Ménage Á Pop is a three times a week intimate discussion between two people and a piece of pop culture.
You might know Bob Canning as the debut guest of this podcast or as the cohost of 20TH CENTURY POP! But did you know that, in the 1990s, he was also Tim’s roommate? Together they indulged in escapades worthy of a sitcom audience. But were these just juvenile attempts to mimic TV’s FRIENDS? Or did Matthew Perry straight up steal one of their acts? Well consider that vest cosplay as Bob shares some character traits with one sixth of that ensemble, Chanandler Bong.
You can follow today’s guest BOB CANNING on TWITTER @rhcanning. You can also listen to him cohost the podcast 20TH CENTURY POP! at www.nahpods.com/20popcast.
POP NOTES
The character of Chandler Bing first appeared on the September 22nd 1994 premiere of FRIENDS entitled “The One Where Monica Gets A New Roommate (aka: The Pilot).” It was the fifteenth most watched program of the week airing after the third season premiere of MAD ABOUT YOU and the sixth season premiere of SEINFELD.
Matthew Perry was already an established sitcom actor prior to his audition for FRIENDS. Notable roles included series regular Chazz Russell on the 1987 sitcom BOYS WILL BE BOYS as well Carol’s alcoholic boyfriend Sandy on a season four arc of GROWING PAINS (1989 .
Matthew Perry almost missed out on his opportunity to play Chandler due to a prior commitment to another 1994 pilot L.A.X. 2194. Set in a futuristic baggage claim, this failed sci-fi sitcom also starred Kelly Hu and Ryan Stiles.
In its earliest stages, FRIENDS was intended to be a four person ensemble consisting of Monica, Ross, Rachel and Joey , leaving both Chandler and Phoebe to be reoccurring guest stars. Thanks in part to the cast’s six way chemistry, both parts were bumped up to regulars for the pilot.
As the first season progressed, Chandler’s development was heavily influenced by Matthew Perry’s own personality. This lead to Matthew Perry being a welcomed presence in the writer’s rooms to help pitch plot lines and dialogue for the character.
Prior to Mattew Perry’s casting, other actors considered for the role included John Cryer, Craig Bierko and John Favreau. Coincidentally, Favreau’s friend Vince Vaugn auditioned for the role of Chandler’s roommate Joey Tribbiani. The two would go on to star together in Favreau’s 1996 indie script SWINGERS, after which Favreua guest starred for an arc during FRIENDS’ 4th season.
Tune back Wednesday when Bob analyzes some Penguin Dreams (and stranger things) with the Bloom County mascot, OPUS THE PENGUIN.
This episode of MÉNAGE Á POP was recorded by CAST, an online audio platform that lets you create and record a multi-guest podcast straight from your web-browser. It was then mastered by AUPHONIC, a web-based post-production service. Check out both sights for trial and subscription information.
MUSIC FEATURED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:
“Three Ways To Do That” (opening theme) composed and performed by The Madeline Prior. All rights reserved with Not A Holograms podcasts.
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Try to understand the present while living in the past with Tim’s weekly podcast 20TH CENTURY POP! at www.nahpods.com/20popcast
For questions, queries or, by random chance, press contact Tim Blevins at subcultist@gmail.com.