This year marks the 30th anniversary of Friends, one of the most popular and beloved sitcoms in the history of television. The NBC series first aired on September 22, 1994, and concluded on May 6, 2004. And even though more than two decades have passed since, Rachel Green, Monica Geller, Phoebe Buffay, Joey Tribbiani, Chandler Bing, and Ross Geller continue to influence pop culture. Fans even speculate what their lives might look like today, including their children, who would now be all grown up. The one question that lingers is: will we ever see a new generation of Gellers, Bings, and Buffays return to the screen?
Recently, Friends creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with executive producer Kevin Bright appeared on the Today show to discuss the show’s enduring legacy. According to People, Bright addressed the inquiries from pre-teen fans about the reboot by remaining firm that it would not happen. Crane, particularly, wants to leave the show untouched.
“We get that a lot. I get emails about it all the time. Everybody has a great idea and the great idea is: their kids, grown up, doing a Friends show.”
By the time Friends ended, each main character had become a parent, making the idea of a reboot featuring their children not entirely far-fetched. Ross had his son Ben with his ex-wife Caron, and later, a daughter named Emma with Rachel. Phoebe gave birth to triplets as a surrogate for her brother. Monica and Chandler adopted twins, Jack and Erika. So, while the concept of next-generation Friends is intriguing, it will probably remain a fantasy. In Crane’s words when following up on the chances of that kind of reboot happening, “Oh, no. No, no, no.”
Friends Cast Feels Nostalgic Looking Back On The Show
The series finale of Friends did not just conclude a beloved sitcom but also marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that remains unmatched. Towards the end, each of the characters enters a new chapter in their lives. Monica and Chandler moved to the suburbs; Ross and Rachel rekindled their romance; Joey and Phoebe delivered a poignant farewell filled with laughter and tears as well.
The stars of the show may have pursued various projects in their times since the show’s end. Tragically, Matthew Perry passed away last year and left Chandler Bing behind as part of his passion and resilience. Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffy, recently revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that she had begun rewatching the series and shared her reflections by saying:
“Honestly, I wasn’t able to watch it because it’s too embarrassing to watch yourself. But, if I make it about Matthew, then that’s OK. And it’s just celebrating how hilarious he was – and that is what I want to remember (about him).”
Jennifer Aniston also expressed her emotions regarding the show’s 30th anniversary in an interview with Variety by saying, “It’s so strange to even think that it’s 30 years old. Because I remember the day that it was going to premiere on NBC, but, the excitement we had, it feels like yesterday. The fact that it’s had this long, wonderful life and it still means a lot to people is one of the greatest gifts I think all five of us – all six of us – we never could imagine. And we all see each other. I talked on FaceTime with Court last night for an hour, and Lisa and the boys, and we just have a really – it’s family forever.”
As Friends reaches a television milestone, the nostalgia is palpable, with fans echoing the same feelings and sentiments as the cast, rewatching their favorite episodes, and reminiscing about their favorite moments.
