There’s no doubt that Friends is one of the most prominent and influential shows in entertainment history. Despite the fact that the show’s last episode aired almost 20 years ago, ScreenRant notes how the recent Friends reunion garnered nearly as many live viewers as the premiere of the recent blockbuster film Wonder Woman 1984.
This is a reflection of how much the show has and continues to influence not just television, but other different and interactive forms of entertainment as well, which is part of why the show has stayed relevant after all these years.
Now that the much-anticipated reunion special is over, it seems that Friends fans everywhere can only look forward to reruns. But if you miss watching your favorite Friends onscreen, there’s no shortage of shows where you can catch them at work.
Episodes
A married couple who wrote an acclaimed British sitcom called Lyman’s Boys is convinced by a Hollywood exec to green light the American adaptation of their show. Lyman’s Boys stars the geriatric, dutiful headmaster of a prep school known for his clever quips and life lessons. However, much to the writers’ surprise, the headmaster is played by Matt LeBlanc in the adaptation.
In Episodes, LeBlanc stars as an obnoxious but lovable version of his real self – wholly unsuited for the role and still struggling with mistakes from his past. In this brilliantly written, award-winning comedy-drama from Friends co-creator David Crane, LeBlanc makes life hell for writers Sean and Beverly (Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig).
Web Therapy
Lisa Kudrow is Dr. Fiona Wallice, a delusional, highly narcissistic, and largely unqualified therapist who has moved her practice online. The whole show is a screen capture of her desktop, featuring stars like Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, and Meryl Streep as patients who are even more delusional than Wallice. As if the concept isn’t awesome enough, the whole show is also completely improvised.
Cougar Town
A wine-loving, 40-something divorcee and mother of one works as a real estate agent in a fictional Floridian town and takes care of her extended family – including her ex-husband who lives on a boat in a parking lot. It’s a messy premise, but Jules Cobb (Courteney Cox) works it like a charm.
Although the events and general plot get more ridiculous with each season, Cougar Town is still one of the best comedies in mainstream television.
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
The head of an award-winning late-night sketch comedy show has a live, on-air meltdown which results in a media frenzy. After the executive is fired and the dust settles, prized writer Matt Albie (Matthew Perry) and producer Danny Tripp (Bradley Whitford) are sent in by top execs to pick up the pieces.
Think 30 Rock – but the production meetings are real, careers get ended, and the understated humor is punctuated by intense, flowing dialogue. Although both Perry and Whitford give on-point performances throughout, the real star of this show is writer-director Aaron Sorkin.
If you can’t get enough of your favorite Friends actors, these shows are a must-see. You’ll undoubtedly love seeing a known cast member on other shows.
