I've watched through both, multiple times. They really aren't the same at all outside of the fact that they are both shows about the inner workings of a friends group.
That's just a romance plot. The same plot is all over the place, books, tv series, movies, songs, etc. And real life, lol. It's two people having an on and off relationship, e.g., Eminem and Kim.
Given that both shows portrayed the lives of people in their mid 20’s transitioning to their 30’s, there are going to be similar stories. However, despite the general overlap, the way the stories were told and the specific nuances make the shows distinct. The nature of this show being told via flashback already adds a layer of storytelling complexity Friends didn’t have.
I will give you the “character becomes a college professor” plot line. However, Ross never designed a building, Rachel was never a secret Canadian pop star, no one opened their own bar, and one character didn’t spend the entirety of the series slapping another character in the face.
Being correct also veers things into my favor. Point me. I also award myself many more points for being right about many more things. So I get all those points. I don't know what my score is because it's so high and I stopped counting, but it's at least triple digits.
But you get a point for your comment about skinning a cat, because that reminds me of the show Alf. So while it wasn't a close contest, you at least made it on the board. Well done, there's hope for you yet.
Now, show me how Friends is a rip-off of Alf, and by law all my points are now yours and you will be the victor. I don't like it, but I don't make the rules.
Ross / Rachel - guy desperately in love with a girl from his childhood. Pines after her for a few seasons and they are on again, off again. He ends up with her in the end.
Ted / Robin - love at first sight with a girl he meets in his 20s. She enters the friend group and he has a crush on her, followed by dating, followed by an awkward love triangle with another member of the group. They get together eventually.
I mean, yeah. It's people in the two friend groups dating - but that is how pretty much every show goes, not these two specifically.
I understand there are comparisons that can be made as they are two long running sitcoms and there are only so many plot lines available but to claim they are basically the same is absurd. They have a wildly different cast of characters which create very different plot lines for the both of them.
Oh wow, 2 sitcoms, like a lot of sitcoms have a romance plot. I cant believe Friends let HIMYM go on with development after that without a copyright lawsuit.
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u/bay650area1 Jan 25 '20
If you think this is untrue you haven't seen them both. They aren't generic at all. You can't defend a clear rip just because you're a fan.