How popular is U.S. TV? How alive are our characters, especially those in U.S. sitcoms? This alive, that’s how:

‘Friends’ Will Be There For You At Beijing’s Central Perk by Louisa Lim (NPR)
Almost a decade since the end of the hit American TV series Friends, the show — and, in particular, the fictitious Central Perk cafe, where much of the action took place — is enjoying an afterlife in China’s capital, Beijing. Here, the show that chronicled the exploits of New York City pals Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe and Joey is almost seen as a lifestyle guide.