Friendships, relations touch a chord with viewers

TV sitcoms

Was it ‘legen-wait for it-dary’? If we could use Barney Stinson’s terminology to ask you about the climax of the show How I Met Your Mother,  that is exactly how he would put it.

The finale episode of How I Met Your Mother was something its fans were waiting 

for over nine long years. 

 

The popularity of this sitcom, its constant comparison with F.R.I.E.ND.S, and the everlasting wait for Ted Mosby’s life partner eventually came to an end. 

 

But, oh! Was it the end it deserved? 

As Ted returned to Robin, Indian viewers drew a comparison between Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai sort of turnaround in the show. 

 

Going by the social media response, everybody seemed to be disappointed. 

 

To the extent that the makers posted on twitter, “We’re going to include that version on the Complete Series DVD as an alternate finale to How I Met Your Mother- Carter Bays (@CarterBays) April 4, 2014.” 

 

As an immensely popular series came to an end, Metrolife asked Delhi’s youth, how well did they relate to these westernised characters and did they have any Indian equivalent for these shows?

 

There is no dearth of youngsters who swear by HIMYM’s brocode (popular culture inspired by the show for the etiquettes men should follow). 

 

But deeply disappointed with the growth of Barney’s character, Vinamra Bali says, “At some point, I did believe that against all odds we do meet a person who is perfect for us, for whom the rest of the relationships seems as small as a fling. The climax that revealed Barney’s divorce with Robin spoilt it for me.” 

 

She assertively adds, “But the way they portray relationships, there’s no match for it on Indian TV. For me, till date, F.R.I.E.N.D.S continues to be my favourite show; you cannot define its impact on the basis of which generation you 

belong to.” 

 

Palak Arora points out, “Talking about western shows, if you watch Modern Family, you will figure out they show an interesting amalgamation of cultures, where there is a gay couple, a Colombian mother amongst others. Our shows do not show that sort of a mix.

When they target youth, they come up with superficial characters who are just uber cool.”
 

Shows like HIMYM and F.R.I.E.N.D.S are pivoted around relationships amongst friends, that mature over time. Interestingly, the two centre around cafes such as Central Perk or MacClaren where they hang out day in and day out.

 

Chirag Sharma says, “Wherever these characters be based, you can correlate with their lives. So many young boys like me want to emulate Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S and Barney from HIMYM.” 

“As far as Indian shows go, I think quality wise 24 hooked me for the entire season. It may be a different genre compared to relationship-based shows, but I think it made for a compelling watch.”