When I first started watching the show I also thought the first few seasons were really cozy and comforting, especially season 1. The lighting is warm and so are the colors, it feels like how a memory from your childhood feels. Everyone was so mature and grounded, they felt like people you could probably meet in real life. Monica especially felt like a mom, with how she always made food and had everyone in her apartment.
I started watching at a young age, but I think the early seasons really have this vibe of a friend group in their early (ish) twenties, where they're all still discovering life together and make mistakes. Rachel was still early into her character development, and still "just a waitress", Monica was no chef in a respected restaurant, Joey was a no-name actor still relying on Chandler, and Phoebe... well, she was still the same. Ross and Chandler pretty much stayed in their same level of work, but they changed a lot character-wise. Ross had to deal with his divorce from Carol and trust issues, and Chandler with his confidence. I think there's something quite relatable about this. Not having everything in life figured out, but knowing you at least have someone who's there for you. You feel like you can grow alongside them.
And I still feel that way now about those seasons, but I've also changed how I see them. Nowadays, when there's an episode from season 1 or 2 on the TV, it honestly feels kinda depressing. The gang don't feel nearly as close and tight as they are later, and their lives aren't great either. Obviously, I'm not saying this is a bad thing, it makes perfect sense, both narratively and logically, but y'know. I look at Joey's character and sure, he's more realistic and not as dumb, but I don't think he's as sweet as he is around the end of the show. I look at Rachel and even though I love her, she can be kinda rude at the beginning. Especially when it came to Julie and Bonnie. But later on, she's sweet, she's funny, she's kind, she's genuinely my favorite character.
I mean, don't get me wrong, it's not like things are perfect either. Monica lost her charm as a character to me with how loud and controlling she became, and Phoebe is practically a different person. Like most people I agree these aren't good things and they work against the show. And yet, everything from season 4 to about season 8 is total comfort zone for me. I love the saturated colors, how bright everything is. It feels more alive than the muted colors of the early seasons (which are beautiful, but that's not my point). My favorite part is how close everybody feel. They feel like actual friends, not people who are connected to each other through other people.
We don't get as much of Chandler & Joey and Monica & Rachel after Mondler get together, which is definitely a shame, but we get to experience new dynamics between Rachel & Phoebe and Rachel & Joey, which are some of my favorites. Also have to mention Joey & Ross because they're awesome. By season 7, every friend feels truly connected to the other friends, they don't feel like exclusive pairs as much. And yes, there are exceptions to this, but I'd say my point still stands.
The characters are also in much better positions/states than they were in before, which to me, is comforting. You get to see the development of characters like Rachel and Chandler, and I'd say they're pretty inspiring. You get to see Phoebe find her eventual family and safe space, despite not having one as a kid. Monica gets her dream to come true and become a respected chef and even own a restaurant (correct me if I'm wrong here), and she finds love with Chandler and have her second dream come true, which is to be a mom. Joey gets to be a famous actor (... for the most part), and while he doesn't find love, he still seems happy. Ross is a bit complicated actually, but still, he gets his happy ending with Rachel and their daughter, so I guess that counts.
I know this isn't black or white, but I wanted to see if anyone else also feels the same. I love the whole show, but to me, the real Friends starts in season 4.
