We wanted the F.R.I.E.N.D.S back one last time, and here they are. The reunion episode concluded a while ago, and what an unforgettable and joyful ride it was! Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer got together to reminiscence the good ol’ days (we’re not crying, you’re crying) and play some games along the way, and let us tell you, the show had several highlights. We pick some for you.
1. The entry of the cast
The sheer nostalgia associated of seeing the cast reunite after 17 years, made this one special. Yes, there were happy tears, but more than that, it was the curiosity of what lies ahead. And let us tell you, no matter the amount of time has passed, the six friends still feel like a warm hug on a bad day.
2. Revelations galore!
Did you know Jennifer Aniston (Rachel) and David Schwimmer (Ross) were in love during Season one? However, they were quick to clarify that nothing ever happened because the timing wasn’t right, to which Matt LeBlanc (Joey) was quick to say “bulls**t!” much to the delight of the live audience. Yes, just like the characters shot in front of a live audience when the show was ongoing, the reunion too had an audience watching.
Another revelation was the fact that a few leads don’t remember certain portions/episodes of the iconic series. Perry had earlier said that he doesn’t remember three whole years of the show. Kudrow hasn’t seen all seasons, and Schwimmer said that he is now revisiting the show with his 17-year-old daughter.
3. Schwimmer and Marcel’s rocky equation
During the reunion, Schwimmer didn’t enjoy working with Marcel, the monkey. “What inevitably began to happen was that we would all have choreographed bits timed out and it would get messed up because the monkey didn’t do its job right,” he said. “We’d have to reset, we’d have to go again because the monkey didn’t get it right.”
He added, “It would sit on my shoulder and the trainer would come up and give the monkey live grubs to eat. … I’d have monkey grubby hands all over! It was time for Marcel to f—k off.”
4. Lady Gaga and Smelly Cat
The makers had promised a slew of guests, and there were the perfect addition to the show. A key moment was when Lady Gaga, dressed in her best Phoebe cosplay, appears and helps Kudrow (Phoebe) croon Smelly Cat.
5. The Fashion Show
What’s better than Justin Bieber dressed as Ross' Sputnik costume and Cara Delevigne rocking that Holiday Armadillo? We were all for it!
6. The quiz is back!
Remember when Monica and Rachel lost their apartment to Chandler and Joey in a quiz? Well, the cast recreated that with the same questions and some new, but the highlight? No one, not even Perry knew what Chandler Bing’s job was.
7. Enacting famous scenes
The FRIENDS sat down to re-enact some of the most popular scenes of the series, and it was like the team never left the set. The group got back to their characters with ease, and Kudrow performing “My eyes, my eyes” (when she finds out about Monica and Chandler on the show) proved to be our favourite.
8. Nothing without your support
All through the episode, the supporting cast, Richard, Gunther and Mr. Heckles appear, but our favourite was when Janice makes an appearance. As James Corden (the host) asks the group who has the loudest and most distinctive laugh, everyone begins to look at Kudrow. At this point, the team hears, "Oh. My God! I can't believe you didn't say me!" and Maggie Wheeler (who played Janice) comes on from the side of the stage and joins the cast on the sofa.
Finally, before closure, the cast get into their famous huddle and tears are shed, and once again, fans are left wanting for more.