Tag: friends

The underrated Friends spinoff premieres its eight unreleased episodes on streaming

The world of television has made an unexpected comeback, as the eight unreleased episodes of Joey, the spin-off of the iconic series Friends, are finally available to the public. Originally, Joey debuted on NBC on September 9, 2004, capturing the attention of 18.5 million viewers who were eager to follow the adventures of the charismatic character played by Matt LeBlanc. However, the enthusiasm quickly faded; within a year, the series lost 11 million viewers and was canceled, leaving eight episodes in limbo that would remain hidden for almost two decades. A series with […]

The world of television has made an unexpected comeback, as the eight unreleased episodes of Joey, the spin-off of the iconic series Friends, are finally available to the public. Originally, Joey debuted on NBC on September 9, 2004, capturing the attention of 18.5 million viewers who were eager to follow the adventures of the charismatic character played by Matt LeBlanc. However, the enthusiasm quickly faded; within a year, the series lost 11 million viewers and was canceled, leaving eight episodes in limbo that would remain hidden for almost two decades.

A series with a grim fate

These episodes, which were never aired on streaming, DVD, or at another time in the U.S., have found their way back thanks to the official Friends channel on YouTube, which started uploading them recently. Although the episodes have only reached about 100,000 views, suggesting modest interest, their availability represents an opportunity for fans to close a chapter that had been left open since 2006.

In Spain, the episodes were broadcast on channels like Cuatro and Neox, but their treatment has been uneven compared to the parent series. Currently, the only accessible ones are those available on YouTube. Although some believe that these episodes are not so bad and provide a happy ending for the characters, they are not intended as a definitive closure for the series.

Although Joey did not revolutionize the television landscape and its status has been the subject of criticism over the years, the arrival of these unreleased episodes adds an interesting nuance to the Friends phenomenon and its subsequent decline. As some critics pointed out, the spin-off was “doomed from the start,” and its reintroduction to the public could be both a curiosity and a reflection on what the original series meant to generations of viewers.

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If you've watched Friends or The Office more times than you consider normal, don't worry: science says to keep doing it

The trend of rewatching series and movies is a phenomenon that has captured the attention of many, and it is not by chance. According to Dr. Robert N. Kraft, PhD and author of a study published in 2022 in Psychology Today, this practice offers an emotional refuge that satisfies various psychological needs. Viewers often choose content that feels familiar and comforting, allowing them to escape the stress of daily life. It reduces anxiety and makes us feel safe. Kraft’s study highlights that one of the most significant reasons for this repetition […]

The trend of rewatching series and movies is a phenomenon that has captured the attention of many, and it is not by chance. According to Dr. Robert N. Kraft, Doctor of Philosophy and author of a study published in 2022 in Psychology Today, this practice offers an emotional refuge that satisfies various psychological needs. Viewers often choose content that feels familiar and comforting, allowing them to escape the stress of daily life.

Reduces anxiety and makes us feel secure

The Kraft study highlights that one of the most significant reasons for this repetition is the certainty of the outcome. People tend to revisit their favorite series, such as Friends or The Office, because they know exactly how they will end, which provides them with a sense of security and order in an often chaotic world. This search for familiarity is especially relevant in times of anxiety or uncertainty.

In addition, rewatching movies and series generates a feeling of nostalgia that can be therapeutic. Film and television works transport us to happy moments from our childhood, evoking pleasant memories associated with that content. It is common for films like Home Alone to become a tradition during the holidays, creating emotional ties between the past and the present.

Another factor that contributes to this practice is the saturation of options on streaming platforms, which can be overwhelming. Choosing to watch familiar content reduces the anxiety related to decision-making. In this sense, Kraft emphasizes that there is no reason to feel guilty for opting for a marathon of a well-known series over new recommendations. Revisiting old favorites can be not only healthy but also a valuable exercise in self-acceptance and emotional enjoyment.

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Tate Donovan and Jennifer Aniston’s breakup complicates Friends romance arc

A recent interview with Tate Donovan sheds light on the behind-the-scenes struggles during the filming of “Friends,” particularly an emotional arc involving his character, Joshua, and Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel.

Donovan revealed that he and Aniston had been in a relationship for two years before he was cast in the show, and they had broken up just prior to his appearance. At the time, neither of them informed the cast or crew of their split.

How a past romance affected Tate Donovan’s role on friends

“I thought maybe working together would help us get over it faster,” Donovan reflected, a sentiment that highlights how professional and personal lives can intertwine in Hollywood.

Despite the circumstances, he ended up portraying a romantic relationship with his ex-girlfriend, which, he admitted, was quite uncomfortable for both parties.

The producers of “Friends” were reportedly inspired by Donovan’s situation, which played a role in shaping Joshua’s character arc.

However, the turmoil was ultimately a professional lesson for Donovan, who now sees that experience as a transformative moment in his career: “It was a way to prove myself… Nobody knows what you’re going through, and that’s the beauty of it”.

Despite the heartache, he found a way to channel his emotions into his work, showcasing the often unseen resilience of actors behind the camera.

This actress is grateful for not having had a leading role in the iconic series Friends

Jessica Hecht, an actress known for playing Susan Bunch in the iconic 90s series, Friends, expressed her gratitude for not being a main character in the show. In recent statements, Hecht acknowledged that the responsibility of being a protagonist is more than what many people could handle. Although she appeared in more than a dozen episodes, her performance left a significant mark as the partner of Carol Willick, played by Jane Sibbett, amid the romantic entanglement with Ross, a character played by David Schwimmer. Friends is a great show, but she doesn’t believe that […]

Jessica Hecht, an actress known for playing Susan Bunch in the iconic 90s series, Friends, expressed her gratitude for not being a main character in the show. In recent statements, Hecht acknowledged that the responsibility of being a protagonist is more than what many people could handle. Although she appeared in more than a dozen episodes, her performance left a significant mark as the partner of Carol Willick, played by Jane Sibbett, amidst the romantic entanglement with Ross, a character played by David Schwimmer.

Friends is a great series, but I don’t think it deserves it

Over the years, the cast of Friends has enjoyed a deep and genuine connection that has lasted since the series ended 20 years ago. Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay, emphasized the importance of respectful communication among the actors to maintain their friendships, both on and off screen. According to Kudrow, the work behind the scenes involved openly discussing any misunderstandings, which allowed their relationships to strengthen.

The impact that Friends had on the lives of its viewers is undeniable, and Hecht recalled with admiration how the series has affected so many people. The chemistry between the characters continues to be a key factor that keeps fans interested, who still enjoy the series through reruns.

Despite the passage of time, the cast has reunited on several occasions, the most recent being the special Friends: The Reunion in 2021, which took place two years before the tragic death of Matthew Perry in 2023. This event has further strengthened the bonds among the cast members, who have shared heartfelt tributes in memory of Perry, remembering him as one of the best parts of their lives.

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The Friends spin-off that was about to be made and left us wanting to see it

In 1994, the cast of Friends was a group of unknown kids to the general public, but ten years later they couldn’t even step outside without encountering fans who stopped them every five seconds for a photo or an autograph: that’s the price of fame. Well, that and the million dollars they pocketed for each episode, making it so that basically none of them had to work again for the rest of their lives. But there was one of them, Matt LeBlanc, who still wanted to continue the game a little longer: […]

In 1994, the cast of Friends was a group of unknown kids to the general public, but ten years later they couldn’t even step outside without being stopped by fans every five seconds for a photo or autograph: that’s the price of fame. Well, that and the million dollars they pocketed for each episode, making it so that basically none of them had to work again for the rest of their lives. But there was one of them, Matt LeBlanc, who still wanted to continue the game a little longer: Joey, the series that told us what happened to the character after that final joke, lasted 2 seasons and didn’t interest too many people, but… would things have been different with the other spin-off that they considered?

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Friendspin-off

Obviously, NBC wanted, by any means, for Friends to continue. It makes perfect sense: the final episode was watched by 52 million people in the United States, how could they not want to continue with the success? What is less known is that it was not Matt LeBlanc who first took the bait, but Lisa Kudrow, who was eager to continue the saga of Phoebe Buffay now that she was married and had her life well on track. After the series ended, in fact, she met with the producers to try to move forward with Girlfriends, a spin-off that made perfect sense.

In this series we would see Phoebe’s new life and her friendship with an old acquaintance from the series, Charlie Wheeler, the paleontology professor who during the end of season 9 and the beginning of season 10 was Joey’s girlfriend (first) and Ross’s (later). However, the executives preferred to give Joey the benefit of the doubt, even though Phoebe was a much more popular character… And could lead to many more guest stars. But many, many more.

After all, her twin sister, Ursula, was the waitress in Mad About You, and Phoebe also appeared (in character) in an episode of Hope & Gloria, so she was already connected to that universe. And considering that Mad About You shared a world -through crossovers- with Seinfeld, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Style & Substance, and that Seinfeld had a crossover with Murphy Brown, which in turn… Well, you can get an idea. Little is known about what Girlfriends could have been, but Phoebe was undoubtedly the character that could contribute the most to a sitcom, if only because of the wide world of people she interacted with. It’s a real shame she almost had a second chance.

What Could Have Been and Was Not

But don’t think that this is where it ends: in 2017, it was rumored again that Marta Kauffman and Lisa Kudrow, who worked together again on the series Grace and Frankie, were preparing a new spin-off entirely focused on Phoebe. In this case, the character would be divorced from Mike and living in New York again, which made it likely that her old friends would appear from time to time… including an episode that would bring them all back together! It would have been television history, but Kudrow explained shortly after that she had no plans to resurrect the character, let alone appear in such a project. Our joy, down the drain.

But there is indeed another person who has been asking for a chance to star in a spin-off. You might not recognize the name Maggie Wheeler, but if I say “Oh my god,” I’m sure you can hear in your head the high-pitched voice of Janice, Chandler’s on-again, off-again girlfriend who also had her moment of glory with Ross. The actress stated that after Friends ended, she tried to pitch her project, and she wasn’t entirely sure why it didn’t happen.

Moreover, the plot sounds -frankly- incredible: Janice working in New York as a therapist who solves people’s problems. Janice trying to fix people’s minds? Take all my money. The last we heard from her is that the actress stated “If the right circumstance arose and the people behind Janice asked me to do something, I would definitely be there in a heartbeat. It’s not too late for a spin-off!”. And yes, it is late, but that’s okay: we would definitely be there to watch it. Worse things are produced every year! How many more spin-offs of The Big Bang Theory do we need while this great project rots on a shelf? Oh my god!

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Which apps are best for making new friends?

Looking to make new friends? Here are the pros and cons of 6 popular apps.

making friends

Dating apps are commonplace these days. No shame in meeting the love of your life (or love of the week) online.

Part of what makes the process, well, weird, is, some dating apps have a friendship option, in addition to the usual fare. Others adopt the dating model — incorporating friendship quizzes, detailed profiles, and in-app messaging.

So, why are friend-focused apps the subject of skepticism and stigma? It’s arguably way harder to form platonic friendships from scratch after you’ve completed college than it is to meet a potential suitor.

Those looking for new blood for the friend group or a fresh perspective face some challenges,where do you look for new faces? We’ve covered friendship apps in the past, narrowing down our recommendations to the best ones available.

Here, we’ll look at which options work and which ones you might want to skip.

What friendship apps are worth your time?

Meetup

meetup groups home page

Meetup is the one app that anyone suggests when someone wants to meet more people. It’s one of the better apps, in that norms are a bit more established than you’ll find with the apps that take the dating model and put a platonic label on it.

Meetup is maybe both the best and the worst app in this category. Why? Well, for a few reasons. The breadth is staggering. There are groups focused on massive impersonal singles events, and others with dedicated regulars — book clubs, hiking groups, people that want to meet for happy hour.

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Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups aren’t usually anyone’s favorite place online — they’re usually forced on you because you signed up for a class or a neighbor invited you to a community page.

But don’t write them off! There are tons of Facebook Groups and many of them center around shared interests like Meetups do. Because there’s usually a purpose behind each group, it’s a less awkward way to find new people than the one-on-one date-style interactions you’ll find on something like Bumble BFF.

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8

MeetMe

meet me dating or friends?

MeetMe is an app that allows you to find people nearby that want to meet up on a whim.

It’s unclear if the app is a dating site, a place for friends or both. We’ve found that this app doesn’t have great reviews, it’s one of the only co-ed friending apps on the market — compared to Hey! Vina and Bumble BFF that primarily target women.

Users create a profile that includes a short bio, location, and details like age and sexual orientation and from there, you can chat with other users. We like that MeetMe is less formal than Meetup, which is focused on events—and sometimes there’s a long wait before there’s something to do.

Still, this app doesn’t seem too promising — and may come with awkward interactions where one person isn’t aware they’re on a date.

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We3

We3 friend app

This app explicitly states that it’s not for dating. Instead, it’s supposed to work like a mini meetup. You meet in groups of three, which mitigates some of the awkwardness involved with things like Bumble BFF or the bygone Tinder Social.

The algorithm looks at over 150 factors that help determine who you get matched with. What we liked about this option is — We3 gets that sprawling mixers are basically worthless for meeting friends. And, one-on-ones can be awkward.

Bumble BFF

bumble for friends

Bumble BFF is an interesting one. If you listen to the founder speak about the Bumble brand, you’ll get the vision — it’s evolved into a one-stop shop for networking, friending, and, of course, dating.

All well and good, except the app still features a lot of users with pictures they put up for their dating profiles. So, as you scroll through the pool of potential besties — you’re presented with this lineup of people — ostensibly judging them based on appearance.

Still, the one-on-one approach is refreshing if you’ve only used larger meetups to expand your circle. We’ve found that a lot of people text back and forth for a long time — and things fizzle fast. With that in mind, it’s worth it to be more proactive about setting up a time to meet and making a point of following up with the people you actually like.

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Hey! Vina

hey vina app

Hey! Vina, which we’ve also looked at in the past, is exclusively built for finding friends. Like apps like OK Cupid, the process involves taking some quizzes, uploading a few picks, and receiving matches based on what the algorithm spits out. You’ll get an automated message from a Vina employee “making an introduction,” but it’s the same thing every time.

The process is basically the same as what you’ll get with Bumble BFF. You’ll message matches and decide to meet up. The app is cute, and we like the idea. However, it can be tricky to get over that initial hurdle of the date-ness of the whole thing.

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Final thoughts

Friend-dating requires as much time and energy as regular dating. People take that for granted. You might meet friends at work, or through doing a regular hobby — but those seemingly effortless friendships were built on repeat exposure to each other. Did we miss your favorite app for meeting friends? Let us know in the comments below.