Bob Thompson joined Boston Public Radio to review the week in television, from Ken Burns' new documentary series about country music, to the 25th anniversary of the sitcom "Friends," which remains on Netflix thanks to public outcry from viewers after the streaming service tried to remove it last year.
The show, about a gang of 20-somethings in New York City, aired for the first time on NBC at 8:30 p.m., Sept. 22, 1994.
"'Friends' lasted 10 seasons, more people are watching 'Friends' on Netflix than are watching all the fancy stuff we talk about on Netflix," Thompson said. "So, it was important, and even though so many young people, my students, who have not seen 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' or 'All In The Family,' or 'I Love Lucy,' they've seen 'Friends.' They know Ross and Rachel. ... In spite of its breathtaking lack of diversity, its really uncomfortable treatment of a lot of subjects we've now had our consciousness raised about, it was a pretty exquisitely put together show."
Thompson is founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture and a trustee professor of Television and Popular Culture that the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. During his interview with Boston Public Radio, he also discussed Ken Burns' new documentary series on country music, and the 25th anniversary of 'Friends,' and SNL's decision to hire Shane Gillis, a comedian who has used derogatory racial commentary.
Editor's note: 'Saturday Night Live' announced Monday afternoon that Shane Gillis would not be joining its cast for the upcoming season.
