The Friends reunion: The moment we’ve been waiting for since the show last aired in 2004 – but was it worth the wait?
Since the trailer dropped, we all knew that this was going to be a special moment that reunited the six original F.R.I.E.N.D.S. members: Courtney Cox, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and Matthew Perry.
This much-anticipated special reunion brought the original cast back together, relived iconic moments from the show along with celebrity guest appearances and their own take on the show.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is a timeless show which brings millions around the world together and has no boundaries when it comes to generations, the past loved it, the present do and the future definitely with.
One of the most momentous moments of this one-off episode is that it paid a true tribute to the whole team including the cast, special guests from the show and the directors.
We had special appearances from Gunther played by James Michael Tyler, Tom Selleck who played Richard Burke and ‘oh my god’ Janice, played by Maggie Wheeler!
The cast were seen fondly reminiscing and recreating memorable moments from the 90’s show including the iconic quiz and Joey and Chandlers famous seat recline, it felt as though were reliving the show all over again.
This trip down memory lane proves that the chemistry between the six cast members wasn’t just an act, they were and are real friends as we can see as all the stars share their emotions and how much they loved being part of this show.
Jennifer Aniston goes onto describe Courtney Cox and Lisa Kudrow as ‘the sisters she never had’ – which was extremely heartwarming to see.
Talking about their feelings towards one another and closeness, shows they had a wonderful bond both on and off stage.
As the audience we felt emotional when watching this two hour special as we felt as though we went on this journey alongside the cast.
Fans from across the world shared their own tributes and relationship with the show and many talked about how F.R.I.E.N.D.S. helped them to overcome personal rough times in their lives, which was a heart-warming moment.
There are only few criticisms towards this episode and that would be that much loved characters were missed such as Cole Sprouse who played Ross’ son Ben Geller as it would have been nice hearing his youthful memories from the set.
Many were disappointed that Paul Rudd who played Phoebes Husband Mike Hannigan, as he was often described as the seventh friend.
James Corden is often a much-loved host but it could be said that he stole the show through his interview with the cast, he seemed too prominent and there wasn’t much input from the cast throughout this interlude.
For the first time since the show aired in 1994 we got to see an interview between the directors Marta Kauffmann and David Crane which gave viewers a different experience.
It was refreshing to hear their side of the story and the ideas behind the episodes, how the characters were inspired by people in their lives; how they cast the actors.
This part of the event really showed how much effort they put into the show and how much they loved writing and making the show.
We also got front row seats to witness unreleased footage and behind the scenes moments, and it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Alongside this, we were invited to look at the whole set from a completely different perspective which revealed cameras, light stages and the audience seating, this special preview catered for all and paid a special thank you to the members behind the scenes.
We heard from celebrity fans such as David Beckham who sees himself most like Monica, Reese Witherspoon, Justin Bieber and many more all gave their thoughts on the show.
The backstage footage of the cast wandering around their recreated sets, sharing private little jokes such as what they ‘stole’ from the set, was the most memorable part of the reunion, revoking all those much-loved moments from the cast.
In all, this was worth the 17 year wait and really paid tribute to the iconic and long-lasting sitcom that we all love.
By Courtney Harrison
Feature image: Warnermedia