fan, I highly recommend picking up this book. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to relive the magic of the series and appreciate it on a deeper level. 🛋🧡

a must read for any Friends fan

loved the book! it starts off with the creators and their journey to friends, successes and failures. then goes through how each of the cast members got their roles. going through the seasons of the show it comments on what shaped the story lines and made the show what it is. there's lots of things I didn't know about the show and it was awesome to hear the stories and even some social commentary every once in a while. if you're a friend's fan, this read is a must.

Very Engaging!

At the time, Friends was an incredible advancement in television culture. Even though not every part has aged well, you can still see the cultural advancements where they were. Lesbian wedding, surrogacy, single motherhood, etc. These were not topics that were typically broached in 90s television. Granted, a lot of the jokes are now outdated, and some are now considered offensive, but many parts of Friends still lives on today.
On the air for a decade, with reruns still going 15+ years later, it is rare that you will find someone who has not heard of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, and Chandler. This book was a wonderful look into the behind-the-scenes aspect of one of the most popular television shows.
I loved learning that the cast were friends in real life, and not just on the show. I loved that they handed together when it came time to renew their contracts….if one person was fired, they were all going to leave. And that they all stuck together for their pay as well. They weren’t just friends, they were a family.
This book was wonderfully written and extremely engaging. I listened to about 95% as an audiobook during my daily commute and it brought back all kinds of feelings of nostalgia. And as I was reading this, iTunes released a deal of the entire series of Friends for only $30-$40 (I can’t remember the exact amount now). Needless to say, I’m rewatching for the umpteenth time and loving it.
If you are curious at all about Friends, love the show, or just want to learn some background information on creating tv shows, I highly highly recommend this book!

Informative and fun

I love Friends and this furthered my love for the show that keeps me sane and company through this pandemic. I enjoyed the reading and all she had to say.