is an iconic American television sitcom that aired from 1994 to 2004,
captivating audiences worldwide with its blend of humor, heart, and
enduring friendships.
Set in New York City, the show revolves around a tight-knit group of
six friends - Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe - as
they navigate the trials and tribulations of adulthood, careers, and
relationships. From Central Perk, their beloved coffeehouse hangout,
to their quirky apartments, the series explores the highs and lows of
life with wit, charm, and relatable moments. With its memorable
catchphrases, unforgettable characters, and timeless comedic
situations, "Friends" continues to resonate with audiences, making it
a cultural phenomenon that remains beloved by fans old and new.
The NBC show first aired on September 22, 1994, and changed television
history forever. It also made household names — and, eventually, some
of the highest-paid actors on TV — out of its stars: Jennifer Aniston
(Rachel Green), Courteney Cox (Monica Geller), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe
Buffay), Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani), Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing),
and David Schwimmer (Ross Geller). More than 52 million Americans
watched the “Friends” finale on May 6, 2004, making it the
most-watched episode of television in the first decade of the 21st
century. We could probably give you 52 million reasons why “Friends”
is the world’s favorite sitcom.The long list of big names who
guest-starred in “Friends” over the show’s 10-year stint includes
Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Jeff
Goldblum and Sean Penn. Rachel’s sisters were played by Reese
Witherspoon (Jill) and Christina Applegate (Amy), while a then-unknown
Ellen Pompeo.
Fans went crazy in late 2018, when the news broke that “Friends” was
to leave Netflix in 2019. In late 2018, a Change.org petition to bring
the show back was launched, #Justice4Friends started trending, and the
streaming service subsequently paid a reported $100 million to hold
onto the hit. “Friends” remains a favorite with nostalgic 30- and
40-somethings, but it also has a much younger fan base. A new
generation of
bingers can still identify with the characters, and a 2019 survey of
British children aged nine to 16 found that “Friends” was their
favorite series, even though most of them were born long after the
final episode aired.
Everyone’s Favorite Friend Is… Well, it depends who you ask. According
to 117,000 votes on Ranker, Chandler comes out on top, with Joey and
Phoebe taking second and third place, respectively. And a poll of U.K.
viewers in 2018 reached the same conclusion. However, an earlier poll
via Comedy Central’s Twitter feed to mark the end of the epic,
six-week U.K. Friendsfest in 2016, had a different result. Ross
scooped a whopping 25.6 percent of the vote, although Chandler came in
a close second, with 25.4 percent. (Sorry, Monica and Rachel — we do
love you, too.)
Who is your favorite Friend?
