Friends reunion – as it happened: How to watch, reactions, best moments and all the latest on HBO Max special
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Matthew Perry reunited for the first time in front of TV cameras
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Your support makes all the difference.The Friends reunion has finally been released. Could we be anymore excited?
The long-awaited programme debuted on 27 May on HBO Max in the US, with UK viewers able to stream it on NOW. The special, titled Friends: The Reunion, also aired on Sky One.
Originally announced in 2020, the special was extensively delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Taping took place in April on the original Friends soundstage at the Warner Bros Studio lot in Burbank, California.
The show, which was hosted by James Corden, marked the first time all six original stars – Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Matthew Perry – reunited in front of television cameras.
A number of revelations were made during the episode including that David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston were “crushing” on each other during filming.
Mysteries were solved, such as the one surrounding the overhead beam in Monica’s apartment that suddenly disappears without explanation at some point in the series.
A host of guest stars joined in too, including a special duet performance of “Smelly Cat” by Lady Gaga and Kudrow. Reese Witherspoon, David Beckham, Justin Bieber, and BTS also made appearances, alongside Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Kit Harington, Mindy Kaling, and Malala Yousafzai.
Follow the release of the reunion special as it happened with our live blog:
Friends has remained a mainstay in popular culture since it aired nearly 20 years ago. In honour of reunion day, Lauren Pinnington remembers the show’s enduring appeal.
Warmth, wisecracks and will they/won’t theys: Why Friends has always mattered
The famed US sitcom has had its cringe moments and misfires but its popularity across the decades has rarely waned. As a reunion one-off airs this week, Lauren Pinnington remembers the series’ undeniable pop culture alchemy
In just one hour you’ll be able to ask The Independent’s Jacob Stolworthy all your Friends reunion-related questions. Whether you’re wondering how to watch it, or if you want to know a specific detail without giving away any spoilers – he’s got you covered.
Click below to find details about our Ask Me Anything – open from 1pm onwards.
Friends reunion ‘Ask me Anything’: the Independent will answer your questions about the special episode live
As the most-anticipated TV episode of the year arrives, Jacob Stolworthy will be taking your Friends questions live
Before today’s debut (27 May), a preview for the special had fans concerned for Matthew Perry after he appeared to “slur” his speech.
According to a source close to the star, however, viewers don’t have to worry. The actor apparently needed emergency dental surgery hours before the interview was due to take place, which resulted in the “slurring”.
What exactly does Chandler do for a living? He’s a... transponster? Turns out that 17 years later and the cast still aren’t sure.
When James Corden was announced as host earlier this month, Friends fans were unimpressed. Given the Twitter comments in the wake of the reunion’s debut this morning (27 May), it seems that the comedian has failed to win his critics over.
Viewers complain about James Corden hosting Friends reunion: ‘Is there a way to watch it w/o him?’
Comedian’s hosting stint has not been welcomed by fans who say he ‘puts you off watching it’
Viewers were delighted to see the gang get together to recreate the memorable quiz scene from “The One with the Embryos” in season four. Any Friends fan would remember the answer to this question...
While Paul Rudd was notably absent from the guest stars on the reunion, the actor was spotted in old behind-the-scenes of the show’s final episode. Here he is filming the core six’s final bow...
When asked what their characters would be up to today, this is what they responded:
The reunion’s Friends fashion show featured a number of big names – including Cindy Crawford, Cara DeLevingne and Justin Bieber – but Matt LeBlanc wearing “all of Chandler’s clothes” outshone them all.
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