FRIENDS REUNION: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

No, Matthew Perry still won‘t be there, but we’ll still love it all the same.

It’s not a Friends reunion. It’s not a Friends reunion! How many times does David Schwimmer have to tell you it’s not a Friends reunion? And yet, at a taping for a TV special honoring producer James Burrows, Friends stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc will all be there, and Matthew Perry will submit a taped greeting. So, come on, that counts, right?

Why is it happening?

For most Friends fans, that’s a question that needn’t be asked; they’d be happy with a reunion no matter what the reasoning.

But, on the surface it could seem a bit of a head-scratcher as to why the sextet are returning now. You’d understand a 15th anniversary reunion – but a 12-year one seems a bit random.

Fear not, however. There is a good reason behind the whole thing.

The reunion will be part of a two-hour comedy special on the hit show’s original network (NBC) in tribute to veteran sitcom director James Burrows, who recently hit the major milestone of having helmed 1,000 shows back in November of 2015.

The special – which is being compared to previous comedy extravaganzas like Saturday Night Live’s 40th anniversary blowout – will bring together casts from most of Burrows’ previous projects, including The Big Bang Theory, Will & Grace andFrasier.

What can we expect to see?

Hard to say at this point, as those in the know are being predictably tight lipped on the subject.

But from the inclusion of most of Burrows’ previous projects we’re probably looking at an extended skit from the Friends lot, with plenty of nods and in-jokes towards past storylines (perhaps a look at what the characters are up to now?).

What would be impressive is if the writers manage to weave each set of characters together for one final sketch. Ross meeting Frasier’s Niles is an oddball pairing we’d love to see.

We’ll know a bit more once the show tapes later this month.

When can I watch it?

The two-hour special is scheduled to air on NBC on February 21 at 9pm EST (that’s 2 o’clock in the morning here – so be prepared to stay up late).

How can I watch it?

It’s currently scheduled to air on American network NBC only. No word yet of a UK screening.

But with the recent acquisition of The Ellen DeGeneres Show by ITV2, stranger things have happened.

There’s currently no way to get NBC over here in Britain unless you turn to ‘dodgy’ websites, but rest assured that all the highlights will be available on YouTube for you to watch again, and again, and again.

Could we see a full-time return from the Friends crew?

Unfortunately, this isn’t likely.

Since the show ended 12 years ago each member of the original cast has gone on to forge successful careers on their own. It’d probably take quite a bit of money to get them back together for good, and although NBC obviously had enough for this one-off special, we’re not sure a full season’s worth is in their wallets.

Besides, Friends‘ late-90s brand of humour is what makes it so endearingly entertaining the first place. Would you really want them to erase that with the dreaded “reboot” word?

The James Burrows Tribute Special airs on NBC on February 21

source : wow247