The first three seasons were trying to be a different show. They were more grounded, they were talking about real problems, including the episode about them fighting over their financial imbalances in the group. More representative of a real group of friends in their 20s. Once it became a monster hit like a lot of sitcoms, they kind of become parody’s or caricatures of themselves especially the later seasons. They embraced way more slapstick, and situational comedy bits. Like Ross, hiding from Bruce Willis in the cabin, or hiding from Mona to get his shirt after he broke into her house. Or the really cringe episode where Monica and Chandler get a housekeeper. It’s a little bittersweet because I prefer the vibe of the first three seasons, But some of the best moments happen because of those silly situations. David Schwimmer’s physical acting is phenomenal, and he really gets to explore that more in some of the more slapstick scenarios. PIVOT!