On May 27, HBO Max premiered a special episode of Friends.
The six leading actors - Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Courtney Cox, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow - have gathered for the first time since filming the last episode of the project, released in 2004.
Despite the fact that the new episode is not a game, the artists relived some of the moments of the show, reading excerpts from the script at the table.
So, Aniston and Schwimmer repeated the scene in the coffee shop when Rachel and Ross first kissed.
Also, together with Lisa Kudrow, they recalled an excerpt from the episode in which Phoebe learns about the romantic relationship between Monica and Chandler (and almost betrays them to Ross).
The artists again, as in one of the episodes, staged a quiz.
In the series, the losers Monica and Rachel had to swap apartments with Chandler and Joe.
This time the actors recalled interesting moments of the plot - and the women's team won.
The main part of the action of the special episode takes place in two locations.
The artists spent time together in the pavilion, where the scenery of the series was recreated (friends' apartment and cafe).
The actors also recalled the good old days in a talk show format with James Corden and the audience.
This part of the episode was filmed against the background of a fountain that appeared in the series' intro.
Artists and creators of Friends Kevin Bright, Martha Kauffman and David Crane delighted fans with new details about the actors' life behind the scenes.
So, it became known that on the set of the episode where Chandler and Joe are competing for a chair, Matt LeBlanc unsuccessfully stumbled on a coffee table and dislocated his shoulder.
Since the actor had to wear a bandage, the injury was included in the plot - as if Joe was jumping on the bed.
However, no changes were made to that same ill-fated episode, the remaining scenes were filmed later.
The artists also recalled that before filming that episode, they did not have time to hug, as they usually did.
When asked by Corden about off-set relationships, Aniston and Schwimmer admitted that they liked each other while working on the first season.
However, the artists did not meet, since they were already in a relationship.
In turn, Matthew Perry said that during the filming he was very worried about the reaction of the audience in the pavilion.
The artist was worried if the audience did not laugh at the jokes of his hero.
© Shot from a special episode of the series "Friends"
By the way, once the reaction of the audience played a decisive role in the development of the plot.
According to Martha Kauffman, the filmmakers were not going to continue the joint line of Monica and Chandler: initially, only a short affair in London was supposed.
However, the audience reacted so vividly to the new couple that by the beginning of the next season, the relationship of the heroes had to be rethought.
In addition to the main cast, other artists appeared in the special episode: Tom Selleck (Monica Richard's boyfriend), Elliott Gould and Christina Pickles (Monica and Ross 'parents), Larry Hankin (Mr. Heckles' neighbor), Maggie Wheeler (Janice) and James Michael Tyler ( Gunter).
Aniston and her colleagues also noted the contributions of celebrities who appeared in the episodes: including Danny DeVito, Julia Roberts, Sean Penn, Brad Pitt and Ben Steeler.
The show included a clip featuring Friends fans from different parts of the planet: fans were quoting iconic phrases from the series.
So, the Russian woman Victoria, performing against the background of Red Square, got the line "Could I be wearing anymore clothes?"
("Can I wear more?").
The viewer made a reference to Joe in Chandler's outfit by wearing several jackets and ties.
Viewers also explained what attracted them to the show.
Many commented that the show helped them get through difficult times, making them laugh at each episode.
Famous Friends fans include soccer player David Beckham, musicians from South Korean group BTS, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Pakistani human rights activist Malala Yusufzai and actor Kit Harington.
In the special episode, they talked about their favorite episodes.
So, Harington approached the assessment of the series from a professional position and especially noted the scene where Ross, Rachel and Chandler are lifting the sofa up the stairs.
According to Harington, she looks simple on paper, and it is her talented acting that makes her so funny.
Not without the songs loved by the fans of the series.
The show featured the hit The Rembrandts - I'll Be There for You, which was used in the intro.
In addition, Lisa Kudrow performed the song Smelly Cat.
The artist was joined by Lady Gaga and a gospel band.
Also, as part of the show, they remembered the most vivid images in which friends appeared on the screen.
The filmmakers opted for Rachel's pink bridesmaid dress and battleship outfit worn by Cara Delevingne, Ross's leather pants, which Cindy Crawford sported, and the Spudnik (satellite and potato hybrid) fancy dress showcased by Justin Bieber.
Well, the image using absolutely all Chandler's clothes was repeated by Matt LeBlanc himself.
The last shots of the show are dedicated to the memory of the creators of the series, who have already passed away.
© Shot from a special episode of the series "Friends"
Russian-speaking users of social networks are already sharing their viewing impressions.
For many, the reunion caused strong emotions.
“I've almost looked through half of it.
I paused several times to cry, ”notes one VKontakte user.
“The episode is very strong.
I can’t hold back my tears, ”writes another user of the platform.
“How sad ... I feel like crying.
God, how the actors have grown old.
The series "Friends" is really a very cool project, just thanks for this legend, "they say on Twitter.
Some were particularly pleased with the appearance of celebrities.
lady gaga in the rush to friends ??
lady gaga is now part of the Friends universe ??
do we live in a beautiful universe ??
😭😭😍😍🥰🥰 pic.twitter.com/9wuQffMv37
- Grand Budapest 🐺🇰🇮 (@twidade_Iucks) May 27, 2021
Others were impressed by the humorous fashion show.
“They dressed Justin Bieber in a potato costume.
The series “Friends”, go ahead! ”, - writes another blogger.
She also admitted that after the special issue she would not be able to watch the series without tears.
“How lucky I am to be part of a generation that has experienced the effect of Friends and that fully understands this series,” the author said.
Another user of social networks also could not contain her emotions.
“One of Friends' producers said that 'this show is about the time when your friends were your family.'
My tears, ”she said.
However, not all reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
“I looked at the reunion.
A very strong but specific thing.
Unfortunately, something was missing for me.
As if everything is so, but somewhere there is a catch, "admitted one of the users of VKontakte.