Lisa Kudrow Finally Binge-Watches 'Friends': What She Thought of the Iconic Sitcom
Lisa Kudrow's Long-Awaited 'Friends' Viewing Experience
After more than twenty years since the iconic sitcom 'Friends' wrapped up, actress Lisa Kudrow has taken the bold step of watching all ten seasons in their entirety. Kudrow, known for her role as the eccentric Phoebe Buffay, revealed this during an engaging chat with her former co-star Jennifer Aniston for Variety's Actors on Actors series. Despite her integral role in the show's success, Kudrow admitted she had mostly avoided watching it, only catching brief clips during sporadic viewings.
Discussing her hesitance, Kudrow explained, "There were entire episodes I hadn’t seen. I couldn’t bear the thought of someone walking by and seeing me watch a show I’m part of. It felt awkward to me." However, she recently decided to dive back into the series, stating, “I have watched it now.” Reflecting on her binge-watching experience, Kudrow expressed her delight, saying, “I loved it with all my heart. I’d find myself watching for three hours straight, and suddenly it’s two in the morning. It brought me so much joy.”
Kudrow also reminisced about her favorite episodes, especially the Thanksgiving specials that featured notable guest stars. One memorable moment was when Brad Pitt appeared on the show, who was married to Aniston at that time. "When Brad was on, that was hilarious," Kudrow recalled, to which Aniston added, "We had so many movie stars on 'Friends': Brad, Bruce Willis, Julia Roberts, Isabella Rossellini, and Sean Penn."
During their conversation, Kudrow took a moment to commend Aniston's acting, exclaiming, “And man, you’re all good. Holy cow! You were really good, Jennifer. It’s such a ridiculous thing to say to people. Like, of course.” The beloved cast of 'Friends' also included Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and the late Matthew Perry, all of whom played a significant role in the show's lasting impact.
Originally airing from 1994 to 2004, 'Friends' became a cultural touchstone and continues to be one of the most-watched sitcoms in streaming history. The series won six Emmy Awards during its run, including Outstanding Comedy Series in 2002. Kudrow herself earned an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1998 for her portrayal of Phoebe, cementing her legacy in television. Furthermore, Kudrow expressed her excitement about the idea of reuniting with her former castmates, stating she would “love” to star in another sitcom alongside Aniston and Cox.