Friends (1994-2004) followed Seinfeld’ 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 cast of friends were pals. Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox-Arquette,
Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlane, Mathew Perry, and David Schwimmer become very close.
And on camera, that real-life chemistry showed. No matter what happened, no matter who did
what, or who said what, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey Chandler, and Ross were friends.
Americans could relate to the series and to the cast. It didn’t need fancy locations or
elaborate special effects. All it needed was the friends.