Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), and Ross Geller (David Schwimmer): these are the iconic names that have taken the American TV world by storm. 

The sitcom had touched so many hearts and still does to this day as fans from all ages gather to watch the Friends Reunion HBO Max special. The 100 minute reunion consisted of the cast doing interviews with James Corden, special guests such as Lady Gaga and BTS, and acting out old scripts.  Filled with laughter and tears, the program was beautifully planned for fans to take a trip down memory lane. 

The special not only triggered nostalgia for fans, but new “drama” had resurfaced about the show. According to the cast, love was in the air between Aniston and Schwimmer on and off set. The two had major crushes on each other, but decided not to act on them because they were in relationships at that time. Chandler and Monica’s relationship was also discussed as the writers never intended to have the two marry in the show. To the writers’ surprise, the feedback from and the support of the relationship by the viewers caused the two to stay as a couple. 

Although the reunion was a big success and many fans would love to see the continuation of the show, the cast and writers firmly decided against any further continuations. They decided the ship has sailed already and unraveling any of the pleasant endings that each of the characters received would be a shame. 

Nonetheless, the show remains an iconic one where anyone can watch for a good laugh and a sense of comfort. Co-creator David Crane describes it as a show that depicts the “time in your life when your friends were your family.”

The New York Times also describes it perfectly: ““Friends” might be the best-liked sitcom ever — by which I don’t mean “best” or even “most popular,” but simply that its overarching success was to create a sense of genial affection toward itself and its characters. “All in the Family” made arguments. “The Simpsons” made an immense world. “Friends” just made friends.”

Sam Baghal, a junior at Hills and an avid watcher of the show, felt that “It was really fun and entertaining to see the cast interact again after all these years. Friends is such a classic, feel-good series and seeing everyone coming together felt very nostalgic.”