Friends off set

‘I wonder if they’re really friends off set.’

Is it useful to wonder this?

Does it help to speculate like so?

Does it shatter the illusion of the show to investigate this?

I think, at it’s a core, this question is a symptom of a craving for authenticity.

I think once we realise that TV, even reality TV, is prone to artificiality, it’s only natural to feel a bit sceptical.

I think in the rare case where the actors do genuinely get on, it can certainly enhance your enjoyment of a show/film.

You rewatch and delight in the chemistry that is deemed ‘real’.

But 9 times out of 10 I’d say it’s better to simply enjoy the fictional relationship and not destroy the fantasy.