Friends (1994-2004) followed Seinfeld's success, and it presented similar everyday events and relationships. The show lasted for ten years. In 2004. the final episode of Friends was watched by over 50 million viewers in the United States. What made friends so popular? It was the fact that the six friends were just that-friends. And it wasn't just on the show. In real life, the east of Friends were pals. Jennifer Aniston. Courtney Cox- Arquette, Lisa Kudrow. Matt Leblanc,Mathew Perry, and David Schwimmer became very close. And on eamera, that real-life chemistry showed. No matter what happened. moter did no who what. or who said what. Rachel. Moniea. Phoebe. Joey. Chandler, and Ross were friends. Amerieans eould relate to the series and to the east. It didn't need fonr locations or elaborate speeial effeets. All it needed was the friends.