Twenty years ago, the Friends series finale passed the ultimate vibe check by leaning into its strengths.
Not many shows avoided controversy and appeased mass audiences quite likeFriends.
Thirty years after its premiere, however, our perception of the series has evolved.
This timeless adoration forFriendsmakes it borderline perplexing that it ended 20 years ago this week.
The Last One aired May 6, 2004 on NBC to a massive audience of over 50 million Americans.
After living with a sitcom for 10 years, audiences have often adopted the characters like family.
Chandler and Monica finally get the child theyve dreamed of (and are treated to twins!)
The episodes plot fits together like a perfect jigsaw puzzle that everyone at home could solve.
Some might say sitcoms belong to fans more than dramas do.
Trying to do too much within the format feels more disrespectful in the comedy world.
Kauffman and Crane appreciated the people who madeFriendswhat it was with a fan-service finale that didnt miss a beat.
Monicas apartment is an isolated engagement between the people on both sides of the screen.
Life will go on for them, but closing the chapter on this location demonstrates a boundless beginning.
The late Matthew Perry getting to speak the final line now represents an eerie television justice.
Experimenting with artsy or unconventional storytelling is a recipe for spoilage.
Friends is available to stream on Max in the U.S. and Netflix in the U.K.
