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I'm not saying it doesn't happen.

I'm saying that using TV and movies as a reference for what real life was like in those times (or any time) may not be the best idea.

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I take your point. But remember that TV shows and movies are highlighted at contemporaneous audiences. Unless they’re trying to draw attention to something out of the ordinary, the depictions of day to day life are probably going to be close enough so that at least the audience of the time doesn’t view it as unusual.

This is not true? Neither Friends nor Big Bang Theory are drawing attention to their protagonists living in massively unusual or even impossible setup. And they are as popular as it gets.

I’m not overly familiar with Big Bang Theory, but about Friends it is practically a running joke that the characters are living way beyond what people of their background could afford in new york now or back then.

Now obviously it is explained in universe (it is a rent controlled flat of Monica’s grandma), and the explanation out of universe is clear too (easier to produce the show on a spacious set, and looks better too). But it would kinda mislead you if you take it to show how a chef and waiter realistically used to live in the 90s of NYC.

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