Latest news with #CentralPerk
Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Obscure 'Friends' Trivia Quiz — BuzzFeed Quizzes
You are a true Friends fan if you: Are you up for a challenge? Let's see how intricately you know the highest-grossing live-cast television show. What one more trivia fact for the road? James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther, was originally hired as an extra, but got a recurring role because he was the only person who knew how to operate the espresso machine on the Central Perk set. And in case anybody doubted my "pivot" ya go. Painted by my friend, Emily Anderson. In the comments, tell me your favourite season. I'll start. Mine is four. For more, make sure to follow BuzzFeed Canada on TikTok and Instagram!
The Age
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Gen Z Friends? This new comedy is ‘a love letter to a generation'
It's been 30 years since Friends ′ Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) burst into Central Perk for the first time, having just fled the altar, to join the rest of her eventual gang of twenty-something Gen Xers bemoaning their dating (and divorce) woes. And 13 years have passed since Hannah Horvath (Lena Dunham), high on opium and cut off from the bank of mum and dad, declared she was the 'voice of [her] generation – or at least a voice of a generation' in the pilot of Girls. Now, almost right on cue, we have a show about the next generation of young New Yorkers who are Figuring It Out. Adults, a new eight-part comedy, follows five twenty-something friends sharing a (parent's) house in Queens (no one this age can afford to live in Brooklyn any more, let alone the rent-controlled apartments Monica et al had in Manhattan). Our first impression of the crew? As co-creator Rebecca Shaw says, 'The cold open of the pilot is a man masturbating at the group on the subway, and Issa [Amita Rao] deciding to masturbate back at him to make this grand political statement. 'But just as important to us, is the scene right after it. Issa is walking with her friends, completely embarrassed, saying, 'Was that bad? Was that crazy?' And everyone's reassuring her saying, 'No, that was amazing. Now let's go because you are going to get arrested.' '[The show is about] that symbiosis of those two parts of young adulthood: the discomfort of wading through something strange, and then knowing your friends will be there for you on the other side of it.' That first episode also includes a friend getting molested at work and rocketing to stardom, prompting Billie (Australian actor Lucy Freyer) to Google, 'How to be the v of your g' (voice of your generation) – a winky reference to Dunham's iconic line. 'We grew up on Friends, Seinfeld, Living Single and then Broad City and Girls, all of these friend group comedies,' says Shaw, who created Adults with her longtime writing/romantic partner Ben Kronengold. 'It's our favourite genre of television.' Loading Adds Kronengold: 'We bonded over it very early in our friendship and relationship. We were fans, but also students of the thing. Even the name, Adults, is kind of an homage to the genre.' But that specific Girls reference, he says, isn't just a hat tip; it speaks to the Gen Z 'memeification' of everything that has come before. 'Our generation has that media as part of our DNA and [it contributes to] the pressures we have about our own experiences in adulthood,' he says. 'Billy would have watched those same shows that we're talking about right now. It's hard to escape the language and media literacy of this time.' In fact, when the show was pitched in 2021 it was titled Snowflakes – a disparaging zeitgeist-y term that spoke to Gen Z's supposed heightened sensitivities. Shaw and Kronengold, aged 29 and 28, are part of a growing group of zillennial creatives bringing stories about young adulthood to the screen. TikTok's Benito Skinner has just released Overcompensating, which is based on his experiences hiding his sexuality in college, while Rachel Sennott's long-awaited HBO comedy about 'a codependent friend group' is widely anticipated as a Girls successor. But, despite their age, the duo behind Adults have some solid experience under their belts. The couple were hired as writers at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (the youngest in the show's history) shortly after leaving college, where their graduation speech – a scripted bit about breaking up – went viral. 'We learned how to write professionally, writing a million jokes just to get one on screen,' Shaw says. After two-and-a-half years with Fallon, they pitched their idea – ' Big Mouth in live-action for your early 20s' – to Nick Kroll (Big Mouth, The League), who now serves as the show's executive producer. ' Big Mouth [which follows a group of young teenagers through puberty and is ending this month ] came out when we were in college, and it was so formative for us,' Kronengold says. 'We were like, 'This is the filthiest show we've ever seen, and yet we're crying at a dick joke.'' Shaw adds: 'Nick is such a genius at combining all of that horrifying vulnerability of a specific time of life with a lot of art and a lot of joy … He's really taught us how to find the warmth and the humanity within the raunch.' Naturally, the pair have a lot of love for the characters they've created. And not just because they've 'very much borrowed' from the lives of real people they know. 'At its core, I think Adults is a love letter to our generation and to our friends,' Shaw says. Loading 'What we've found is people are deriving meaning from a lot of different places these days. And it doesn't mean that they're any more apathetic [a common stereotype of Gen Z], but it does mean they've taken a critical look at what gives them pleasure and what they derive purpose from.' 'Anton [Owen Thiele] has a high-powered, well-paying job … But he's struggling romantically. Billy [Freyer] thought she was a careerist, but then she's suddenly trying to find another big answer to her 20s. Samir [Malik Elassal] couldn't care less. He just wants to go to the park and can't believe that he's not 12 any more. 'We see all of those POVs on adulthood represented in our friends, and we wanted to see them on screen as well.' Much of this – particularly for Billie – comes to a head in the show's sixth episode, which stars New York it girl Julia Fox playing herself, and is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Sanaz Toossi. Fox is a real delight, with Kronengold revealing many of her lines were improvised – including one 'psychotic burn' I won't spoil. But the heart of it, from Toossi's script, revolves around a chaotic dinner party. Loading Billie's desperate attempt to cook a roast chicken recalls Rachel Green making a trifle with beef and onions and Hannah Horvath preparing organic pad thai for her best friend's ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend. As specific as the experiences are, the feeling – of striving for a more evolved version of yourself – is universal. 'There's a reason why people keep making these shows,' Shaw says.
Sydney Morning Herald
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Gen Z Friends? This new comedy is ‘a love letter to a generation'
It's been 30 years since Friends ′ Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) burst into Central Perk for the first time, having just fled the altar, to join the rest of her eventual gang of twenty-something Gen Xers bemoaning their dating (and divorce) woes. And 13 years have passed since Hannah Horvath (Lena Dunham), high on opium and cut off from the bank of mum and dad, declared she was the 'voice of [her] generation – or at least a voice of a generation' in the pilot of Girls. Now, almost right on cue, we have a show about the next generation of young New Yorkers who are Figuring It Out. Adults, a new eight-part comedy, follows five twenty-something friends sharing a (parent's) house in Queens (no one this age can afford to live in Brooklyn any more, let alone the rent-controlled apartments Monica et al had in Manhattan). Our first impression of the crew? As co-creator Rebecca Shaw says, 'The cold open of the pilot is a man masturbating at the group on the subway, and Issa [Amita Rao] deciding to masturbate back at him to make this grand political statement. 'But just as important to us, is the scene right after it. Issa is walking with her friends, completely embarrassed, saying, 'Was that bad? Was that crazy?' And everyone's reassuring her saying, 'No, that was amazing. Now let's go because you are going to get arrested.' '[The show is about] that symbiosis of those two parts of young adulthood: the discomfort of wading through something strange, and then knowing your friends will be there for you on the other side of it.' That first episode also includes a friend getting molested at work and rocketing to stardom, prompting Billie (Australian actor Lucy Freyer) to Google, 'How to be the v of your g' (voice of your generation) – a winky reference to Dunham's iconic line. 'We grew up on Friends, Seinfeld, Living Single and then Broad City and Girls, all of these friend group comedies,' says Shaw, who created Adults with her longtime writing/romantic partner Ben Kronengold. 'It's our favourite genre of television.' Loading Adds Kronengold: 'We bonded over it very early in our friendship and relationship. We were fans, but also students of the thing. Even the name, Adults, is kind of an homage to the genre.' But that specific Girls reference, he says, isn't just a hat tip; it speaks to the Gen Z 'memeification' of everything that has come before. 'Our generation has that media as part of our DNA and [it contributes to] the pressures we have about our own experiences in adulthood,' he says. 'Billy would have watched those same shows that we're talking about right now. It's hard to escape the language and media literacy of this time.' In fact, when the show was pitched in 2021 it was titled Snowflakes – a disparaging zeitgeist-y term that spoke to Gen Z's supposed heightened sensitivities. Shaw and Kronengold, aged 29 and 28, are part of a growing group of zillennial creatives bringing stories about young adulthood to the screen. TikTok's Benito Skinner has just released Overcompensating, which is based on his experiences hiding his sexuality in college, while Rachel Sennott's long-awaited HBO comedy about 'a codependent friend group' is widely anticipated as a Girls successor. But, despite their age, the duo behind Adults have some solid experience under their belts. The couple were hired as writers at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (the youngest in the show's history) shortly after leaving college, where their graduation speech – a scripted bit about breaking up – went viral. 'We learned how to write professionally, writing a million jokes just to get one on screen,' Shaw says. After two-and-a-half years with Fallon, they pitched their idea – ' Big Mouth in live-action for your early 20s' – to Nick Kroll (Big Mouth, The League), who now serves as the show's executive producer. ' Big Mouth [which follows a group of young teenagers through puberty and is ending this month ] came out when we were in college, and it was so formative for us,' Kronengold says. 'We were like, 'This is the filthiest show we've ever seen, and yet we're crying at a dick joke.'' Shaw adds: 'Nick is such a genius at combining all of that horrifying vulnerability of a specific time of life with a lot of art and a lot of joy … He's really taught us how to find the warmth and the humanity within the raunch.' Naturally, the pair have a lot of love for the characters they've created. And not just because they've 'very much borrowed' from the lives of real people they know. 'At its core, I think Adults is a love letter to our generation and to our friends,' Shaw says. Loading 'What we've found is people are deriving meaning from a lot of different places these days. And it doesn't mean that they're any more apathetic [a common stereotype of Gen Z], but it does mean they've taken a critical look at what gives them pleasure and what they derive purpose from.' 'Anton [Owen Thiele] has a high-powered, well-paying job … But he's struggling romantically. Billy [Freyer] thought she was a careerist, but then she's suddenly trying to find another big answer to her 20s. Samir [Malik Elassal] couldn't care less. He just wants to go to the park and can't believe that he's not 12 any more. 'We see all of those POVs on adulthood represented in our friends, and we wanted to see them on screen as well.' Much of this – particularly for Billie – comes to a head in the show's sixth episode, which stars New York it girl Julia Fox playing herself, and is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Sanaz Toossi. Fox is a real delight, with Kronengold revealing many of her lines were improvised – including one 'psychotic burn' I won't spoil. But the heart of it, from Toossi's script, revolves around a chaotic dinner party. Loading Billie's desperate attempt to cook a roast chicken recalls Rachel Green making a trifle with beef and onions and Hannah Horvath preparing organic pad thai for her best friend's ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend. As specific as the experiences are, the feeling – of striving for a more evolved version of yourself – is universal. 'There's a reason why people keep making these shows,' Shaw says.
Forbes
03-04-2025
- General
- Forbes
3 Reasons Why You Should Find Your ‘Third Place' — By A Psychologist
The key to social well-being might lie in finding your 'third place.' Here's why these social hubs ... More are essential for happiness in an increasingly lonely world. Between the demands of work and the comfort of home, there's another space where life happens — a place where you can unwind and connect. This is what sociologist Ray Oldenburg called the 'third place' — a setting outside of home (the first place) and work (the second place) that offers community and a sense of belonging. Oldenburg introduced the concept of the 'third place' in The Great Good Place (1989), highlighting how public spaces like coffee shops, bars and bookstores facilitate social connection. He later expanded on this in Celebrating the Third Place (2000), showcasing real-world examples of their impact. Oldenburg identified key traits of third places: they are neutral ground, open to all, free from status pressures and encourage lighthearted conversation. Think of Central Perk from the TV show Friends — the coffee shop where the characters gathered daily, not just for coffee but for connection, comfort and a break from their everyday lives. This is a classic example of a third place: familiar yet energizing, social yet pressure-free. Whether it's a café, a park, a library or a gym, your third place is somewhere you frequent — a space that allows you to reset and recharge. Here's how having a third place impacts your well-being and how to find your own. A third place can be a powerful tool for combating loneliness by offering individuals a space to connect with others. For many, especially those who may lack strong social support networks, third places offer a sense of belonging. Engaging in social interactions in these settings provides a sense of community, making people feel seen and connected. Research published in the Journal of Service Research found that third places, like malls, diners or cafés, help combat loneliness by providing spaces for social interaction and emotional support. Researchers suggest these environments can create 'commercial friendships' between consumers and staff, especially in older adulthood. Additionally, third places can help create rituals and traditions among friends, which are vital for nurturing strong friendships. By routinely meeting up in the same place — whether it's a weekly coffee at a café or an afternoon walk in the park — individuals create a sense of consistency and connection. These rituals offer a structured way to maintain and deepen friendships, providing both emotional and social benefits. Over time, these traditions become more than just meetings; they evolve into significant emotional touchstones, contributing to overall well-being and combating loneliness. Research published in Applied Research in Quality of Life shows that when third places are accessible to a community, it enhances their quality of life. The sense of community and belonging that comes from engaging with such spaces plays a crucial role in shaping your emotional well-being. These spaces provide a sense of security where you can connect with others freely, knowing you can be yourself without the pressures of life. In a third place, you're also more likely to find yourself surrounded by people who share common interests or values, which creates a safe environment where people tend to feel understood and appreciated. This can contribute to feelings of comfort and confidence, as you might be able to find solace in knowing you belong to a group that values you, whether it's a group of regulars at a coffee shop or a group at a local gym. Additionally, third places allow you to engage in activities you enjoy, often with those you care about. Whether it's participating in a local book club, enjoying creative workshops, attending a fitness class or simply spending time in familiar spaces with friends, these places offer opportunities for both self-expression and creativity. The shared experience of doing something enjoyable together enhances the bond between individuals, providing a foundation for lasting friendships and community ties. Ultimately, third places allow supportive social networks and individual well-being to thrive. In these settings, people often engage in meaningful conversations that offer emotional support and motivation. These interactions can be incredibly valuable, especially in times of stress or uncertainty. A third place serves as an essential refuge, providing individuals with a much-needed break from the demands of daily life. These spaces are intentionally designed to offer a sense of comfort and detachment from routine pressures of work, home or other responsibilities, encouraging people to unwind and recharge. Oldenburg's The Great Good Place (1989) highlights how third places function as 'neutral ground,' where people can socialize informally and experience a sense of belonging. By engaging in relaxed conversations and communal activities, individuals can enjoy moments of reprieve from life's stresses. This is especially important for emotional well-being, as social support and interpersonal connections play a vital role in relieving feelings of anxiety and tension. The relaxed nature of third places provides a sanctuary where people can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or expectations. Whether it's through casual chats with familiar faces or engaging in group activities that spark creativity and joy, these spaces encourage a sense of emotional relief. This sense of emotional support, paired with the physical act of relaxing in a comfortable setting, can significantly reduce stress and promote mental clarity. Finding a third place that suits your needs can significantly enhance your social connectedness and overall well-being. Here's how you can find your own: By intentionally finding a third place that resonates with you, you cultivate a space that nurtures both your social and mental health. Wondering how connected you are to those around you? Take this science-backed test to find out: Social Connectedness Scale
Buzz Feed
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Time To PIVOT! Your Weekend Plans — The "Friends" Sydney Experience Is Sticking Around For A Bit Longer
It's time to round up your Monica, Chandler, Rachel, Ross and Phoebe and reenact your favourite Friends moments* at this themed experience in Sydney. *Your mates actually told us to tell you that you're Joey. Step into the Central Perk gang's shoes and relive a day in their iconic apartments. You can score a pic just like this, regardless of how many of your besties you're bringing along: Or, see if you can understand Ross' POV while 'carrying' the infamous "PIVOT!" couch up a tough flight of stairs. At the very least you'll need to have a seat in front of the fountain and remake the opening credits. Sync up your claps and memorise the lyrics, you CANNOT mess this one up. There's photo ops and nostalgia galore, wherever you turn and it's the perfect opportunity to geek out over one of the shows that defined a generation. You can also solve the mystery of Ross and Rachel's "break" by standing where she once stood. Ticketek But if you're pressed for time and still want a limited edition experience, take it home from the gift shop. Pick up exclusive Friends merch — whether you have a ticket or not. Ticketek The Friends Experience: The One In Sydney is sticking around 'til after the ANZAC Day long weekend — so, don't be like Ross and Rachel taking a break, get off the couch and get to The Fullerton Hotel before it's over.
