3 reasons we don’t need a Friends reunion

When it comes to iconic TV, it's impossible not to talk about the “must-see TV” block on NBC. In the 90s, that was the slogan for primetime TV featuring a lineup that included Frasier, Friends, Mad About You, and ER, to name a few!

However, it might just be Friends that has truly become one of the most beloved series of that prime-time block. With 10 seasons and over 200 episodes, there were a lot of stories told between 1994 and 2004, when the series aired on NBC. And thanks to reruns, syndication, and streaming, the series continues to bring in new fans, as well as giving returning fans more of this nostalgia and comfort that seems to be missing from a lot of primetime TV nowadays.

But make no mistake! Just because we love something does not mean we need more of it. And one thing we definitely don’t need (or want) is a Friends reunion. What we have is perfect on its own. It may not have been perfect, and looking back on it from today’s standard, we can see issues with some of the storylines. One that comes to mind is the lack of diversity. But that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t good at the time. It’s why it is still such a popular series and continues to have a fandom.

We have three solid reasons why we don’t need a Friends reunion. And two of those reasons are very obvious and straightforward. Let's get to it!

1. We already had a reunion special in 2021

One of the main reasons we don’t think we need a Friends reunion is because we already had a reunion special, and it wasn't even that long ago!

In 2021, the cast of Friends got together to reminisce on the good old days and talk about their time on set. The cast also opened up about some of their struggles. It was a chance to look back and celebrate those 10 years of comedy gold. So there’s no need for a second reunion. After all, it’s only been three years since they all came together to talk about the series. What more could they bring to the table by reuniting so soon? 

2. No Matthew Perry, no Chandler Bing

Everyone sees this series in their own way. We all see the characters in a different light, depending on who we connect with the most. However, it is hard to deny that, in a lot of ways, Chandler Bing was the heart of the group.

There was something about him that brought everyone together. And following Matthew Perry‘s death in 2023, it would just not be the same without him. There is no Friends without Matthew and his character. Perry passed away on Oct. 28, 2023, at the age of 54 due to ketamine use that led to an accidental drowning in his hot tub. This wound is still very fresh in our hearts, so I can't imagine how his friends.

3. The characters have all moved on with their lives 

By the end of the series, the characters all moved on with their lives. Yes, they were still friends and kept in touch. However, they were no longer all living in the same building together, they had all moved on to new opportunities and relationships.

Even within their friend group, things had changed. We would no longer be getting the same type of show if they did a reunion episode of the series. We don’t want to see what happens 20 years later because it’s so far from what we started with that it wouldn’t be the same show in any way. The beloved characters are in different places in their lives. So, even if they are still friends, their friendship is simply not the same and we don’t want to see that in real time. 

Honestly, if you are a Friends fan, you probably don’t want a reunion, either. Too much has changed in the short time since they did their 2021 reunion special. It may just be time to move on from the idea of a Friends reunion. 

Luckily, we still have the reruns. And we can enjoy the original series for what it was. If we want a reunion, at least we have a special to watch already on Max.