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| {{About|the television sitcom|friendship|friendship|other uses}} | |||
| {{pp-move-indef|small=yes}} | |||
| {{Infobox television | |||
| | show_name = Friends | |||
| | image = ] | |||
| | caption = Title screen | |||
| | format = ] | |||
| | creator = ]<br />] | |||
| | executive_producer = David Crane<br />Marta Kauffman<br />] <small>(entire run)</small><br />Michael Borkow <small>(season 4)</small><br />] <small>(season 5)</small><br/>Adam Chase <small>(seasons 5-6)</small><br />Greg Malins <small>(seasons 5-7)</small><br />Wil Calhoun <small>(season 7)</small><br/>Scott Silveri<br />Shana Goldberg-Meehan <small>(both seasons 8-10)</small><br />Andrew Reich<br />Ted Cohen<br><small>(both; mid season 8-season 10)</small> | |||
| | starring = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />] | |||
| | theme_music_composer = Michael Skloff | |||
| | opentheme = "]"<br />by ] | |||
| | location = ] <small>(setting)</small><br>Warner Bros. Studios, ] <small>(filming location)FRIENDS IS THE BEST SHOW IN THE WHOLE WORLD!!!!!!!!!</small> | |||
| | company = ]<br />] | |||
| | country = {{USA}} | |||
| | network = ] | |||
| | runtime = 20–22 minutes (per episode) | |||
| | camera = Film; ] | |||
| | first_aired = {{Start date|1994|9|22}} | |||
| | last_aired = {{End date|2004|5|6}} | |||
| | num_seasons = 10 | |||
| | num_episodes = 236 | |||
| | list_episodes = List of Friends episodes | |||
| | followed_by = '']'' | |||
| | website = http://www2.warnerbros.com/friendstv/container.html | |||
| }} | |||
| '''''Friends''''' is an American ] created by ] and ], which ran on ] from September 22, 1994 to May 6, 2004. The series revolves around a group of friends in the area of ], ]. The series was produced by ], in association with ]. The original executive producers were Crane, Kauffman and ], with numerous others being promoted in later seasons. | |||
| Kauffman and Crane began developing ''Friends'' under the title ''Insomnia Cafe'' in November 1993. They presented the idea to Bright, with whom they had previously worked, and together they pitched a seven-page treatment of the series to NBC. After several script rewrites and changes, the series was finally named ''Friends'' and premiered on NBC's coveted ]. Filming for the series took place at ] in ] in front of a live audience. After ten seasons on the network, the series finale was promoted by NBC, and viewing parties were organized around the US. The series finale (airing on May 6, 2004) was watched by 52.5 million American viewers, making it the fourth most-watched series finale in television history. | |||
| ''Friends'' received positive reviews throughout its run; becoming one of the most popular sitcoms of all time. The series won many awards and was nominated for 63 ]s. The series was also very successful in the ratings, consistently ranking in the top ten in the final primetime ratings. ''Friends'' has made a large cultural impact. The Central Perk coffee house that had featured prominently in the series has inspired various imitations throughout the world. The series continues in syndication worldwide. All 10 seasons are on DVD. The spin-off series '']'' was created to follow up with the series after the finale. | |||
| == Cast and characters== | |||
| {{See also|Characters of Friends}} | |||
| The series featured six main cast members throughout its run, with numerous characters recurring throughout the ten seasons. The main cast members were familiar to television viewers before their roles on ''Friends'', but were not considered to be stars.<ref name="friendsorigin"/> During the series' ten season run, the actors all achieved household name celebrity status.<ref name="castnames">{{cite web|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=31095#compstory|title=''Friends'' heads for much-hyped farewell|accessdate=19 December 2008|author=|date=May 5, 2004|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| * ] portrays ], a fashion enthusiast and Monica Geller's best friend from high school. Rachel and Ross Geller are involved in an on again off again relationship throughout the series. Rachel's first job is as a waitress at the coffee house Central Perk, but she later becomes an assistant buyer at ] and a buyer at ] in season five. At the end of season eight, Rachel and Ross have a child together, which she names Emma. Aniston had already appeared in several unsuccessful sitcom ]s before being cast in ''Friends''.<ref name="friendsorigin"/> | |||
| * ] portrays ], the mother hen of the group,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PBPB&p_theme=pbpb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF87116FDB357D&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Fall TV '94 |accessdate=2009-02-14 |author=Lomartire, Paul |date=September 4, 1994 |work=] |format=Registration required}}</ref> known for her ] and competitive nature.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2004-03-03-revisiting-friends_x.htm |title=''Friends'' played great game of poker |accessdate=2009-02-20 |author=Bianco, Robert |date=March 3, 2004 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article722553.ece |title=Sarey Carey: Does pride in housework make me bad as well as mad? |accessdate=2009-02-20 |date=May 21, 2006 |work=] | location=London}}</ref> Monica is often jokingly teased for having been an extremely overweight child by the others, especially her brother Ross. Monica is a chef who changes jobs often throughout the show, and marries longtime friend Chandler Bing in season seven. Cox had the highest profile career of the main actors when she was initially cast, having appeared in '']'' and '']''.<ref name="friendsorigin"/> | |||
| * ] portrays ], an eccentric ] and musician.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dawn.com/weekly/review/archive/040506/review1.htm |title=Six of the best |accessdate=2009-02-20 |author=Mangan, Lucy |date=May 6, 2004 |work=]}}</ref> Phoebe is known for her self-written guitar songs (which are commonly viewed as awful due to the fact that she is tone-deaf) and for being ditsy yet street smart. In the last season, she marries a character named Mike Hannigan, played by ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000632755 |title=Kudrow has ''Comeback''; Cox, HBO talk |accessdate=2009-02-20 |author=Andreeva, Nellie |date=September 20, 2004 |work=]}}</ref> Kudrow previously played ] on '']'', and reprised the dual role of twin sister Ursula as a recurring character during several episodes of ''Friends''.<ref name="friendsorigin">{{cite web |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/bal-friends-buzz0502,0,495484.story |title=They leave as they began: With a buzz |pages=1|accessdate=23 December 2008|author=Jicha, Tom |date=May 2, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> Before her role on ''Friends'', Kudrow was an office manager and researcher for her father, a headache specialist.<ref name="kudrowcast"/> | |||
| * ] portrays ], a struggling actor and food lover who becomes famous for his role on '']'' as Dr. Drake Ramoray. Joey is a womanizer with many girlfriends throughout the series, and develops a crush on his friend Rachel in season eight. Before his role on ''Friends'', LeBlanc appeared as a minor character in the sitcom '']'', and as a main character in its spin-offs, ''Top of the Heap'' and ''Vinnie & Bobby''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/zap-ronleavittobit,0,4424382.story |title=''Married ... With Children'' Co-Creator Dies |accessdate=23 December 2008|author=McLellan, Dennis |date=February 12, 2008 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| * ] portrays ], an executive in ] and data reconfiguration for a large multi-national corporation. Chandler quits his job and becomes a junior ] at an advertising agency during season nine. Chandler is known for his sarcastic sense of humor,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AC&p_theme=ac&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAEAB624D214A1B&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=''Friends'' Star Finally has Chance to Enjoy Success |accessdate=2009-02-20 |date=March 26, 1995 |work=]}}</ref> and marries longtime friend Monica. Like Aniston, Perry had already appeared in several unsuccessful sitcom pilots before being cast.<ref name="friendstimeline">{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2004-01-21-friends-timeline_x.htm|title=''Friends'' til the end|accessdate=19 December 2008|author=Saah, Nadia |date=January 21, 2004|publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| * ] portrays ], a ] working at a museum of Prehistoric History, and later a ] of paleontology at ]. Ross is involved in an on-off relationship with Rachel throughout the series. Ross also has three failed marriages during the series, which include Rachel, Emily, and his lesbian ex-wife Carol, who is also the mother of his son, Ben. Before being cast in ''Friends'', Schwimmer played minor characters in '']'' and '']''.<ref name="friendsorigin"/> | |||
| Series creator David Crane wanted all six characters to be equally prominent,<ref name="friendsorigin2">{{cite web |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/bal-friends-buzz0502,0,495484.story?page=2 |title=They leave as they began: With a buzz |pages=2|accessdate=23 December 2008|author=Jicha, Tom |date=May 2, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> and the series was lauded as being "the first true 'ensemble' show".<ref name="paidcasttog"/> The cast members made efforts to keep the ensemble format and not allow one member to dominate;<ref name="paidcasttog"/> they entered themselves in the same acting categories for awards,<ref name="community2003">{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/community/chat_03/2003-09-18-bianco.htm|title=The Emmy Awards: Robert Bianco |accessdate=19 December 2008|author=Bianco, Robert|date=January 1, 2005|publisher=]}}</ref> opted for collective instead of individual salary negotiations,<ref name="paidcasttog">{{cite web|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0506/p01s01-ussc.html|title=A ''family'' sitcom for Gen X - ''Friends'' cast a new TV mold|accessdate=19 December 2008|author=McCarroll, Christina|date=May 6, 2004|publisher=]}}</ref> and asked to appear together on magazine cover photos in the first season.<ref name="filmhours"/> The cast members became best friends off screen,<ref name="kudrowcast">{{cite web|url=http://www.usaweekend.com/00_issues/001008/001008kudrow.html|title=Balancing friends and family |accessdate=19 December 2008|author=Zaslow, Jeffrey |date=October 8, 2000 |publisher=]}}</ref> and one guest star, ], reported sometimes feeling left out.<ref>{{cite news|title=Why we will miss our absent ''Friends''|publisher=]|date=May 6, 2004|author=Power, Ed|accessdate=19 December 2008}}</ref> The cast remained good friends after the series' run, most notably Cox and Aniston, with Aniston being godmother to Cox and ]'s daughter, Coco.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denverpost.com/celebritybuzz/ci_7213047|title=People: DeGeneres tries to calm the howling pack|accessdate=19 December 2008|date=October 18, 2007|publisher=]}}</ref> In the official farewell commemorative book ''Friends 'Til The End'', each separately acknowledged in their interviews that the cast had become their family.<ref>{{cite book |title=Friends 'Til the End: The Official Celebration of All Ten Years |last=Wild |first=David |authorlink=David Wild |year=2004 |publisher=] |isbn=1932273190 |url=http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Til-End-Official-Celebration/dp/1932273190 }}</ref> | |||
| In their original contracts for the first season, each cast member was paid $22,500 per episode..<ref name="salariescastlots">{{cite web |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/10164381.html?dids=10164381:10164381&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Aug+12%2C+1996&author=Lowry%2C+Brian&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=%27Friends%27+cast+returning+amid+contract+dispute&pqatl=google |title=''Friends'' cast returning amid contract dispute |accessdate=2009-03-08 |author=Lowry, Brian |date=August 12, 1996 |work=]}}</ref> The cast members received different salaries in the second season, beginning from the $20,000 range to $40,000 per episode.<ref name="salariescastlots"/><ref name="castpaid">{{cite web |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C03EED71E39F935A25754C0A960958260 |title=''Friends'' Cast Bands Together To Demand a Salary Increase |accessdate=2009-03-08 |author=Carter, Bill |date=July 16, 1996 |work=]}}</ref> Prior to their salary negotiations for the third season, the cast decided to enter collective negotiations, despite Warner Bros. preference for individual deals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,275935,00.html |title=Friendly Fire |accessdate=2009-03-08 |author=Rice, Lynette |date=April 21, 2000 |work=] |pages=1}}</ref> The actors were given the salary of the least paid cast member, meaning Aniston and Schwimmer had their salaries reduced. The stars were paid, per episode, $75,000 in the third season, $85,000 in the fourth, $100,000 in the fifth, and $125,000 in the sixth season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,275935_2,00.html |title=Friendly Fire |accessdate=2009-03-08 |author=Rice, Lynette |date=April 21, 2000 |work=] |pages=2}}</ref> The cast members received salaries of $750,000 per episode in the seventh and eight seasons, and $1 million per episode in the ninth and tenth.<ref name="friendstimeline"/> The cast also received syndication royalties beginning with the fifth season.<ref name="castpaid"/> | |||
| ==Season synopses== | |||
| {{See also|List of Friends episodes}} | |||
| The ] introduces the six main characters: Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross. Rachel arrives at Central Perk after leaving her fiancé Barry at the altar and moves into Monica's apartment with her. Ross constantly tries to tell Rachel that he loves her, while his lesbian ex-wife, Carol, is expecting his baby. Joey is shown to be a struggling actor, while Phoebe works as a masseuse. Chandler breaks up with girlfriend ] (]), who frequently returns in later seasons. At the end of the season, Chandler accidentally reveals that Ross loves Rachel, who realizes that she feels the same way. | |||
| ] garnered a 2000 ] nomination for "Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series" for his role as ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20000721&slug=4032866 |title=Emmys in the middle |accessdate=29 December 2008 |date=July 21, 2000 |publisher=Seattle Times}}</ref>]] | |||
| The ] begins with Rachel discovering that Ross is dating Julie (]), someone he knew from ]. Rachel's attempts to tell Ross she likes him mirror his failed attempts in the first season, although the characters eventually begin a relationship. Joey gets a part in a fictional version of the soap opera '']'', but his character is killed off after he claims that he writes many of his own lines. Monica begins dating ] (]), recently divorced and 21 years her senior. In the season finale, they end their relationship when they realize that unlike Monica, Richard does not want children. | |||
| ] takes on a significantly greater ].<ref>{{cite book |last= Sangster|first= Jim|coauthors= ]|title= Friends Like Us: The Unofficial Guide to Friends|year= 2000|publisher= Virgin Publishing Ltd|location= ]|edition= 2nd|pages= 132–134|isbn= 0-7535-0439-1 }}</ref> Rachel begins working at ], an upscale ] ], and Ross becomes jealous of her colleague, Mark. Ross and Rachel decide to take a break; however, Ross is confused by this arrangement and sleeps with someone else, causing Rachel to break up with him. After believing she has no family except her twin sister ] (Lisa Kudrow), Phoebe becomes acquainted with ] (]) and ] (]). Joey develops a relationship with his acting partner Kate (]), and Monica begins a relationship with millionaire ] (]). | |||
| In the ] premiere, Ross and Rachel reconcile but soon break up again. Phoebe becomes a surrogate mother for her brother and his wife Alice (]). Monica and Rachel are forced to switch apartments with Joey and Chandler after losing a bet, but manage to switch back by bribing them with Knicks season tickets and a one-minute kiss between themselves. Ross begins dating an English woman named ] (]), and the season finale features their wedding in London. Chandler and Monica sleep together, and Rachel decides to attend Ross and Emily's wedding. While saying his vows, Ross uses the wrong name at the altar (Rachel's), to the shock of his bride and the guests. | |||
| ] features Monica and Chandler trying to keep their new relationship a secret from their friends. Phoebe gives birth to triplets in the show's one hundredth episode. She gives birth to a boy, Frank Jr. Jr., and two girls: Leslie, and Chandler. They decided to keep the name Chandler, despite thinking the baby was a boy. Ross and Emily's marriage is called off as Emily is intimidated by Rachel, and Ross refuses to stay away from her, as Emily demands. Phoebe starts a relationship with police officer Gary (]). Monica and Chandler go public with their relationship, to the surprise of their friends. They decide to get married on a trip to Las Vegas, but change their plans after witnessing Ross and Rachel drunkenly stumble out of the wedding chapel. | |||
| ], who portrayed Phoebe's husband ], was originally asked to appear in several episodes and was surprised that his role became recurring.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cjonline.com/stories/010404/mid_rudd.shtml |title=Paul Rudd |accessdate=2009-02-13 |author=Henrikson, Alicia |date=April 1, 2004 |work=]}}</ref>]] | |||
| In the ] premiere, Ross and Rachel's marriage is established to be a drunken mistake, and they divorce several episodes later. Monica and Chandler decide to move into her apartment together, and Rachel moves in with Phoebe. Joey lands a role on a ] series called ''Mac and C.H.E.E.S.E'', where he stars alongside a ]. Ross gets a job lecturing at ], and starts dating one of his students, Elizabeth (]). Phoebe and Rachel's apartment catches fire, and Rachel moves in with Joey while Phoebe moves in with Chandler and Monica. Chandler decides to propose to Monica, who considers reconciling with Richard. Although Richard confesses that he still loves her, Monica accepts Chandler's proposal. | |||
| The ] mainly follows various antics by Monica and Chandler, who are preparing for their wedding. Joey's television series ''Mac and C.H.E.E.S.E'' is canceled, but he is offered his job back on ''Days of our Lives''. Phoebe's apartment is fixed, but due to the way it is built, Rachel decides to stay with Joey. The season finale features Monica and Chandler's wedding, and Rachel is revealed to be pregnant after Phoebe discovers a positive pregnancy test in Monica's bathroom. | |||
| The ]<nowiki>'</nowiki>s first three episodes revolve around the identity of Rachel's baby's father, who is revealed to be Ross. Rachel and Ross decide to have the baby, but do not resume their romantic relationship. Joey develops romantic feelings for Rachel, but she does not feel the same. Rachel gives birth to baby ] in the season finale, and Ross's mother wants him to propose. Joey finds Ross's ring on the floor, and Rachel accepts what she thinks is his proposal. | |||
| ] begins with Ross and Rachel living together as roommates with baby Emma. Monica and Chandler decide to have a child themselves but discover that they are unlikely to conceive. Phoebe begins dating ] (]), and chooses to be with him over her friend ] (]). Rachel and Emma move in with Joey in the middle of the season, and Rachel develops romantic feelings for him. The group travels to Barbados in the finale to hear Ross give a keynote speech at a Paleontologist conference. Joey and his girlfriend ] (]) break up, and she begins a relationship with Ross. Joey and Rachel's feelings for each other return, and the finale ends with them kissing. | |||
| The ] closes several long running storylines. Joey and Rachel try to contend with Ross's feelings about them being together, and decide to remain friends. Phoebe and Mike get married, while Charlie breaks up with Ross. Monica and Chandler apply to adopt a child, and are chosen by ] (]). In the series finale, Chandler and Monica fulfil their dream of having children, as Erica gives birth to twins - a boy, Jack, and a girl, Erica (named after the birthmother). Monica and Chandler move to the suburbs, and Joey becomes upset with the changes happening in his life. Rachel takes a job in Paris, but Ross chases after her after realising he loves her and Rachel agrees to stay with Ross and their relationship begins, again. The final episode also seen Phoebes Comedy, as she stalls Rachel by ringing her and saying "Theres something wrong with the left falangi." This creates panic and ends up delaying the flight as all the passengers get off the plane, giving Ross enough time to catch Rachel. | |||
| ==Production== | |||
| ===Conception=== | |||
| {|class="toccolours" style="float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-right:2em; font-size:95%; background:#f0f8ff; color:black; width:35em; max-width:50%;" cellspacing="5" | |||
| |style="text-align: left;"|"It's about sex, love, relationships, careers, a time in your life when everything's possible. And it's about friendship because when you're single and in the city, your friends are your family." | |||
| |- | |||
| |style="text-align: left;" |—The original treatment used by Crane, Kauffman and Bright to pitch the series to NBC.<ref name="friendsorigins1"/> | |||
| |} | |||
| ] and ] began developing three new television pilots, which would premiere in the Fall 1994 season, following the cancellation of their sitcom, ''Family Album'', by CBS in November 1993.<ref>Wild, p. 206</ref> Kauffman and Crane decided to pitch the series about "six people in their 20s making their way in Manhattan" to NBC, which they felt best suited the network's style.<ref name="Kolbert1">Kolbert, Elizabeth (March 8, 1994). "", '']''. Retrieved on January 19, 2008.</ref> Crane and Kauffman presented the idea to their production partner ], who had served as executive producer on their ] series '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/488124/415695 |title= Behind the scenes |accessdate=10 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> The idea for the series was conceived when Crane and Kauffman began thinking about the time when they had finished college and started living by themselves in New York; Kauffman believed they were looking at a time when the future was "more of a question mark."<ref name="friendsorigins1"/> They found the concept to be interesting, as they believed "everybody knows that feeling,"<ref name="friendsorigins1"/> and because it was also how they felt about their own lives at the time.<ref name="friendsorigins1"/> The team titled the series ''Insomnia Cafe'', and pitched the idea as a seven-page treatment to NBC in December 1993.<ref name="friendsorigins1"/><ref name="Kolbert1"/> | |||
| At the same time, ], the then-president of NBC Entertainment, was seeking a comedy involving young people living together and sharing expenses. Littlefield wanted the group to share memorable periods of their lives with friends, who had become "new, surrogate family members".<ref name="friendsorigin"/> However, Littlefield found difficulty in bringing the concept to life, and found the scripts developed by NBC to be terrible. When Kauffman, Crane and Bright pitched ''Insomnia Cafe'', Littlefield was impressed that they knew who their characters were.<ref name="friendsorigin"/> NBC bought the idea as a ], meaning they risked financial penalties if the pilot was not filmed.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Ultimate Friends Companion |last=Stallings |first=Penny |authorlink= |year=2000 |publisher=Channel 4 Books |location=London |isbn=0752272314 |pages=102–103 |url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Friends-Companion-Penny-Stallings/dp/0752217267 }}</ref> Kauffman and Crane began writing a pilot script for a show now titled ''Friends Like Us'',<ref name="friendsorigins1"/> which took three days to write.<ref>Wild, p. 215</ref> Littlefield wanted the series to represent ] and explore a new kind of tribal bonding, but the trio did not share his vision. Crane argued that it was not a series for one generation, and wanted to produce a series that everyone would enjoy watching.<ref name="friendsorigin"/> NBC liked the pilot script and ordered the series under another title, ''Six of One'', mainly due to the similar title it shared with the ABC sitcom '']''.<ref name="friendsconcept">{{cite web |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9405EEDF1239F93AA35756C0A962958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all |title=The Conception and Delivery of a Sitcom: Everyone's a Critic |accessdate=30 December 2008 |author=Kolbert, Elizabeth |date=May 9, 1994 |publisher=New York Times}}</ref> | |||
| ===Casting=== | |||
| ] to portray Rachel; however, Cox refused and requested to play Monica.]] | |||
| {{See also|The Pilot (Friends)}} | |||
| Once it became apparent that the series was a favored project at NBC, Littlefield reported that he was getting calls from every agent in town, wanting their client to be a part of the series.<ref name="friendsorigin"/> Auditions for the lead roles took place in New York and Los Angeles.<ref name="friendswrit"/> The casting director shortlisted 1,000 actors who had applied for each role down to 75. Those who received a callback read again in front of Crane, Kauffman and Bright. At the end of March, the number of potential actors had been reduced to three or four for each part, and were asked to read for ], then-president of Warner Bros. Television.<ref name="Kolbert2">Kolbert, Elizabeth (April 6, 1994). "", '']''. Retrieved on January 19, 2008.</ref> | |||
| Having worked with David Schwimmer in the past,<ref name="friendswrit"/> the series creators wrote the character of Ross with him in mind, and he was the first actor cast.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4908086/ |title=Can David Schwimmer leave Ross Geller behind? |accessdate=23 December 2008|author=Couric, Katie |date=May 5, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> The producers wanted Courteney Cox to portray Rachel; however, Cox refused and asked to play Monica. Kauffman said that Cox had "this cheery, upbeat energy", which was not how they envisioned Monica.<ref name="friendsorigins1"/> When Cox auditioned for the role, the producers were surprised by her direction of the character and she was cast. When Matt LeBlanc auditioned for Joey, he put a "different spin" on the character.<ref name="friendsorigins1"/> The writers did not originally intend for Joey to be dim, but found it to be a major source of comedy. LeBlanc also gave the character heart, which the writers did not realize Joey had. Although Crane and Kauffman did not want LeBlanc for the role at the time, they were forced by the network to cast him.<ref name="friendsorigins1"/> Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, and Lisa Kudrow were cast based on their auditions.<ref name="friendswrit"/> | |||
| More changes occurred to the series' storylines during the casting process. The writers found that they had to adjust the characters they had written to suit the actors, and the discovery process of the characters occurred throughout the first season. Kauffman acknowledged that Joey's character became "this whole new being", and that "it wasn't until we did the first Thanksgiving episode that we realized how much fun Monica's neuroses are."<ref name="friendsnewsday"/> | |||
| ===Writing=== | |||
| In the weeks after NBC's pick up of ''Friends'', Crane, Kauffman and Bright reviewed sent-in scripts that writers had originally prepared for other series, mainly unproduced '']'' episodes.<ref name="friendsborn"/> Kauffman and Crane hired a team of seven young writers because "When you're 40, you can't do it anymore. The networks and studios are looking for young people coming in out of college."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2001/jun/10/entertainment/ca-8511 |title=No Experience Wanted |accessdate=4 January 2009 |author=Shayne, Bob |date=June 10, 2001 |publisher=]}}</ref> The creators felt that utilizing six equal characters, rather than emphasizing one or two, would allow for "myriad story lines and give the show legs".<ref name="friendsorigin2"/> The majority of the storyline ideas came from the writers, although the actors added ideas.<ref name="friendswrit">{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/community/chat/2002-04-23-friends.htm |title=''Friends'': Kevin Bright |accessdate=28 December 2008 |date=January 1, 2005|publisher=]}}</ref> The writers originally planned a big love story between Joey and Monica, as they intended them to be the most sexual of the characters in the series pitch. The idea of a romantic interest between Ross and Rachel emerged during the period when Kauffman and Crane wrote the pilot script.<ref name="friendsorigins1"/> | |||
| During the production of the pilot, NBC requested that the script be changed to feature one dominant storyline and several minor ones, but the writers refused, wanting to keep three story lines of equal weight.<ref name="friendsconcept"/> NBC thought the cast was too young, and pushed for an older character who could give the young adults advice. Crane and Kauffman were forced to comply, and wrote a draft of an early episode which featured "Pat the cop". Crane found the storyline to be terrible, and Kauffman joked, "You know the kids book, '']''? We had Pat the Cop." NBC eventually relented and dropped the idea.<ref name="friendsorigins1"/> | |||
| Each summer, the producers would outline the storylines for the subsequent season.<ref name="joeyrach"/> Before an episode went into production, Kauffman and Crane would revise the script written by another writer, mainly if something concerning either the series or a character felt foreign.<ref name="friendsborn">{{cite web |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A01E5DF1E38F930A15756C0A962958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all |title=A Sitcom is Born: Only Time Will Tell the Road to Prime Time |accessdate=1 January 2009 |author=Kolbert, Elizabeth |date=May 23, 1994 |publisher=New York Times}}</ref> Unlike other storylines, the idea for a relationship between Joey and Rachel was decided on halfway through the eighth season. The creators did not want Ross and Rachel to get back together so soon, and while looking for a romantic impediment, a writer suggested Joey's romantic interest in Rachel. The storyline was incorporated into the season; however, when the actors feared that the storyline would make their characters unlikable, the storyline was wrapped up, until it again resurfaced in the season's finale. For the ninth season, the writers were unsure about the amount of storyline to give to Rachel's baby, as they wanted the show neither to revolve around a baby nor pretend there to be none.<ref name="joeyrach">{{cite web |url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20020515&slug=wfriends |title=Baby episode could make ''Friends'' TV's top show |accessdate=3 January 2009 |author=Bauder, David |date=May 15, 2002 |publisher=Seattle Times}}</ref> Crane said that it took them a while to accept the idea of a tenth season, which they decided to do because they had enough stories left to tell to justify the season. Kauffman and Crane would not have signed on for an eleventh season, even if all the cast members had wanted to continue.<ref name="friendsnewsday"/> | |||
| The episode title format—"The One..."<ref>{{cite web |title=Have yourself a mocha latte and reminisce a bit |url=http://www.ocala.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040505/NEWS/205050336/1027/FEATURES01 |date=May 5, 2004 |publisher=Ocala.com |accessdate=18 September 2009}}</ref>—was created when the producers realized that the episode titles would not be featured in the opening credits, and therefore would be unknown to most of the audience. They believed that sitcom audiences generally refer to specific episodes of a show by the most memorable event of the episode, and decided to name their episodes in that format.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}} | |||
| ===Filming=== | |||
| ] building used as the friends' apartment block in ]s]] | |||
| The first season was shot on Stage 5 at Warner Bros. Studios in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AASB&p_theme=aasb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAD97908003E2DA&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=''Friends'' wins friends with caffeine-fueled energy |accessdate=3 January 2009 |author=Endrst, James |date=February 23, 1995 |publisher=]|format=Registration required}}</ref> The NBC executives had worried that the coffee house setting was too hip and asked for the series to be set in a diner, but eventually consented to the coffee house concept.<ref name="friendsorigins1"/> The opening title sequence was filmed in a fountain at the Warner Bros. Ranch at 4:00 am, while it was particularly cold for a Burbank morning.<ref>{{cite news|title= F. Y. I.|publisher=New York Times|date=November 27, 2005|author=Pollak, Michael|accessdate=31 December 2008}}</ref> At the beginning of the second season, production moved to the larger Stage 24, which was renamed "The Friends Stage" after the series finale.<ref name="finalechina">{{cite web |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-05/08/content_328725.htm |title=52 millon friends see off ''Friends'' |accessdate=31 December 2008 |date=2004-05-08 |publisher=]}}</ref> Filming for the series began in the summer of 1994 in front of a live audience, who were given a summary of the series to familiarize themselves with the six main characters;<ref name="friendsorigins1"/> a hired comedian entertained the studio audience between takes.<ref name="filmhours"/> Each 22-minute episode took six hours to film—twice the length of most sitcom tapings—mainly due to the several retakes and rewrites of the script.<ref name="filmhours">{{cite web |url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2002/01/27/tem_friends_grows_in.html |title=''Friends'' grows in stature, ratings |accessdate=5 January 2009 |author=Kiesewetter, John |date=January 27, 2002 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| Although the producers always wanted to find the right stories to take advantage of being on location, ''Friends'' was never shot in New York. Bright felt that filming outside the studio made episodes less funny, even when shooting on the lot outside, and that the live audience was an integral part of the series.<ref name="friendswrit"/> When the series was criticized for incorrectly depicting New York, with the financially struggling group of friends being able to afford huge apartments, Bright noted that the set had to be big enough for the cameras, lighting, and "for the audience to be able to see what's going on";<ref name="friendswrit"/> the apartments also needed to provide a place for the actors to execute the funny scripts.<ref name="friendswrit"/> The fourth season finale was shot on location in London because the producers were aware of the series' large following in the UK.<ref name="friendswrit"/> The scenes were shot in a studio with three audiences of 500 each, the show's largest audiences throughout its run. The fifth season finale, set in Las Vegas, was filmed at Warner Bros. Studios, although Bright encountered people who thought it was filmed on location.<ref name="friendsjoeystuff"/> | |||
| ==Series finale== | |||
| ] explained, "We're like very delicate china right now, and we're speeding toward a brick wall."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2004/01/15/friends_end_painful_cast_says/ |title=''Friends'' end painful, cast says |accessdate=5 January 2009 |author=Gilbert, Matthew |date=January 15, 2004 |publisher=Boston Globe}}</ref>]] | |||
| {{Main|The Last One (Friends)}} | |||
| The series' creators completed the first draft of the hour-long finale in January 2004, four months before its original airing. Crane, Kauffman and Bright watched the finales of other sitcoms to prepare the episode's outline, paying attention to what worked and what did not. They liked the ones which stayed true to the series, citing the finale of '']'' as the gold standard. Crane, Kauffman, and Bright had difficulty writing the finale, and spent several days thinking about the finale scene without being able to write a word. They did not want to do "something high concept, or take the show out of the show".<ref name="friendfinale2"/> The most critical parts of the finale were shot without an audience, and with a minimum amount of crew members. The main cast enjoyed the finale and were confident that the fans would react similarly:<ref name="friendfinale2">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/01/15/DDGPB49B2D1.DTL&type=printable |title=''Friends'' challenge - finding right words to say goodbye |accessdate=28 December 2008 |author=Hartlaub, Peter |date=January 15, 2004 |publisher=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> | |||
| {{quote |It's exactly what I had hoped. We all end up with a sense of a new beginning and the audience has a sense that it's a new chapter in the lives of all these characters. |] on the series finale. | |||
| <ref name="friendfinale2"/>}} | |||
| NBC heavily promoted the series finale, which was preceded by weeks of media hype.<ref name="friendsfinalepost">{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A7176-2004May7.html |title=A Big Hug Goodbye to ''Friends'' and Maybe to the Sitcom |accessdate=28 December 2008 |author=Shales, Tom |date=May 7, 2004 |publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> Local NBC affiliates organized viewing parties around the US, including an event at ] featuring a special broadcast of the finale on an outdoor ] screen.<ref name="castnames"/> The finale was the subject of two episodes of '']'', a weekly television ], one of which ran for two hours. A one-hour retrospective of clips from previous episodes was shown before to the airing of the episode. Following the finale, '']'' was filmed on the set of the ''Friends''<nowiki>'</nowiki> Central Perk coffee house, which featured the series' cast as guests.<ref name="finalefox">{{cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,119305,00.html |title=Estimated 51.1M Tune in for ''Friends'' Finale |accessdate=28 December 2008 |date=May 7, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="finaletodayguest">{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2004-05-05-friends-farewell-main_x.htm |title=And now, the one where ''Friends'' says goodbye |accessdate=28 December 2008 |author=Oldenburg, Ann |date=May 5, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> The advertising rates for the finale averaged $2 million for 30 seconds of commercial time, breaking the record held by the ''Seinfeld'' finale at $1.7 million.<ref name="castnames"/> | |||
| In the US, 52.5 million viewers watched the finale on May 6, 2004, making it the most-watched entertainment telecast since the ''Seinfeld'' finale in 1998.<ref name="finalefox"/> Although it was not the series' most-watched episode,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000504086 |title=''Friends'' timeline |accessdate=2009-02-19 |date=May 6, 2004 |work=]}}</ref> the finale was the fourth most-watched series finale in television history, only behind the finales of '']'', '']'' and '']'', which were respectively watched by 105, 80.4 and 76.2 million viewers. The retrospective episode was watched by fewer than 36 million viewers, and the finale was the second most-watched television episode of the year, only behind the Super Bowl.<ref name="finalefox"/> Following the finales of ''Friends'' and '']'', media critics speculated about the fate of the sitcom genre. Expressed opinions varied between a signaling of the end of the sitcom genre, a small decline in the large history of the genre,<ref name="castnames"/> and a general reduction of scripted television in favor of reality shows.<ref name="friendsfinalepost"/> | |||
| ==Impact== | |||
| ===Critical reception=== | |||
| Early reviews of the series were mixed. Tom Feran of '']'' wrote that the series traded "vaguely and less successfully on the hanging-out style of '']''",<ref>Feran, Tom (September 22, 1994). "New Series Softens Dabney Coleman—A Little", '']'', ]. Retrieved on 4 January 2009.</ref> while Ann Hodges of the '']'' called it "the new ''Seinfeld'' wannabe, but it will never be as funny as ''Seinfeld''."<ref name="Hodges">Hodges, Ann (September 22, 1994). "NBC sitcoms make Thursday less funny", '']'', ]. Retrieved on 4 January 2009.</ref> In the '']'', ] named the series as "one of the brighter comedies of the new season",<ref name="rayreview">Richmond, Ray (September 22, 1994). "", (Registration required). '']'', ]. Retrieved on 4 January 2009.</ref> and '']'' called it "flat-out the best comedy series of the new season".<ref>Rosenberg, Howard (September 22, 1994). "", (Registration required). '']'', ]. Retrieved on 4 January 2009.</ref> | |||
| '']''{{'}} Ginny Holbert found Joey and Rachel's characteristics to be underdeveloped,<ref>Holbert, Ginny (September 22, 1994). "". (Registration required). '']''. Retrieved on 4 January 2009.</ref> while Richmond commended the cast as a "likeable, youth ensemble" with "good chemistry"<ref name="rayreview"/> Robert Bianco of '']'' was complimentary of Schwimmer, calling him "terrific". He also praised the female leads, but was concerned that Perry's role as Chandler was "undefined" and that LeBlanc was "relying too much on the same brain-dead stud routine that was already tired the last two times he tried it".<ref name="Bianco">Bianco, Robert (September 22, 1994). "Six ''Friends'' Sittin' Around, Talking", '']''.</ref> The authors of ''Friends Like Us: The Unofficial Guide to Friends'' thought that the cast was "trying just a little too hard", in particular Perry and Schwimmer.<ref>Sangster, p. 14</ref> | |||
| As the series progressed, reviews became more positive, and ''Friends'' became one of the most popular sitcoms of its time. Critics commended the series as having consistently sharp writing and chemistry between the main actors.<ref name="friendsreivews"/> Noel Holston of '']'', who had dismissed the pilot as a "so-so ''Seinfeld'' wannabe" in 1994, repudiated his earlier review after rewatching the episode, and felt like writing an apology to the writers.<ref name="friendsnewsday">{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/news/ny-friendsfanfare,0,6756416.story |title=''Friends'' that were like family |accessdate=1 January 2009 |author=Holston, Noel |publisher=]}}</ref> Heather Havrilesky of ] thought that the series "hit its stride" in the second season. Havrilesky found the character-specific jokes and situations "could reliably make you laugh out loud a few times each episode", and the quality of writing allowed the stories to be "original and innovative".<ref name="reviewsalon"/> Bill Carter of '']'' called the eighth season a "truly stunning comeback". Carter found that by "generating new hot story lines and high-decibel laughs", the series made its way "back into the hearts of its fans".<ref name="plottwists">{{cite news|first= Bill|last= Carter|title= Plot Twists Paid Off For ''Friends''|url= http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE3D7113FF93BA25751C0A9649C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|publishers='']''|date= 2002-02-18|accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref> However, Liane Bonin of '']'' felt that the direction of the ninth season was a "disappointing buzzkill", criticizing it for the non-stop celebrity guest spots and going into ] territory. Although disappointed with the season, Bonin noted that "the writing still sharp".<ref name="friendsoverstay"/> Havrilesky thought that the tenth season was "alarmingly awful, far worse than you would ever imagine a show that was once so good could be."<ref name="reviewsalon">{{cite web |url=http://dir.salon.com/story/ent/tv/review/2004/05/07/friends_finale/print.html |title=Never forget your ''Friends'' |accessdate=1 January 2009 |author=Havrilesky, Heather |date=May 7, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> ''Friends'' was featured on '']''{{'}}s list of "The 100 Best TV Shows of All-Time", saying, "the well-hidden secret of this show was that it called itself ''Friends'', and was really about family.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1651341_1659188_1652526,00.html |title=Friends - The 100 Best TV Shows of All |work=] |date=August 13, 2007 |accessdate=April 27, 2009}}</ref> | |||
| {|class="toccolours" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 95%; background:#c6dbf7; color:black; width:35em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5" | |||
| |style="text-align: left;"|"It may have been impossible for any one episode to live up to the hype and expectations built up around the ''Friends'' finale, but this hour probably came as close as fans could have reasonably hoped. Ultimately, the two-hour package did exactly what it was supposed to do. It wrapped up the story while reminding us why we liked the show and will miss it." | |||
| |- | |||
| |style="text-align: left;" |— Robert Bianco of '']'' on the series finale.<ref name="finalerob"/> | |||
| |} | |||
| Reviews of the ] were mixed to positive. '']''{{'}}s Robert Bianco described the finale as entertaining and satisfying, and praised it for deftly mixing emotion and humor while showcasing each of the stars.<ref name="finalerob">{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2004-05-06-friends-finale_x.htm |title=Rachel stays, so ''Friends'' are able to leave together |accessdate=1 January 2009 |author=Bianco, Robert |date=May 7, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> Sarah Rodman of the '']'' praised Aniston and Schwimmer for their acting, but felt that their characters' reunion was "a bit too neat, even if it was what most of the show's legions of fans wanted."<ref>{{cite news|title=Six pals depart on a classy note |last=Rodman|first=Sarah|date=May 7, 2004 |publisher=]|page=3|accessdate=1 January 2009}}</ref> Roger Catlin of '']'' felt that newcomers to the series would be "surprised at how laughless the affair could be, and how nearly every strained gag depends on the sheer stupidity of its characters."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/629993481.html?dids=629993481:629993481&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=May+07%2C+2004&author=ROGER+CATLIN%3B+Courant+TV+Critic&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=THE+LONG+FAREWELL+IS+OVER+%3B+LOTS+OF+FANS%2C+LITTLE+FANFARE+FOR+MUCH-ANTICIPATED+FINALE+OF+%60FRIENDS%27&pqatl=google |title=The Long Farewell is Over; Lots of Fans, Little Fanfare for Mich-Anticipated Finale of ''Friends'' |accessdate=1 January 2009 |author=Catlin, Roger |date=May 7, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> Ken Parish Perkins, writing for '']'', pointed out that the finale was "more touching than comical, more satisfying in terms of closure than knee-slappingly funny."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ST&s_site=dfw&p_multi=ST&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=102C895664833147&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Farewell to ''Friends'': The finale to the 10-year series wraps up all the loose ends |accessdate=1 January 2009 |author=Perkins, Ken Parish |date=May 7, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| ===Awards=== | |||
| {{Main|List of Friends' awards and nominations}} | |||
| To maintain the series' ensemble format, the main cast members decided to enter themselves in the same acting categories for awards.<ref name="community2003"/> Beginning with the series' eighth season, the actors decided to submit themselves in the lead actor balloting, rather than in the supporting actor fields.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/cl-et-newemmys19jul19,0,7220504.story|title=Its Coffin Overflows|accessdate=19 December 2008|author=Lowry, Brian |date=July 19, 2002|publisher=]}}</ref> The series was nominated for 63 ]s, winning six. Aniston and Kudrow are the only main cast members to win an Emmy, while Cox is the only actor not to be nominated. The series won the 2002 Emmy Award for ], with nominations in 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emmys.tv/awards/awardsearch.php |title=Advanced Primetime Awards Search |accessdate=5 January 2009 |publisher=]}} <small>Type "Friends" in the "Program" field, select "1993" and "2008" in "Year range" field, and select "NBC" in "Network" field.</small></ref> The series also won an ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-06-02-kudrow_x.htm |title=Kudrow back in the fold |accessdate=5 January 2009 |author=Keck, William |date=June 2, 2005 |publisher=]}}</ref> one ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-4133520/15-years-of-recognition-Special.html |title=15 years of recognition |accessdate=5 January 2009 |date=April 25, 2005 |publisher=]}}</ref> one ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/member/29209 |title=HPFA - Jennifer Aniston |accessdate=5 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> three ]s,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-73851066.html |title=Fed: Logie Award winners |accessdate=5 January 2009 |date=May 12, 2003 |publisher=]|format=Registration required}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-93575833.html |title=Fed: Full list of Logies winners |accessdate=5 January 2009 |date=April 19, 2004 |publisher=] |format=Registration required}}</ref> six ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/factsheets/awardsdb/env-awards-db-search,0,7169155.htmlstory?searchtype=category&query=Favorite+Television+Comedy+Series&x=0&y=0 |title=Entertainment Awards Database |accessdate=5 January 2009 |pages=2–3 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=RM&p_theme=rm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB4E258D9CBCB83&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Tim Allen Wins Twice at Awards |accessdate=5 January 2009 |date=March 6, 1995 |publisher=]|format=Registration required}}</ref> one ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pressacademy.com/satawards/awards2001.shtml |title=2001 5th Annual Satellite Awards |accessdate=5 January 2009 |publisher=]}} <small>Select the "Television" field.</small></ref> and two ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sagawards.org/2_awards_accept |title=2nd Annual SAG Awards Acceptance Speeches |accessdate=5 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sagawards.org/6_award_rec |title=6th Annual Screen Actors Guild Award Recipients |accessdate=5 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| ===Ratings=== | |||
| The table below indicates the ratings of ''Friends'' in the US, where it consistently ranked within the top ten of the final television ratings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SB&p_theme=sb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1026C391D5B8C2CA&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=NBC's must-see sitcom ends its 10-year run tonight, but the laughter is sure to linger |accessdate=2009-02-20 |date=May 6, 2004 |work=]}}</ref> "Rank" refers to how well ''Friends'' rated compared to other television series which aired during primetime hours of the corresponding ]. The television season tends to begin in September, and ends during the May of the following year, which coincides with the completion of May ]. "Viewers" refers to the average number of viewers for all original episodes, broadcast during the television season in the series' regular timeslot. "Rank" is shown in relation to the total number of series airing on the then-six major English-language networks in a given season. The "season premiere" is the date that the first episode of the season aired, and the "season finale" is the date that the final episode of the season aired. | |||
| {| class="wikitable" border="1" style="width:99%;" | |||
| |- style="background-color:#E0E0E0" | |||
| ! | Season | |||
| ! | Timeslot (EDT) | |||
| ! | Season Premiere | |||
| ! | Season Finale | |||
| ! | TV Season | |||
| ! | Rank | |||
| ! | Viewers<br />(in millions) | |||
| |- style="background-color:#F9F9F9" | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;text-align:center;" | ] | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;font-size:11px;font-weight:normal;text-align:left;line-height:110%;" | Thursday 8:30 P.M. <small>(September 22, 1994 - February 23, 1995)</small><br />Thursday 9:30 P.M.<small>(February 23, 1995 - May 18, 1995)</small> | |||
| | September 22, 1994 | |||
| | May 18, 1995 | |||
| | style="font-size:11px;text-align:center;" |] | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | #8<ref>{{cite news|title=Nielsen Announces Winners for 1994-95 Season|last=Liner|first=Elaine|date=April 23, 1995 |work=] |page=TV3|accessdate=2009-01-18}}</ref> | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | 17.9 | |||
| |- style="background-color:#F9F9F9" | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;text-align:center;" | ] | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;font-size:11px;font-weight:normal;text-align:left;line-height:110%;" | Thursday 8:00 P.M. <small>(September 21, 1995 - January 18, 1996)</small><br />Sunday 10:13 P.M. <small>(January 28, 1996)</small><br />Thursday 8:00 P.M. <small>(February 1, 1996 - May 16, 1996)</small> | |||
| | September 21, 1995 | |||
| | May 16, 1996 | |||
| | style="font-size:11px;text-align:center;" |] | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | #3<ref name="deseretnews"/> | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | 18.7<ref name="deseretnews">{{cite news|title='ER' Ends Season As TV's Top Show|date=May 29, 1996 |work=]|page=C6|accessdate=2009-01-18}}</ref> | |||
| |- style="background-color:#F9F9F9" | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;text-align:center;" | ] | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;font-size:11px;font-weight:normal;text-align:left;line-height:110%;" rowspan="5" | Thursday 8:00 P.M. <small>(September 19, 1996 - May 17, 2001)</small> | |||
| | September 19, 1996 | |||
| | May 15, 1997 | |||
| | style="font-size:11px;text-align:center;" |] | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | #4<ref>{{cite news|title=NBC Peacock Retains Strutting Rights|last=Sanders|first=Dusty|date=May 27, 1997 |work=]|page=2D|accessdate=2009-01-18}}</ref> | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | 15.7 | |||
| |- style="background-color:#F9F9F9" | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;text-align:center;" | ] | |||
| | September 25, 1997 | |||
| | May 7, 1998 | |||
| | style="font-size:11px;text-align:center;" |] | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | #4<ref name="97-98">{{cite news|title=Final Ratings for '97-'98 TV Season|date=May 25, 1998 |work=]|page=E4|accessdate=2009-01-18}}</ref> | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | 16.4<ref name="97-98"/> | |||
| |- style="background-color:#F9F9F9" | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;text-align:center;" | ] | |||
| | September 24, 1998 | |||
| | May 20, 1999 | |||
| | style="font-size:11px;text-align:center;" |] | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | #2<ref name="ewrat"/> | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | 23.5<ref name="ewrat">{{cite news|url=http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/4616/ew0604.html|publisher=]|title=TV Winners & Losers: Numbers Racket A Final Tally Of The Season's Show (from Nielsen Media Research)| date=June 4, 1999 | accessdate=2008-03-17}}</ref> | |||
| |- style="background-color:#F9F9F9" | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;text-align:center;" | ] | |||
| | September 23, 1999 | |||
| | May 18, 2000 | |||
| | style="font-size:11px;text-align:center;" |] | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | #3<ref name="ratingss6"/> | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | 21.0<ref name="ratingss6">{{cite web |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2000/may/26/entertainment/ca-34093 |title=ABC, UPN Find the Answer to Stop Drop |accessdate=12 January 2009 |author=Lowry, Brian |date=May 26, 2000 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- style="background-color:#F9F9F9" | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;text-align:center;" | ] | |||
| | October 12, 2000 | |||
| | May 17, 2001 | |||
| | style="font-size:11px;text-align:center;" |] | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | #4<ref name="friends00-01"/> | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | 19.7<ref name="friends00-01">{{cite web |url=http://cache.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,8327,00.html |title=Outback in Front: CBS Wins Season |accessdate=4 January 2009 |author=Armstrong, Mark |date=May 25, 2001 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- style="background-color:#F9F9F9" | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;text-align:center;" | ] | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;font-size:11px;font-weight:normal;text-align:left;line-height:110%;" | Thursday 8:00 P.M. <small>(September 27, 2001 - October 4, 2001)</small><br />Thursday 8:50 P.M. <small>(October 11, 2001)</small><br />Thursday 8:00 P.M. <small>(October 18, 2001 - May 16, 2002)</small> | |||
| | September 27, 2001 | |||
| | May 16, 2002 | |||
| | style="font-size:11px;text-align:center;" |] | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | #1<ref name="friendno1"/> | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | 24.5<ref name="friendno1">{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/2002/2002-05-28-year-end-chart.htm |title=How did your favorite show rate? |accessdate=4 January 2009 |date=May 28, 2002 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- style="background-color:#F9F9F9" | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;text-align:center;" | ] | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;font-size:11px;font-weight:normal;text-align:left;line-height:110%;" | Thursday 8:00 P.M. <small>(September 26, 2002 - May 15, 2003)</small> | |||
| | September 26, 2002 | |||
| | May 15, 2003 | |||
| | style="font-size:11px;text-align:center;" |] | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | #4<ref name="rat04"/><ref name="friends03final"/> | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | 21.8<ref name="rat04">{{cite web |url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2003/05/25/tem_sunlede25.html |title=Television networks face reality check |accessdate=4 January 2009 |author=Kiesewetter, John |date=May 25, 2003 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="friends03final">{{cite web |url=http://cache.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,11855,00.html?newsrellink |title=TV Season Wraps; ''CSI'' Rules |accessdate=4 January 2009 |author=Ryan, Joal |date=May 22, 2003 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- style="background-color:#F9F9F9" | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;text-align:center;" | ] | |||
| ! style="background:#f9f9f9;font-size:11px;font-weight:normal;text-align:left;line-height:110%;" | Thursday 8:00 P.M. <small>(September 25, 2003 - April 29, 2004)</small><br />Thursday 9:00 P.M. <small>(May 6, 2004)</small> | |||
| | September 25, 2003 | |||
| | May 6, 2004 | |||
| | style="font-size:11px;text-align:center;" |] | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | #5<ref name="season10rat"/> | |||
| | style="text-align:center" | 21.4<ref name="season10rat">{{cite web |url=http://cache.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,14203,00.html |title=''Idol'' Rules TV Season |accessdate=4 January 2009 |author=Ryan, Joal |date=May 27, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |} | |||
| ==Syndication== | |||
| The show airs on ] 5:30/6:00pm ]. ''Friends'' will be airing on ] Late 2011.<ref>http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117925752.html?cs=1&s=h&p=0</ref> The Show airs on local stations. | |||
| ===Cultural impact=== | |||
| ] | |||
| <!-- Another image of Central Perk ] --> | |||
| Although the producers thought of ''Friends'' as "only a TV show",<ref name="friendsorigin"/> numerous psychologists investigated the cultural impact of ''Friends'' during the series' run.<ref name="friendsorigin"/> Aniston's hairstyle was nicknamed "]", and copied around the world.<ref name="friendsorigin"/> Joey's catchphrase, "How ''you'' doin'?", became a popular part of Western English slang, often used as a pick-up line or when greeting friends.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/edu/2004/12/27/stories/2004122700700400.htm |title=Take it easy yaar! |accessdate=4 January 2009 |author=Anne, S. |date=December 27, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> The series also impacted the English language, according to a study by a linguistics professor at the ]. The professor found that the characters used the word "so" to modify adjectives more often than other intensifiers, such as "very" and "really". Although the preference had already made its way into the American vernacular, usage on the series may have accelerated the change.<ref name="paidcasttog"/> Following the ], ratings increased 17% over the previous season as viewers tuned in for comfort.<ref name="plottwists"/> | |||
| ''Friends'' is parodied in the twelfth season '']'' episode "Murder Among Friends". In the episode, amateur sleuth ] (]) investigates the murder of a cast member in ''Buds'', a fictional television series about the daily lives of a group of city friends. The episode was devised after ] moved ''Murder, She Wrote'' from its regular Sunday night timeslot to a Thursday night timeslot directly opposite ''Friends'' on NBC; Angela Lansbury was quoted by Bruce Lansbury, her brother and ''Murder, She Wrote''{{'}}s supervising producer, as having "a bit of an attitude" about the move to Thursday, but he saw the plot as "a friendly setup, no mean-spiritedness".<ref name="Murder">{{cite news|author= Littlefield, Kinney|date=February 7, 1996|url= http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=S4UNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eW8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6841,3491473|title= 'Murder, She Wrote' parodies 'Friends'|work= Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|accessdate= October 29, 2009}}</ref> Jerry Ludwig, the writer of the episode, researched the "flavor" of ''Buds'' by watching episodes of ''Friends''.<ref name="Murder"/> | |||
| The Central Perk coffee house, one of the principal settings of the series, has inspired various imitations worldwide. In 2006, ]ian businessman Mojtaba Asadian started a Central Perk ], registering the name in 32 countries. The decor of the coffee houses is inspired by ''Friends'', featuring replica couches, counters, neon signage and bricks. The coffee houses also contain paintings of the various characters from the series, and televisions playing ''Friends''<nowiki>'</nowiki> episodes. ], who plays the Central Perk manager in the series, Gunther, attended the grand opening of the ] cafe, where he worked as a waiter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/06/05/08/10038500.html |title=Where ''Friends'' hang out |accessdate=30 December 2008 |author=Kalsi, Jyoti |date=May 8, 2006 |publisher=]}}</ref> Central Perk was rebuilt as part of a museum exhibit at Warner Bros. Studios, and was shown on '']'' in October 2008. ] revisited the set for the first time since the series finale in 2004.<ref>{{cite episode |title=''The Ellen DeGeneres Show'': Lisa Kudrow/Natasha Bedingfield/Jalen Testerman |series=The Ellen DeGeneres Show |serieslink=The Ellen DeGeneres Show |credits=] (host) |network=] |airdate=October 16, 2008 |season=6 |number=29 }}</ref> From September 24 to October 7, 2009, a Central Perk replica was based at Broadwick Street, ], London. The coffee house sold real coffee to customers and featured a display of ''Friends'' memorabillia and props, such as the Geller Cup from the season three episode "The One with the Football".<ref>{{cite news|author= Thorley, Chantelle|date= September 15, 2009|url= http://www.eventmagazine.co.uk/news/search/938562/London-celebrate-15-years-Friends-Central-Perk-pop-up/|title= London to celebrate 15 years of Friends with Central Perk pop-up|work= Event|publisher= Haymarket Media|accessdate= September 22, 2009}}</ref> In 2009, a dance remix of the song "]" became a popular ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lisa excited at Smelly Cat success |url=http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/celebrity/news/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=149740051>1=61504 |date=September 17, 2009 |publisher=] |accessdate=18 September 2009}}</ref> | |||
| ==Distribution== | |||
| ===Broadcast=== | |||
| After the produced pilot lived up to NBC's hopes, the series premiered with the name ''Friends'' on September 22, 1994 on the coveted Thursday 8:30 pm timeslot. The pilot aired between '']'' and ''Seinfeld'',<ref name="friendsorigin"/> and was watched by almost 22 million American viewers.<ref name="friendsorigins1">{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4899445/|title=''Friends'' creators share show's beginnings|publisher=]|date=May 5, 2004|author=Lauer, Matt|date=2005-05-04}}</ref> The series was a huge success throughout its run, and was a staple of NBC's Thursday night line-up, dubbed by the network as ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/a13025/nbc-elaborates-on-friends-finale-plans.html |title=NBC elaborates on ''Friends'' finale plans |accessdate=31 December 2008 |author=Welsh, James |date=January 15, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> When Crane told reporters in 2001 that the ninth season was a possibility, critics believed that he was posturing, and that at least two of the cast members would not sign on for another season.<ref name="plottwists"/> When it was confirmed that ''Friends'' would return for a ninth season, the news was mainly about the amount of money—$7 million per episode—that it took to bring the series back for another season.<ref name="plottwists"/> | |||
| After year-long expectations that the ninth season would be the series' last, NBC signed a deal in late December 2002 to bring the series back for a final tenth season. The series' creative team did not want to extend negotiations into the next year, and wanted to start writing the rest of the ninth season episodes and a potential series finale.<ref name="friendsseason10"/> NBC agreed to pay $10 million to Warner Bros. for the production of each tenth season episode, the highest price in television history for a 30-minute series.<ref name="friendsreivews">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/entertainment/3689029.stm |title=''Friends'' climax watched by 51m |accessdate=1 January 2009 |date=May 7, 2004 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> Although NBC was unable to bring in enough advertising revenue from commercials to cover the costs, the series was integral to the Thursday night schedule, which brought high ratings and profits to the other television series.<ref name="friendsseason10">{{cite web |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9803E4DF163CF932A15751C1A9649C8B63 |title=NBC Close to a Deal to Keep ''Friends'' for Another Season |accessdate=29 December 2008 |author=Carter, Bill |date=December 21, 2002 |publisher=New York Times}}</ref> The cast demanded that the tenth season be reduced from the usual 24 episodes to 18 episodes to allow them to work on outside projects.<ref name="friendsoverstay">{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/01/09/ew.hot.friends/ |title=Is ''Friends'' overstaying its welcome? |accessdate=1 January 2008 |author=Bonin, Liane |date=January 9, 2003 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> | |||
| In the fall of 2001, ] made a deal with sister network ] to air the series in rerun syndication. Warner Bros. made similar deals with various TV stations around the country. In July 2005, it was announced that Warner Bros. Domestic Cable has sold ''Friends'' to ] to begin airing in the fall of 2011. Warner Bros. is expected to make $200 million in license fees and advertising from the deal. Nick at Nite paid $500,000 per episode to air the episodes after 6 p.m. for six years, through the fall of 2017. TBS also renewed its contract for the same six year period as Nick at Nite, but only paid $275,000 per episode because airing was restricted to before 6 p.m., except for the first year. In syndication until 2005, ''Friends'' had earned $4 million per episode in cash license fees, for a total of $944 million.<ref>{{cite web |author=Dempsey, John |title=Friends of ''Friends'' |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117925752.html?cs=1&s=h&p=0 |date=July 11, 2005 |work=] |accessdate=3 September 2009}}</ref> | |||
| ===International=== | |||
| ''Friends'' began airing in the UK in 1994 on the terrestrial ]; however, in 1996, ] bought the rights to the series. Although Channel 4 continued to air episodes several weeks after their original airing on Sky1, the series was one of the network's most popular series,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/576172.stm |title=Ross and Phoebe "quitting ''Friends''" |accessdate=1 January 2009 |date=December 23, 1999 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> averaging 2.6 million viewers per episode. In 1999, Channel 4 signed a £100 million deal to regain the rights to ''Friends'' and ''ER'' from Sky1. The three year deal allowed Channel 4 to air new episodes of the series in the UK first, and to negotiate pay-TV airings with other UK broadcasters.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/568283.stm |title=Channel 4's £100m ''Friends'' deal |accessdate=1 January 2009 |date=December 16, 1999 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> The final episode averaged 8.6 million viewers in overnight figures—more than a third of the UK's television audience at the time—and saw a peak of 8.9 million viewers. This was the highest amount of viewers for any episode of ''Friends'', beating the June 2002 episode, which drew 6.5 million viewers. Repeats of the series are shown in the UK on Channel 4 and ]. Channel 4 announced on the 10th of February 2010, that they are going to stop showing episodes of Friends in Autumn 2011.<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/7204518/Channel-4-to-stop-showing-Friends-after-15-years.html</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/entertainment/3757901.stm |title=''Friends'' finale draws record 8.6m |accessdate=1 January 2009 |date=May 29, 2004 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> The British channel ] later added that they would be airing the show from Autumn 2011, due to a deal between the cabel group and ].<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8508237.stm</ref> The ] channel ] was the first channel in Europe to air the finale on May 24, 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2004/0511/friends.html |title=European debut of ''Friends'' finale on RTÉ |accessdate=1 January 2009 |date=May 11, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> ''Friends'' debuted on Australian television in 1996 on the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-767669.html |title=The TV Column |accessdate=1 January 2009 |author=Carmody, John |date=March 11, 1996 |publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> The ] began airing the second season in 1997, and continued to show the series until its finale in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/11/16/1100574459814.html?from=storyrhs |title=Rewind |accessdate=1 January 2009 |author=Warneke, Ross |date=November 18, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> The ] announced in November 2007 that it had bought the rights to the show in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24613899-5012964,00.html |title=Channel Ten seriously in trouble at 7pm timeslot |accessdate=1 January 2009 |date=November 7, 2008 |publisher='']''}}</ref> ] began broadcast in New Zealand in 1995 and aired all ten seasons, and continues to air repeats.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/tv2_minisite_index_skin/tv2_friends_group |title=''Friends'' |accessdate=1 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| ===Merchandise=== | |||
| All ten seasons have been released on DVD individually and as a box set. Warner Home Video reportedly intends to start releasing the series on Blu-ray in 2010. No other release details are available, and this information must be considered unofficial until there is an announcement from the studio. It must be noted that both series were shot on film, not video. Each region 1 season release contains special features and footage originally cut from the series, although Region 2 releases are as originally aired. For the first season, each episode is updated with color correction and sound enhancement.<ref name="friendswrit"/> A wide range of ''Friends'' merchandise has been produced by various companies. In late September 1995, ] released the first album of ], the ''Friends Original TV Soundtrack'', containing music featured in previous and future episodes. The soundtrack debuted on the ] at number 46,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19951102&slug=2150142 |title=Hit Show, Hit Soundtrack: It's No Longer An Accident |accessdate=3 January 2009 |author=Dretzka, Gary |date=November 2, 1995 |publisher=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> and sold 500,000 copies in November 1995.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=RM&p_theme=rm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB4E4396284FBF4&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=''Friends'' Theme Leads Pack of Hot-Selling TV Soundtracks |accessdate=3 January 2009 |author=Burlingame, Jon |date=December 27, 1995|publisher=]|format=Registration required}}</ref> In 1999, a second soundtrack album entitled ''Friends Again'' was released.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Again-Various-Artists-Soundtracks/dp/B000023YA0 |title=''Friends Again'': Various Artists |accessdate=3 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> Other merchandise include a ''Friends'' version of the DVD game "]",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlinetoys.com.au/Scene-It-Friends-DVD-Board-Game-pr-16584.html |title=Scene It? - ''Friends'' DVD Board Game |accessdate=3 January 2009 |publisher=Online Toys Australia}}</ref> and a quiz video game for ] and PC entitled ''Friends: The One with All the Trivia''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Friends-One-All-Trivia-Playstation-2/dp/B000B6H21S |title=''Friends: The One With All the Trivia'' |accessdate=3 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/PC-74276-Friends-One-Trivia/dp/B000AMFEHM |title=''Friends: The One With All the Trivia'' |accessdate=8 October 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| {| class="wikitable" border="1" | |||
| |- | |||
| ! rowspan="2"|DVD name !! rowspan="2"|Episodes !! colspan="3"|Box set release dates | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Region 1 !! Region 2 !! Region 4 | |||
| |- | |||
| |The Complete First Season || align="center"|24 || April 30, 2002<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dvdfile.com/review/friends-the-complete-first-season-3136 |title=''Friends'': The Complete First Season Review |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=DVDfile.com}}</ref> || May 29, 2000<ref name="Sun DVD 1">{{cite news|author= Fisher, Nick |date= May 27, 2000|title= Videos to buy|work=The Sun|publisher= News Group Newspapers|page= 47}}</ref> || October 4, 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/Product/261992/FRIENDS-(Season-1)-(4-DVD-Set) |title=''Friends'' (Season 1) (4 DVD Set) |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| |The Complete Second Season || align="center"|24 || September 3, 2002<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Complete-Second-Jennifer-Aniston/dp/B000068CNX/ref=pd_cp_d_2?pf_rd_p=413864101&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0000996IS&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0BR4DT2G3V17EW93AES0 |title=''Friends - The Complete Second Season'' |accessdate=3 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || May 29, 2000<ref name="Sun DVD 1"/> || October 4, 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/Product/261997/FRIENDS-(Season-2)-(4-DVD-Set) |title=''Friends'' (Season 2) (4 DVD Set) |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| |The Complete Third Season || align="center"|25 || April 1, 2003<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Complete-Season-Jennifer-Aniston/dp/B0000844MI/ref=pd_cp_d_1?pf_rd_p=413864101&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0000996IS&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0BR4DT2G3V17EW93AES0 |title=''Friends - The Complete Third Season'' |accessdate=3 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || May 29, 2000<ref name="Sun DVD 1"/> || October 4, 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/Product/261998/FRIENDS-(Season-3)-(4-DVD-Set) |title=''Friends'' (Season 3) (4 DVD Set) |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| |The Complete Fourth Season || align="center"|24 || July 15, 2003<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Complete-Fourth-Jennifer-Aniston/dp/B0000996IS/ref=pd_sim_d_3 |title=''Friends - The Complete Fourth Season'' |accessdate=3 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || May 29, 2000<ref name="Sun DVD 1"/> || October 4, 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/Product/261999/FRIENDS-(Season-4)-(4-DVD-Set) |title=''Friends'' (Season 4) (4 DVD Set) |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| |The Complete Fifth Season || align="center"|24 || November 4, 2003<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Complete-Season-Jennifer-Aniston/dp/B0000C2IXN/ref=pd_sim_d_3 |title=''Friends - The Complete Fifth Season'' |accessdate=3 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || May 29, 2000<ref name="Sun DVD 1"/> || October 4, 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/Product/262000/FRIENDS-(Season-5)-(4-DVD-Set) |title=''Friends'' (Season 5) (4 DVD Set) |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| |The Complete Sixth Season || align="center"|25 || January 27, 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Complete-Season-Jennifer-Aniston/dp/B0000X2ECE/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_k2a_1_txt?pf_rd_p=304485601&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-2&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00005YU81&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0VFN2AWBVG51P32CQCV7 |title=''Friends - The Complete Sixth Season'' |accessdate=3 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || July 17, 2000<ref>{{cite news|author= Fisher, Nick|date= July 15, 2000|title= Video view|work=The Sun|publisher= News Group Newspapers|page= 40}}</ref> || October 4, 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/Product/262001/FRIENDS-(Season-6)-(4-DVD-Set) |title=''Friends'' (Season 6) (4 DVD Set) |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| |The Complete Seventh Season || align="center"|24 || April 6, 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Complete-Seventh-Jennifer-Aniston/dp/B0001AW066/ref=pd_sim_d_5 |title=''Friends - The Complete Seventh Season'' |accessdate=3 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || October 25, 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Friends-Complete-Season-7-New/dp/B00064MJ9U/ref=pd_rhf_f_t_cs_3 |title=''Friends'': Complete Season 7 - New Edition </nowiki> |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || October 4, 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/Product/262002/FRIENDS-(Season-7)-(4-DVD-Set) |title=''Friends'' (Season 7) (4 DVD Set) |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| |The Complete Eighth Season || align="center"|24 || November 9, 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Complete-Eighth-Jennifer-Aniston/dp/B0002WZN8K/ref=pd_bxgy_d_text_b |title=''Friends - The Complete Eighth Season'' |accessdate=3 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || October 25, 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Friends-Complete-Season-8-New/dp/B00064MW4M/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1231036522&sr=1-34 |title=''Friends'': Complete Season 8 - New Edition </nowiki> |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || October 4, 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/Product/262004/FRIENDS-(Season-8)-(4-DVD-Set) |title=''Friends'' (Season 8) (4 DVD Set) |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| |The Complete Ninth Season || align="center"|24 || March 8, 2005<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Complete-Ninth-Season/dp/B0006ZM8M2/ref=pd_sim_d_5 |title=''Friends - The Complete Ninth Season'' |accessdate=3 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || October 25, 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Friends-Complete-Ninth-Season-REGION/dp/B0006ZM8M2/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1231036522&sr=1-26 |title=''Friends'': Complete Season 9 - New Edition </nowiki> |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || October 4, 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/Product/262005/FRIENDS-(Season-9)-(4-DVD-Set) |title=''Friends'' (Season 9) (4 DVD Set) |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |||
| |The Complete Tenth Season || align="center"|18 || November 15, 2005<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.com/Friends-One-All-Seasons-Limited/dp/B000AM4PBS/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1230968905&sr=1-13 |title=''Friends - The One with All Ten Seasons (Limited Edition)'' |accessdate=3 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || October 25, 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Friends-Complete-Season-10-New/dp/B00064MJAE/ref=sr_1_42?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1231037163&sr=1-42 |title=''Friends'': Complete Season 10 - New Edition </nowiki> |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> || October 4, 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/Product/262009/FRIENDS-(Season-10)-(4-DVD-Set) |title=''Friends'' (Season 10) (4 DVD Set) |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| |} | |||
| ==Future== | |||
| ] hoped that by having his own show, Joey—whom he believed was "probably the least evolved character" on ''Friends''—would become more developed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/2004/09/05/2004-09-05_flying_solo___matt_leblanc_s.html |title=Matt LeBlanc's ''Joey'' goes West to seek fame & fortune |accessdate=4 January 2009 |author=Endrst, James |date=September 5, 2004 |publisher='']''}}</ref>]] | |||
| ===''Joey''=== | |||
| {{Main|Joey (TV series)}} | |||
| After the series finale in 2004, LeBlanc signed on for the spin-off series, '']'', following Joey's move to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career. Kauffman and Crane were not interested in the spin-off, although Bright agreed to executive produce the series with Scott Silveri and Shana Goldberg-Meehan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2003-07-23-joey_x.htm |title=NBC has sitcom plans for ''Friends'' pal Joey |accessdate=30 December 2008 |author=Levin, Gary |date=July 24, 2003 |publisher=]}}</ref> NBC heavily promoted ''Joey'' and gave it ''Friends''<nowiki>'</nowiki> Thursday 8:00 pm timeslot.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/10/joey.debut/ |title=''Joey'' finds new friends on NBC |accessdate=4 January 2009 |date=September 10, 2004 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.jsonline.com/enter/tvradio/jul04/242989.asp |title=''Joey'' co-star looking for sitcom laughs |accessdate=4 January 2009 |author=Weintraub, Joanne |date=July 11, 2004 |publisher=]}}</ref> The pilot was watched by 18.60 million American viewers,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A13051-2004Sep10.html |title=''Joey'' & ''The Apprentice'': Downright Unfriendly |accessdate=30 December 2008 |author=Moraes, Lisa de |date=September 11, 2004 |publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> but ratings continually decreased throughout the series' two seasons, averaging 10.20 million viewers in the first season and 7.10 million in the second.<ref name="friendsjoeystuff"/> The final broadcast episode on March 7, 2006 was watched by 7.09 million viewers;<ref>{{cite web|publisher=] Medianet|date=March 21, 2006|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=032106_05|title= Weekly Program Rankings|accessdate=30 December 2008}}</ref> NBC canceled the series on May 15, 2006 after two seasons.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/15/AR2006051500555.html?nav=rss_artsandliving/entertainmentnews |title=NBC Betting on Aaron Sorkin's New Drama |accessdate=30 December 2008 |author=Bauder, David |date=May 15, 2006 |publisher=Washington Post}}</ref> Bright blamed the collaboration between NBC executives, the studio and other producers for quickly ruining the series:<ref name="friendsjoeystuff">{{cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/friendly-art-of-funny/2006/12/05/1165080950967.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2 |title=Friendly art of funny |accessdate=30 December 2008 |author=Ryan, Suzanne C. |date=December 7, 2006 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| {{quote |On ''Friends'' Joey was a womanizer but we enjoyed his exploits. He was a solid friend, a guy you knew you could count on. Joey was deconstructed to be a guy who couldn't get a job, couldn't ask a girl out. He became a pathetic, mopey character. I felt he was moving in the wrong direction, but I was not heard. |] on the reason for '']'s'' cancellation.<ref name="friendsjoeystuff"/>}} | |||
| ===Film=== | |||
| Following the series finale, rumors began to emerge of a ''Friends'' film, although all were proven to be untrue.<ref name="friendsmovie"/> Rumors of a film reemerged after the release of the '']'' film in 2008, which proved to be a success at the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a106492/friends-movie-within-next-18-months.html |title=''Friends'' movie within next 18 months? |accessdate=4 January 2009 |author=Fletcher, Alex |date=July 2, 2008 |publisher=]}}</ref> '']'' reported in July 2008 that the main cast members had agreed to star in the project, and that filming was going to start within the next 18 months. A source commented that "Jennifer, Courteney and the rest of the cast are to reprise their roles, under the right circumstances Jennifer says she and Courteney have already talked this summer about what they want out of a ''Friends'' movie."<ref name="friendsmovie"/> When asked about the film, Kudrow said that she was unaware of the talks, but expressed interest in the idea.<ref name="friendsmovie">{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2236700/Friends-The-Movie-on-the-cards.html |title=''Friends'': The Movie on the cards? |accessdate=4 January 2009 |date=July 3, 2008 |publisher=Daily Telegraph}}</ref> However, the director of publicity for Warner Bros. said there was "no truth in the story",<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7489204.stm |title='No truth' in ''Friends'' film rumour |accessdate=4 January 2009 |author=Dahabiyeh, Nadia |date=July 4, 2008 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> and Perry's spokeswoman added that "nothing is happening in this regard, so the rumor is false."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=7/&entry_id=27865 |title=Studio Exec Denies ''Friends'' Movie Rumors |accessdate=4 January 2009 |publisher=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> On September 27, 2009, the tabloid '']'' claimed ], who played ] had said a ''Friends'' film is "definitely on" for a 2011 release.<ref>{{cite web |author= |title=''Friends'' reunited: Stars of hit TV sitcom to make movie version |url=http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1216441/Friends-reunited-Stars-hit-TV-sitcom-make-movie-version.html |date=September 27, 2009 |work=] |accessdate=September 27, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author= |title=''Friends'' Friends movie defined on |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a179324/tyler-friends-movie-is-definitely-on.html |date=September 27, 2009 |work=] |accessdate=September 27, 2009 }}</ref> Representatives for Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow dismissed the claims as "speculation."<ref>{{cite web|author=Simpson, Oli|date=September 28, 2009|url= http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a179537/friends-stars-dismiss-movie-rumours.html|title= 'Friends' stars 'dismiss movie rumours'|publisher= Digital Spy|accessdate= September 28, 2009}}</ref> Kudrow and Cox told the ] in January 2010 that they had never been approached by Crane and Kauffman to make a film version of the series.<ref>{{cite news|author= Moody, Mike|date= January 4, 2010|url= http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/news/a193845/cox-kudrow-no-friends-movie-plans.html|title= Cox, Kudrow: 'No Friends movie plans'|publisher= Digital Spy|accessdate= January 5, 2010}}</ref> | |||
| == References == | |||
| {{reflist|colwidth=40em}} | |||
| == External links == | |||
| {{Commons category|Friends (TV-show)}} | |||
| {{Wikiquote|Friends (TV series)}} | |||
| * {{official|http://www2.warnerbros.com/friendstv/container.html}} | |||
| * {{imdb title|0108778}} | |||
| * {{tv.com show|71}} | |||
| * {{dmoz|Arts/Television/Programs/Comedy/Sitcoms/Friends|''Friends''}} | |||
| <!-- For data for this template, use the page http://en.wikipedia.org/List_of_Super_Bowl_lead-out_programs --> | |||
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| |prev='']''<br />] | |||
| |list=''Friends''<br />]<br />] | |||
| |next='']''<br />] | |||
| }} | |||
| {{Friends}} | |||
| {{EmmyAward ComedySeries 2001-2025}} | |||
| {{ScreenActorsGuildAwardsTVEnsembleComedy 1994-2009}} | |||
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Revision as of 00:36, 17 February 2010
juuhijisgh