Culture TV & radio Streaming: ‘Nostalgia is big business’: How the set of Friends ended up in Australia
Introduction
In a surprising turn of events, the iconic set of the beloved sitcom, Friends, has made its way to Australia. The set is now a part of an interactive exhibition called The Friends Experience, which is currently touring Melbourne. This unexpected journey from the stages of Hollywood to the shores of Australia is a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural significance of the show.
The Power of Nostalgia
Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004, has remained a cultural phenomenon long after its original run. The show’s appeal stretches beyond its original audience, captivating a whole new generation of fans thanks to its availability on streaming platforms like Netflix. Kathleen Wallis, Vice President of Global Themed Entertainment at Warner Bros., explains the impact of this accessibility on younger viewers: “It made the show so much more accessible to younger audiences who hadn’t seen it, and they got hooked.” This resurgence of interest led to the creation of The Friends Experience as a way to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary.
Recreating the Sets
The meticulous process of recreating the iconic sets from Friends was no easy task. Jon Meeker, Director of Guest Operations at Original X Production, the company licensed to run The Friends Experience, explains the attention to detail involved: “We went into the Warner Bros. archives for everything: the paint colours of Monica’s door, the exact layout of Chandler’s apartment. Then we actually go back and watch the show while we’re curating it, so we can zoom in and be like, is that lamp supposed to be there? Which CDs does Chandler have in his CD stack?” The result is a near-perfect replica of the show’s most memorable locations.
A Journey of Nostalgia
The Friends Experience has traveled to various cities in North America, as well as Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Its arrival in Melbourne has drawn fans of all ages, including those who grew up watching the show and those who discovered it through streaming platforms. For many visitors, the exhibition offers a chance to relive cherished memories and share the experience with loved ones. Nicola Watson, who watched Friends with her parents as a child and now shares it with her own daughters, expresses the sentiment shared by many attendees: “The attention to detail is incredible. They’ve really recreated it perfectly.”
The Business of Nostalgia
The success of The Friends Experience is evidence of the economic power of nostalgia. The exhibition has become a lucrative venture, attracting fans willing to pay for a chance to step into the world of Friends and capture the perfect Instagram photo. As Wallis remarks, “Nostalgia is big business.” The enduring popularity of Friends has created a market for immersive experiences that allow fans to connect with their favorite shows on a deeper level.
Editorial and Advice
The journey of the Friends set to Australia and the success of The Friends Experience highlight the universal appeal of nostalgia and the power of iconic television shows. As viewers, we often form emotional connections to the characters, settings, and moments in our favorite shows. These connections withstand the test of time and can be a source of comfort and joy. The Friends Experience serves as a reminder of the impact television can have on our lives and the cultural significance it holds.
Australian fans of Friends are fortunate to have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the show. For those who have yet to visit the exhibition, I encourage you to take advantage of this unique experience and create new memories that will last a lifetime. And for those who have already visited, I hope the exhibition allowed you to relive cherished moments and connect with the show in a meaningful way.
As the popularity of nostalgia-driven experiences continues to grow, it is important to remember the value of these cultural touchstones in our lives. Television shows like Friends not only entertain us but also shape our identities and sense of belonging. They serve as a shared language, connecting us to others across generations and cultures.
In the ever-changing landscape of streaming and television, let us not forget the impact of the shows that have shaped our lives. As we embrace the nostalgia that these experiences provide, let us also celebrate the power of storytelling and its ability to unite us in joy, laughter, and, of course, a good old-fashioned pivot.
<< photo by Pixabay >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
