Friends snags No.1 spot on U.S. streaming services – and we’re not surprised

In not so surprising news, popular television sitcom Friends reached the spot of No. 1 most popular series on U.S. streaming services the week of Oct. 30, 2023 – Nov. 5, 2023, per Variety. While of course we always like to hear this as fans of the show, this increased spike unfortunately did not happen due to a positive reason. And that’s because Oct. 30 was just two days after Chandler Bing actor Matthew Perry passed away on Oct. 28, 2023.

Variety shares that for that week, Friends was “the top-ranked TV show among American viewers,” which they compiled from data provided by JustWatch. This is a site that has people self-report what they’re watching and adding to their watch-lists. Then users can click “seen” after watching that show. While it’s not a traditional metric the television world usually uses to know how many people are tuning in to something, it still gives us an idea of just how many people nationwide went in and watched Friends.

The news outlet also points out that if you didn’t or don’t see the sitcom on Max’s “Top 10 TV shows” list, that’s because the company only ranks new or recent content. All 10 seasons of Friends were added to Max, after their run on Netflix, in 2020.

Remembering Matthew Perry on Friends

Perry was 54 years old and found unresponsive in a hot tub the day he died. Medical examiners are still working to determine what the exact cause of death is. Initial reports show no fentanyl or methamphetamine were found in his system. In 2022, he opened up about his challenges with addiction, as well as his wonderful journey towards recovery and sobriety, in his memoir. And the fact that he was brave enough to share this with the world after all this time really shows his character. But he mainly did it to help people, which he’s doing even after his death.

While we of course didn’t want the reason for the rise in Friends fans streaming the series to be in response to Matthew Perry‘s passing, we’re also not surprised. That’s because when a known actor from a show does pass away, many people turn to that project. Whether it’s to reminisce, a way of saying goodbye, or perhaps even just honoring the talent that’s not with us anymore. Something usually draws people to go and watch their project. And that’s exactly what happened with Friends.

I can personally say that I did the same. I’ve been going back and watching some of my favorite moments, many of which include Chandler! It’s still so hard to believe that Perry is gone. And just watching him light up the screen with his comedy and jokes still manages to put a smile on my face. Even though it’s very bittersweet. I think that’s why so many of us fans gravitated towards liking his character in particular, and watching the show that first week. Chandler has so many great moments! This was my personal way of saying goodbye to the talented comic, and he will always be remembered.