Deviate with Rolf Potts · Friday, July 3, 2026
The conversation explored the concept of fictional place representation in media, using the TV show 'Friends' and its depiction of Chicago as an example. The hosts debated whether the specific location of fictional places like Dillon in 'Friday Night Lights' matters to the audience, suggesting viewers might project their own ideal locations onto the settings.
“So like when you say like does it matter where Dylan, Texas is?”
“I mean, I think if, you know, maybe I'm giving him too much credit for this, but it's almost like, I think, you know, maybe I'm giving him too much credit for this, but it's almost like we're just gonna have it be an abstraction and then the viewer will decide where he or she thinks it should be.”
“And in the opening sequence of Friends, they go to a Cubs game. They're like going to every sort of cliché tourist place in Chicago.”