You're Lucky You're Funny: How Life Becomes a Sitcom

Book Description

The creator and executive producer of Everybody Loves Raymond dissects the art of comedy and the making of a sitcom classic

In television, where programs can premiere and disappear in the same week, Everybody Loves Raymond reigned as America's best-loved show for nine years with more than seventeen million viewers. As the number-one sitcom, it received more than seventy Emmy nominations, including two wins for best comedy. With You're Lucky You're Funny, Phil Rosenthal takes us onstage and inside the writer's room.

Rosenthal's meteoric ascent was preceded by odd jobs, including a stint as a museum security guard, running a deli, and writing for a slew of forgettable shows—including one starring Robert Mitchum as a curmudgeonly homeless man taken in by two orphans. But when he met comedian Ray Romano, they discovered a shared lifetime of family dysfunction—and endless material for a sitcom.

Not only a chronicle of one man's rise to the peak of his profession, Rosenthal's book is also an unprecedented look at the making of a hit series: how shows are written and character developed, how comedy is refined, how network executives are outsmarted, and most important, how egos are massaged. You're Lucky You're Funny is an inspiration to anyone involved in the creative process and a must read for the show's millions of devoted fans. BACKCOVER: Advanced Praise:

“In the Prologue, Mr. Rosenthal says `No one listens to me. Maybe the reader will...' You should! He is the real deal, both as a human being and as an artist of comedy.”
—Henry Winkler

"I read YOU'RE LUCKY YOU'RE FUNNY and loved it! If you had the Everybody Loves Raymond bug during its 9 year run, this is the love letter you've been waiting for. If you've missed the bug, read it at the risk of being bitten and smitten."
—Norman Lear

Customer Reviews:

If you liked Raymond.......2007-08-25

It is a must have book. Even if not, there are a lot of good stories on showbiz, and his life as well. Good read.

An Entertaining Read for ELR Fans.......2007-06-12

I think this book would appeal to fans of "Everybody Loves Raymond". For some parts it talks about the struggles of Phil Rosenthal's early days as an aspiring actor cum writer. His experiences before he found success are recorded with humor and insight. However the most entertaining parts were when he recounted how some of my favorite episodes came about. It is like a keepsake for an ELR fan.

Everyone loves Phil....not!.......2007-05-06

Haven't read a book in years I am ashamed to say. However, a portion of this book was in the Reader's Digest recently and was fascinating, if you are a devotee of "Everyone Loves Raymond," Thought I would get it and it would collect dust, like the other books I purchase. Nope, I read it in 3 nites. Not sure why this book didn't soar, or at least I never heard about it. Phil Rosenthal permeates every episode of the Raymond series....you can see that clearly here.

This book is great.......2007-03-12

......one of the funniest books I have ever read. If you are a fan of
ELR, this is a must-read. Good job, Phil!!!!

good story, annoying voice.......2007-02-19

I thought a humor book would have an edge as a book on CD, but the cadence of the author's voice is off-putting. It's like listening to Jackie Mason Lite. Good stories about the behind-the-scenes life of a comedy writer if you can get past the voice of Phil Rosenthal.

Average customer rating:

A Solid Book
I scanned it straight to the money
Inspiring to all students of writing.
Sitcoms from the ground up
A must-read for would-be sitcom writers

Writing TV Sitcoms
Evan S. Smith
Manufacturer: Perigee Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0399525335

Book Description

With guidance from top sitcom producers and examples straight from the screen, this book can help anyone write, revise--and sell--a script.

With twenty years in the business--as a writer, programming executive, and university instructor--Evan Smith knows what it takes to get from spec script to sitcom success. Here he offers the first published description of Premise-Driven Comedy, the writing method he has developed and popularized; tips from writer-producers who have worked on series from "Frasier" to "The Cosby Show" to "Roseanne;" a complete story outline from the series "Home Improvement;" explicit advice on how the business works and how to get an agent; and script layout guidelines for all three sitcom formats.

Clear, comprehensive, and cutting-edge, this is the true insider's guide to becoming a sitcom writer. Who knows--it might just be the book that inspires the world's next Seinfeld!

* Includes examples from classic and contemporary sitcoms, tips from successful writer-producers, and a complete "Home Improvement" story outline
* An author with twenty years of experience in the business
* Advice on both the business and creative aspects of a sitcom-writing career, including a discussion of Premise-Driven Comedy, Smith's innovative new writing technique

Customer Reviews:

A Solid Book.......2005-10-02

Although it has an unfortunate title (who the hell wants to write sitcoms? - aren't they supposed to be dead?), this book is one of the better resources on the subject of television writing in general. It paints a very realistic picture of the business and acknowledges some of the changes that are taking place within the industry. This is a good book for someone who already knows how to write a solid script, but who'd like to learn more about the TV biz.

I scanned it straight to the money.......2001-04-13

I scanned right throught the pages like I needed the cool breeze and stopped on the "how much will I make" page and well, it looks good to me. I also looked in other areas of the book and before I even read it I know it's exactly what I was looking for. A must for even a dream sitcom writer like me. This is a real shortcut, it covers all the information you will ever need.

Inspiring to all students of writing........2001-01-13

Evan Smith introduces Writing Television Sitcoms as the all-in-one writer's guide to sitcoms. It sounds heavy, but honestly true. There is no aspect of TV sitcom writing a student, or otherwise, could dream up a question for which Smith doesn't have an answer. He covers how to create a sitcom, write it, and sell it. And in the first chapters he even details how anyone can make a career in writing. You will find yourself beaming with childlike enthusiasm as your eyes run through Writing Television Sitcoms.

Sitcoms from the ground up.......2000-09-24

Smith goes right to the foundations of sitcom writing, and leads his reader through all the steps to a funny, saleable product. He explains his 'premise-driven comedy' in terms a beginner can comprehend and put to immediate use; a pro will find suggestions for boosting his batting average, and will recognize the voice of someone who's been there, and done that. Kudos to Smith

A must-read for would-be sitcom writers.......2000-09-21

This book is very well-organized, well-written and very informative. I have found that I refer to it often. It is worth the investment if you are serious about sitcom writing.

The Eight Characters of Comedy: A Guide to Sitcom Acting And Writing

Average customer rating:

The EIght Character of Comedy is a Winner!
Finally!
This is the key to comedy!
Read this book!
great!

The Eight Characters of Comedy: A Guide to Sitcom Acting And Writing
Scott Sedita
Manufacturer: Atides Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0977064107

Book Description

At the core of this Hollywood howto guide is the concept of The Eight Characters of Comedy, the eight specific character archetypes used in sitcoms dating back to the advent of TV. Every actor can find a sitcom niche by identifying with one of these eight characters. Using past and current actors and sitcom personalities, Sedita describes in detail where these characters come from and how actors can play them truthfully. * who is normally cast as The Logical Smart One' * why do we love The Lovable Loser' * why is The Neurotic such a fun character to play' In addition, readers learn how to break down a comedy script, how to identify different types of jokes, how to deliver them with comedic precision, sitcom auditioning techniques, and how to market themselves.

Customer Reviews:

The EIght Character of Comedy is a Winner!.......2007-03-09

The "Eight Characters of Comedy" by Scott Sedita was absolutely fantastic! The book was incredibly informative to a writer and an actor, but also gives the audience/reader such an insight to how tv shows and film are created. It's a wonderful book. I recommend it to all!

Finally!.......2007-02-06

I mean, seriously. Someone FINALLY sat down and wrote a book that deconstructs all the different characters (there's 8, by the way) that appear in comedy, sitcoms specifically. Sedita manages to set forth a simple, concise, easy-to-read (AND understand) method to determining, from an acting standpoint, WHICH character you are (I'm, surprisingly, a "lovable loser" and not, as I had hoped and dreamed, a "womanizer"), and which specific traits are most often and commonly associated with PLAYING these characters ("hopeful" and "optimistic" are two big ones for the "lovable loser"). I can only begin to tell you how incredibly helpful this book has been in my audition preparation and my character creation. If you've ever thought about acting, especially in comedy, PICK UP THIS BOOK!

This is the key to comedy!.......2007-02-02

Now I truly understand comedic timing! Sedita is a master at communicating the true technique of the comedic actor and how to apply it to your performance. I learned more from this book about acting than any other acting book I have read. He writes in simple straight forward terms that any actor can use to improve their performance and truly makes you respect the great comedic actors of our time. Thanks Scott!

Read this book!.......2007-01-18

Scott Sedita's Eight Characters of Comedy provides the actor and/or writer wonderful tools for making sit-com characters come alive! All artists interested in the world of sit-com will benefit from this book! And it's fun to read, too - Unique and incredibly insightful!

great!.......2006-12-04

just skimmed through the book and can see it is insightful, awesome, and will change your life/acting! even if you are a sitcom buff, not an actor, you should get this book. you will enjoy finding out about your fave characters. will write another review when i've read it. that Sedita is a genius!

Average customer rating:

.. there's hope for all who enter here
I CAN make a career of it!
Perky Patty Parkerson is pleased with this purchase!
A Must Read!
The only book on sitcoms that tells the complete truth

The Sitcom Handbook
Phil Ramuno , Henry Winkler , and Mary Lou Belli
Manufacturer: Back Stage Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0823028747

Book Description

From two veteran television directors, here is a comprehensive career handbook to the most popular form of comedy in the world: the television sitcom. Revealed are the rules, the language, and the traditions of this popular art form and how the pacing, jokes, and dialogue in a sitcom differ from those in film and theater. The authors walk readers through a typical, five-day sitcom schedule and offer a colorful, first-person account of what it feels like to be on the set. Most importantly, they offer insider information on how to launch a career in this exciting industry. Included are profiles of several behind-the-scenes careers in television, complete with information about salary, educational requirements, career track, and how to break-in. The Sitcom Career Book will show readers why working on a sitcom is one of the best jobs in Hollywood.

Customer Reviews:

.. there's hope for all who enter here.......2006-12-27

This book is a must read for students contemplating the change to the real world of television employment. Concise, compassionate and clear, I recommend this volume to all the students who come my way.

I CAN make a career of it!.......2006-10-27

This book has inspired me to achieve my dream to become a working actor in Hollywood. At times, it's a challenging path, but this book offers practical and thoughtful tips that will help me to advance my career to the next level. Thank you for giving us this gem of a book, Mary Lou Belli and Phil Ramuno!

Perky Patty Parkerson is pleased with this purchase!.......2006-02-23

This is a must have for actors and writers interested in making a career in sitcoms. Mary Lou Belli and Phil Ramuno thoroughly explain the specifics of each day on a sitcom set. They illustrate the different types of jokes and define what makes each of them funny. And, they pepper the book with fun, informative anecdotes. I will read this book again and again! Mostly, because I can never remember anything... But still, the book is that good!

A Must Read!.......2004-11-24

There's nothing better than learning and laughing put together. Mary Lou Belli has created a sitcom textbook that everyone in the television industry (not just the actor), should have in their library. From the costume designer & script superviser to the writer & technical coordinator, everyone who plays a part in making a sitcom successful is discussed. You'll learn sitcom terminology and have fun reading comments and stories from legends. There are even quizzes! But all fun! No pulling teeth with this one. Thank you Mary Lou and Phil for this informative book. I'm now ready to go get my sitcom!

The only book on sitcoms that tells the complete truth.......2004-07-14

The authors leave no stone unturned as they walk you through every aspect of sitcoms. Required reading for anyone looking to break in.

Sitcom Style: Inside America's Favorite TV Homes

Average customer rating:

good but could be better
Great finds
Sitcom Style: Inside America's Favorite TV Homes
Insightful and Surprisingly Functional
Snooping on the Sitcom Set

Sitcom Style: Inside America's Favorite TV Homes
Diana Friedman
Manufacturer: Clarkson Potter
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Gallery of Regrettable Food

ASIN: 1400051789
Release Date: 2005-11-22

Book Description

All the Style of Famous TV Homes, Now in Yours!

From Archie Bunker’s Barcalounger to the framed peephole on Friends, sitcom decor sets the tone of our favorite shows—and defines the lives of its characters. Now Sitcom Style brings you a behind-the-scenes peek inside more than two dozen of the most recognizable homes in American pop culture: the sets of our favorite TV shows from the past half-century.

The sets of situation comedies aren’t just a collection of random props that surround the actors; they’re statements of style. They’re designed to convey a particular mood, to both reflect and enhance the personalities of the people who live in them—just like anyone’s home. So Sitcom Style is more than a glimpse into a make-believe world; it’s also a fascinating exploration of how to bring personal style into your own living room. Set designers share their secrets and strategies for creating some of the most thought-out homes in America, and you can learn how to recreate these styles in your own home, complete with shopping resources!

What’s more, Sitcom Style is also a nostalgic stroll through the most beloved locations in the American consciousness. From the early days of I Love Lucy, The Addams Family, and I Dream of Jeannie through seventies’ favorites like Three’s Company and Happy Days to the eighties’ The Cosby Show and Roseanne and recent megahits like Friends, Sex and the City, and Will & Grace, Sitcom Style is an at-a-glance look at how America has lived for the past fifty years. And for true TV buffs, each chapter includes information on the set designers, years of production, favorite quotes, and trivia.

A completely unique combination of pop culture and interior design, Sitcom Style is a must whether you love the TV world or want to spice up your own decor at home.

Customer Reviews:

good but could be better.......2006-03-15

Overall, the book is good and gives access to information and pictures you cannot find anywhere else. However, I expected more pictures and less text. Pity that some of sitcoms mentioned were not illustrated at all. I bought this book specifically to get decent pictures of Frasier's filming set but was disappointed - the set is so fabulous it almost deserves a separate book on itself, and all it got was a couple of less than perfect photos.

Great finds.......2006-02-25

This book was well stocked with information on not only how these imaginative places were decorated but also where to purchase them in reality. I have sometimes saw an item on TV and wondered where it could be found and this book tells you. It is definately a read more than once book. I thouroughly enjoyed this book.

Sitcom Style: Inside America's Favorite TV Homes.......2006-01-30

I absolutely love this book!! If you are a TV fanatic like me you will like this book too. It shows you different sitcom homes and the decor and talks about how they are decorated and gives you pointers if you want to decorate the same way.

Insightful and Surprisingly Functional.......2005-12-12

Sitcom Style provides an in-depth look at the process, styles and techniques utilized by set designers to make the unknown television character immediately familiar to the television audience. The book strikes a perfect balance between trivia on some of the most famous pieces of furniture ever seen on television, such as Archie Bunker's chair, and close ups of the actual technical diagrams used by television producers.

Ms. Friedman's lucid explanations on the relationship between a television character's projected personality and a set designers choice of furniture and layout, provides valuable insight into the design of any living space. Detailed deconstructions of various sets, such as the open layout of Frasier's sophisticated living room or the use of a club chair to project the assured confidence of Murphy Brown, end up being valuable guides in how to project your own sense of character in your personal living space. The inclusion of a buying guide at the end of the book with accompanying websites and phone numbers is helpful as well.

While the book already does a great job of providing decorative insight along with television history, one would hope the author would do another book with even more home decoration tips. My only detraction would be the failure to examine some of the more popular canine abodes on television.

Strongly suggested as a holiday gift to anyone who enjoys television history and trivia, home decoration and style, or both!

Snooping on the Sitcom Set.......2005-11-29

I always enjoyed when Entertainment Weekly would go behind the scenes of a popular show and call out the details of its set -- the books and knickknacks on the shelves, the pictures on the fridge, the paintings on the walls. Here we have an entire book of close-up looks at sitcom sets from the last 40+ years. It's a fascinating, guilt-free trip inside your favorite homes. I could do without the decorating tips, but the backstage trivia makes for a fun read.

The Women Who Made Television Funny: Ten Stars of 1950s Sitcoms

Average customer rating:

A Winner

The Women Who Made Television Funny: Ten Stars of 1950s Sitcoms
David C. Tucker
Manufacturer: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786429003
Release Date: 2007-01-17

Product Description

Most of the bright and talented actresses who made America laugh in the 1950s are off the air today, but their pioneering Hollywood careers irrevocably changed the face of television comedy. These smart and sassy women successfully negotiated the hazards of the male-dominated workplace with class and humor, and the work they did in the 1950s is inventive still by today's standards. Unable to fall back on strong language, shock value, or racial and sexual epithets, the female sitcom stars of the 1950s entertained with pure talent and screen savvy. As they did so, they helped to lay the foundation for the development of television comedy. This book pays tribute to 10 prominent television actresses who played lead roles in popular comedy shows of the 1950s. Each chapter covers the works and personalities of one actress: Lucille Ball (I Love Lucy), Gracie Allen (The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show), Eve Arden (Our Miss Brooks), Spring Byington (December Bride), Joan Davis (I Married Joan), Anne Jeffreys (Topper), Donna Reed (The Donna Reed Show), Ann Sothern (Private Secretary and The Ann Sothern Show), Gale Storm (My Little Margie and The Gale Storm Show: Oh! Susanna), and Betty White (Life with Elizabeth). For each star, a career sketch is provided, concentrating primarily on her television work but also noting achievements in other areas. Appendices offer cast and crew lists, a chronology, and an additional biographical sketch of 10 less familiar actresses who deserve recognition.

Customer Reviews:

A Winner.......2007-02-19

If you're a fan of vintage TV history, this book is a must. It's well-researched, wryly written, and downright interesting. It offers insightful profiles on ten of television's most important actresses (Gracie Allen, Eve Arden, Lucille Ball, Spring Byington, Joan Davis, Anne Jeffreys, Donna Reed, Ann Sothern, Gale Storm, Betty White), and provides fascinating details about the early history of television, delving into advertising, networks, contracts, ratings, behind-the-scenes details, and more.

The author deftly combines research, original interviews, and dialogue snippets (after reading this book, you will definitely want to seek out the TV shows). Mr. Tucker, who possesses a wonderful sense of humor, is not shy about bringing out controversial topics such as George Burns' infidelity, Donna Reed's anti-war efforts, Spring Byington's lesbian relationship with Marjorie Main, and Joan Davis' reputation for being difficult. I was surprised at how much I learned from reading this book, and hope for a sequel--Ten More Women Who Made Television Funny.

Successful Sitcom Writing: How To Write And Sell For TV's Hottest Format

Average customer rating:

Not a bad book, but . . .
If you're ready to write, this book will help you focus
Recommended. A focused and concise book on sitcom writing.
TAKE MY WIFE, PLEASE
This tired and insipid book.................................

Successful Sitcom Writing: How To Write And Sell For TV's Hottest Format
Jurgen Wolff , and L. P. Ferrante
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312144261

Book Description

Sitcoms have never been hotter in Hollywood, and the demand for writers has never been greater.With fees starting at $16,000 for a half-hour script, sitcoms can be a lucrative option for freelancers. The hundreds of shows produced every year, each of which needs a team of writers, provide a tremendous opportunity to break into the industry.But successful sitcom writing begins long before Act I, Scene I. Hollywood insider Jurgen Wolff will start you off right. He'll show you why some ideas are promising and some should be rejected immediately, even when they're funny. You'll learn how to analyze and develop characters. And you'll find out how the pros punch up their work with subplots, physical comedy, and timing.The technical ins and outs of the sitcom format are also explained, including act structure, subplots, sets, entrances, and exits. You'll learn the manuscript formats the networks use, so your work will look as professional as it reads. And you'll get solid advice on how to find an agent, take a pitch meeting, and land your script on a producer's desk-- even if you don't live in Los Angeles.Novice and veteran sitcom writers alike keep Jurgen Wolff's book handy. Read it, and you'll see why.

Customer Reviews:

Not a bad book, but . . ........2000-02-18

if you are serious about learning how to write sitcoms, the Evan Smith book "Writing Television Sitcoms" is much better. Smith's book gives better more detailed advice, plus it is more current.

If you're ready to write, this book will help you focus.......1999-11-11

Boy, did I love this book... Mr. Wolff engagingly shares his experience as a veteran of the sit-com world with his audience of hopefuls, and makes it not only understandable but enjoyable. I was especially motivated by his step-by-step exercises designed to free the muse. And even though he was very direct about the chances of an unknown actually selling a show, he made me feel I can -- and will-- succeed. If he's this good on paper, I can only imagine how inspiring he would be in a classroom!

Recommended. A focused and concise book on sitcom writing........1998-09-26

This book gathers the basic information on sitcom writing an a refreshingly straightforward manner. Because of the focus on successful network shows, the examples are necessarily lame. This book focuses on the structural requirements of teleplays as well as applicable business constraints.

This will not teach one how to be funny. No book can. But, as the book states: jokes are easy. Story is hard. This book will help you craft a better sitcom story in a professional manner.

TAKE MY WIFE, PLEASE.......1998-09-04

If you think that is funny.....then you'll love this book.

This tired and insipid book........................................1998-07-24

This book is sorporific. It's humour-free and is as dessicated as the gobi dessert. Wolff and Ferrante are to comedy writing what Ronald Reagan is to rememberance. This tired and insipid book is the broker of an unalloyed satanism. It purports to transform sketchy scrips into something monolithically funny. But their techniques are utterly without value and character. My mother, bless her, has more depth and writing ability than these two charlatans, and she has never picked up a pen or read a book.

Seinfeld, Master of Its Domain: Revisiting Television's Greatest Sitcom

Average customer rating:

About Time Someone Did This!
good compilation of journal articles/essays about seinfeld

Seinfeld, Master of Its Domain: Revisiting Television's Greatest Sitcom

Manufacturer: Continuum International Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0826418031

Book Description

After a slow and inauspicious beginning, Seinfeld broke through to become one of the most commercially successful sitcoms in the history of television.

This fascinating book includes classic articles on the show by Geoffrey O’Brien and Bill Wyman (first published in the New York Review of Books and Salon.com respectively), and a selection of new and revised essays by some of the top television scholars in the US – looking at issues as wide-ranging as Seinfeld’s Jewishness, alleged nihilism, food obsession, and long-running syndication. The book also includes a comprehensive episode guide, and Betty Lee’s lexicon of Seinfeld language.

Customer Reviews:

About Time Someone Did This!.......2007-08-02

Well written with in text refrencing to specific episodes that isn't too invasive. Contains a variety of well written academic essays.

good compilation of journal articles/essays about seinfeld.......2006-11-06

I found this during the tailend of my research for a paper on seinfeld and pop culture, and i wish i had found it first. it brought together many of the articles and book chapters i had found before (although some were reedited for maximum seinfeld discussion)and a bunch that i couldn't find through my university library. it's a great read for anyone interested in the cultural aspects of the show. book also includes a "complete" glossary of seinfeld terms, a complete listing of the episodes with synopses, and many interesting chapters. i liked this study much better than "seinfeld and philosophy," which i thought less captivating. and because many of these articles come from published works (books, scholarly journals) they have been well written and edited. all in all it was the perfect buy for my research.

Friends: The One about the #1 Sitcom: The One About the #1 Sitcom

Average customer rating:

The Entire Ten Seasons!
Great Trivia and Information
Great Book, but Released Too Soon...
A must have book for any Friends fan!
Friends: The One about the #1 Sitcom

Friends: The One about the #1 Sitcom: The One About the #1 Sitcom
Lauren Johnson
Manufacturer: NAL Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Friends 'Til the End: The Official Celebration of All Ten Years
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Best of Friends: The Unofficial Friends Companion

ASIN: 0451209672
Release Date: 2003-05-06

Book Description

Filled with fun facts, sidebars, photos, and hilarious trivia, this Friends scrapbook covers everything from Ross's marriages to Joey's love affair with sandwiches, from Rachel's nose job to her pregnancy, from Monica and Ross dancing "the routine" to Phoebe singing "Smelly Cat." It revisits the ups and downs and unforgettable moments. And it even answers the question that has baffled so many for so long: What is Chandler's job, anyway?

Customer Reviews:

The Entire Ten Seasons!.......2004-05-21

So happy to see the updated book! Love the questions, love the fun facts, love the photos! I'm already planning a post-FRIENDS party - will definitly organize some sort of game with all the questions!

Great Trivia and Information.......2004-03-06

This is a great book for any Friends fan. Lots of background information since the beginning of the show. I hope they continue to update with even more info from the current season.

Great Book, but Released Too Soon..........2003-11-12

This trivia book has just about everything you need to know about Friends. It's not just question and answer, like in the trivia game; this book has multiple choice and fill in the blank questions! Plus, they're much more in depth and difficult to answer!

The questions are divided into seasons 1-9, which would make it easy for someone who missed a season to catch up quickly. Not only that, but there's an episode guide in the back that goes halfway through season 9. That's where the book lacks...

This book should have been released when the series ended. That way, it would be complete. This book doesn't even have the entire ninth season! I think they should have just waited and made a trivia book about the entire series, or at least waited to get the entire ninth. Other than that, this book is amazing, a MUST HAVE for any Friends fan...unless they come out with an update once the show ends.

A must have book for any Friends fan!.......2003-10-30

As a huge Friends fanatic, I just love this book. It's so entertaining! The trivia is divided into nine chapters by each season and there are over a hundred questions pertaining to each season. Scattered throughout the book, you'll find various black & white photos from the show, multiple choice quizzes and bits of trivia (for example, you will find out when Jennifer Aniston's "The Rachel" hairstyle debuted).

In addition to all of the trivia questions, there's an episode guide (which goes all the way up to "The One With the Memorial Service" from the ninth season), eight pages of photos (there are some from the show and others are cast publicity shots), a foreword by Gunther (James Michael Tyler) and more!

"Friends: The One About The #1 Sitcom" is truly a must have for any fan of Friends. Lauren Johnson did a fantastic job of putting this book together.

Friends: The One about the #1 Sitcom.......2003-06-04

Loved It!! It is fun to read the trivia and/or episode synopsis and watch the show to see it, especially if it is something you can't recall. A MUST for any true Friends fan.

Average customer rating:

Pretty Good

Great Tv Sitcom Rev P
Rick Mitz
Manufacturer: Perigee Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0399514678

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Good.......1999-07-03

This book talks about sitcoms from 1950 to 1980. 'The Great TV Sitcom Book' goes into detail for the 2 or 3 most popular shows of the season then gives a brief description of some of the less popular. It is well written and informative. Good as a reference but really needs updating.

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