It’s hard to believe it’s been over two decades since the FRIENDS finale bid adieu to the beloved Central Perk crew on May 6, 2004. While the show’s finale marked the end of the road for the cast, the legacy of FRIENDS far outlived its original run, becoming a binge-watching staple for generations.
While since then fans have clamored for a reunion to relive the magic, Matthew Perry’s recent passing has certainly made that possibility bleak. And let’s not forget, that David Schwimmer has long championed the idea of leaving the show’s perfect ending undisturbed. As messing with a masterpiece like FRIENDS would definitely be a crime.
David Schwimmer Reveals Why a FRIENDS Reboot Is a No-Go!
In an era obsessed with reboots, prequels, spinoffs, and whatnot, it’s easy to forget that some things are best left alone. FRIENDS isn’t just a show, it’s a cultural phenomenon that has resonated across generations. Even after 20 years, its charm hasn’t faded a bit.
The pandemic lockdown although slowed the world down, it also amplified the show’s popularity, leading to the much-loved reunion special on HBO Max. Thankfully, the cast seems wise to the allure of any reboots or revival. As David Schwimmer, the quintessential Ross Geller, noted, sometimes it’s better to let sleeping dogs lie. Or, in this case, let beloved sitcoms rest on their laurels. In a chat with The Guardian, he revealed,
I just don’t think it’s possible, given everyone’s different career trajectories. I think everyone feels the same: why mess with what felt like the right way to end the series? I don’t want to do anything for the money. It would have to make sense creatively and nothing I’ve heard so far presented to us makes sense.
Schwimmer believes the original FRIENDS series was perfection, effectively closing the door on a reboot. Had there been unresolved plot points or lingering questions, the cast might have been open to revisiting the iconic characters. While the actor hasn’t completely ruled out a return, he’s indicated that an exceptionally compelling storyline would be necessary to entice the cast back to that sofa.
Friends: The Reunion Was Everything Fans Hoped For and More
Friends: The Reunion, was more than just a television special, for the fans. Airing on HBO Max in 2021, the one hour and forty-three minutes long chat with the stars became a viewing phenomenon, drawing in millions of viewers who had grown up alongside Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross.
The reunion, filmed on the iconic Stage 24, was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans, as well as for the cast.
Fans were also treated to special never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage with candid conversations among the cast and crew, offering a rare glimpse into the making of the beloved sitcom. Celebrity cameos, including Lady Gaga’s rendition of Smelly Cat and a surprise appearance by BTS, made it all so great.
Seeing the entire FRIENDS cast reunited was a dream come true for fans who had been clamoring for a reboot. A perfect ending to a perfect show, the reunion was indeed a love letter to fans who have been there since day one.
Both FRIENDS and Friends: The Reunion are streaming on Max.
