It's the 20th anniversary of the last episode of Friends. I wasn’t a Christian when it first came out, but I am now

I still remember where I was on the 29th May 2004. I was 12 and dragged my duvet down stairs onto the sofa. In true noughties style, my Mum had taped the final episode of Friends for me, and I was eager to watch. Simply titled ‘The Last One,’ it ended an era for its stars. Finally resolving Ross and Rachel’s romantic saga, with loose ends being tied up for the rest of the gang. Channel 4 broadcast this iconic ending, with 8.6 million viewers tuning in. The sitcom has now become synonymous with 90s pop culture, giving us comedic references and of course ‘the Rachel’ hair cut.

Since sharing an Instagram reel with a girlfriend, Friends has been on my mind. In the video, a singer had adapted the sitcoms soundtrack, turning it into a worship song. Within our church the show has seen a resurgence, causing me to question its legacy. I started wondering about the lifestyle depicted. “Is it conducive to that of a Christian of woman?” The obvious answer would be ‘no,’ right? So what’s the appeal?

I started wondering about the lifestyle depicted. “Is it conducive to that of a Christian of woman?” The obvious answer would be ‘no,’ right? So what’s the appeal?

Last month, the finale turned 20. In the past two decades since Rachel got off the plane, the sitcom has gained momentum, with a new generation of fans. At its heart, the show is about loving relationship, but its hard to escape the many storylines fuelled by casual sex, drinking and pornography.

Before I became a Christian, I thought the Friends girls were living the dream. That is, until I lived it. For someone with such low self-esteem, this show was a powder keg waiting to explode. I didn’t have ‘the’ job yet, but I met the guys, got the nice apartment and the clothes. I was striving for a reality that was completely fruitless.

As funny and emotive as the TV show can be, we can’t deny its promotion of sin.

I hadn’t learnt that a few drinks with my girlfriends was okay, just not what comes next. As funny and emotive as the TV show can be, we can’t deny its promotion of sin. Now this isn’t a term I’m particularly fond of using. It often makes me recoil in fact, conjuring up stereotypical images of religious fanatics. But as a Christian woman I know sinful behaviour shouldn’t be condoned. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that I want something more substantial, that can only come from God. Drinking to excess or one-night stands are just hollow. Bringing nothing but shame or sadness.

As a young woman, I made mistakes, so I often take programs with a pinch of salt. Meaning that I’m not endorsing the behaviour but I don’t need to hide from it either. It would be like pretending my past hasn’t happened. Shows like these can actually be teachable moments. That being said, the Holy Spirit, on occasion gives me a signal to switch off what I’m watching.

My Christian girlfriends are steadily working through Friends, having been encouraged by others. To some it’s their comfort show or a way to tackle insomnia and fall asleep. Within the Church we are quick to criticise the secular world. I’m now 32 and able to see Friends from a different perspective. I can see the love these women have for each other. The loyalty of always being there, making sacrifices, and the generosity.

So to answer my initial question, ‘relationship’ will be Friends legacy. Despite its age, this comedy has stood the test of time. Putting aside the innuendo or sexual immorality, it’s clear this show has taught women across the world, how to be close friends. And reminded me, that like Mary Magdalene, true friendship with Jesus comes with unconditional love. And he will ‘always be there for you.’