Six 20-something New Yorkers sitting around a couch drinking coffee isn’t the most exciting television concept, but it is perhaps the simplicity of “Friends” that has ensured its popularity in its 10 years since going off the air. This Monday marks the 20th anniversary of when viewers first saw Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross enter Central Perk back in 1994.
The sitcom is famous for creating the perfect comedic ensemble, which would influence successors like “How I Met Your Mother” and “The Big Bang Theory.” Since its cancellation, the series has attracted younger generations in its cyclical syndication and DVD sales. When the series finale aired in May 2004, it was one of the most-watched series finales in television history, attracting about 52.5 millions viewers.
The six stars have all had varying levels of post-Friends success (if we forget Matt LeBlanc’s bland spin-off), but there have yet to be any news of a reunion any time soon.
1. “We were on a break!” — Ross
2. “I’m not great at the advice… Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?” — Chandler
3. “I grew up with Monica. If you didn’t eat fast, you didn’t eat.” — Ross
4. “If you want to receive emails about my upcoming shows, then please give me money so I can buy a computer!” — Phoebe
5. “Guys can fake it? Unbelievable! The one thing that’s ours!” — Monica
6. “Hey, Ross, I’ve got a science question. If homo sapiens were in fact ‘homo sapiens,’ is that why they’re extinct?” — Joey
7. “Pivot! Pivot!” — Ross
8. “My gynecologist tried to kill me.” — Rachel
9. “I’m a doctor, Cliff, not a mathematician.” — Joey
10. I still can’t believe my dad saw us having sex. He didn’t make it to one of my piano recitals, but this he sees.” — Monica
11. “Well, you all know that I’m a pacifist, so I’m not interested in war in any way. But, you know what? When the revolution comes, I will have to destroy you all.” — Phoebe
12. “Forget the bubble wrap! There isn’t time!” — Monica
13. “Hello? Vegas? Yeah, we would like some more alcohol, and you know what else? We would like some more beers.” — Rachel
14. “I thought it would be great. I figured I’d have time alone with my thoughts … turns out I don’t have as many thoughts as you’d think.” — Joey
15. “People are doing it in front of my book.” — Ross
16. “All right, look, if you absolutely have to tell her the truth, at least wait until the timing’s right. And that’s what deathbeds are for.” — Chandler
17. “I went out a couple of times with this girl … she had the biggest Adam’s apple.” — Joey
18. “I finished it! I did [the crossword] all by myself! And there’s nobody to hug!” — Rachel
19. “My mom used to put her head in the oven. Well, actually she only did it the one time, but it was pretty weird.” — Phoebe
20. “You can’t just give up. Is that what a dinosaur would do!?” — Joey
_______________
Follow Kevin C. Reagan on Twitter @KevinReaganUA
