Remember how in the 90s “The Dude” Big Lebowski, the laziest man in Los Angeles County, was still able to afford his rent. That wasn’t even considered unrealistic back then either, like a few mid-20 year olds could afford a loft in Manhatten off a coffeeshop salary (FRIENDS) the only complaint of realism was their loft was too big.
That purple apartment was rent controlled because officially Monica’s Nana was still living in it and the janitor knew and used this as leverage to make Joey dance with him so that he could impress a girl. Iirc…
I mean that’s not the point but I just wanted to add this. You’re of course correct that times have changed dramatically.
Remember how in the 90s “The Dude” Big Lebowski, the laziest man in Los Angeles County, was still able to afford his rent. That wasn’t even considered unrealistic back then either, like a few mid-20 year olds could afford a loft in Manhatten off a coffeeshop salary (FRIENDS) the only complaint of realism was their loft was too big.
That purple apartment was rent controlled because officially Monica’s Nana was still living in it and the janitor knew and used this as leverage to make Joey dance with him so that he could impress a girl. Iirc…
I mean that’s not the point but I just wanted to add this. You’re of course correct that times have changed dramatically.