In the 1970s it was "M*A*S*H" vs. "The Brady Bunch," the '80s had "Cheers" vs. "The Wonder Years" and the '90s brought us "Seinfeld" vs. "Home Improvement." Now the battle between "Friends" and "Frasier" has begun. With the two shows ending in May, the debates about which show is better have started to heat up, even at Ball State.
Sophomore Dave Hurdle said "Friends" is too corny and favors "Fraiser" because he finds its comedy more intelligent.
"The jokes are all predictable and the comedy is too mainstream," Hurdle said of "Friends." "They will do anything for a quick laugh using smart little comments from everyone on the show.
"Frasier is more sophisticated and mature. Its comedy is unique and does not compare to any other comedy on television. I catch it every week, and when I don't, I make sure someone tapes it for me."
"Frasier," a spin-off of television classic "Cheers," ends its 11-season run May 13 after one of the most successful comedies ever aired. "Frasier" has racked up a record-setting 31 Emmys, including the all-important Most Outstanding Comedy Series five times in row, also a record.
Many Ball State students disagree with Hurdle, though, and are self-described "Friends" addicts. For example, freshman Shaun Martz has been watching "Friends" since he was in fifth grade.
"I have all the shows either on DVD or tape," Martz said. "I lock the door for every show to make sure no one bothers me, even my roommate. 'Friends' appeals more to the younger audience like college students. Anyone could name all of the 'Friends' characters, and it's always the top-rated show."
"Friends" will be wrapping up its 10th season May 6 after a very successful run on NBC, primarily a part of Thursday's "Must-See TV." Nominated for 55 Emmys, "Friends" has brought home only four.
Telecommunications professor Dom Caristi believes "Frasier" outclasses "Friends," but that both shows are going out at the right time.
"My preference is 'Frasier' because I believe it was a better show," Caristi said. "I do believe both shows could continue, but their quality would undoubtedly decline at some point. Most artists would prefer to quit on their own terms rather than be forced out."
For some viewers, the connection with the shows is more than just entertainment-based; it is more emotional than that. Sophomore Stephanie Wells said she feels like she grew up with the cast of "Friends."
"I love 'Friends' and will be very sad when it's gone," she said. "It's sort of like I've been part of their little family. I'm not very familiar with 'Frasier,' but what I have seen did not catch my attention. It seemed boring."
Syndication wars have already started between the two shows. "Friends" can be seen four times a night, on Fox at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. and on TBS back-to-back starting at 7 p.m. "Frasier" is only shown twice a night on Fox at 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. "Frasier" and "Friends" will soon be gone, but when fans need a fix there will be plenty of reruns to watch.
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