Kaylah Walton
Even though ‘Friends’ ended its run in 2004, Lisa Kudrow is not surprised that the series still captivates younger viewers today.
The sitcom aired from 1994 to 2004 and continues to be popular with audiences. Its finale in May 2004 drew an astounding 52 million viewers, making it the fifth most-watched series finale in American television history.
Nearly two decades since its conclusion, Kudrow, who portrayed Phoebe Buffay, acknowledges why new generations are drawn to the series.
“I’m not surprised because it’s enjoyable and relatable,” she shared with Page Six, explaining that ‘Friends’ evokes a sense of ‘subconscious nostalgia’ among younger viewers who are familiar with technology and social media.
“They crave what they lack: genuine face-to-face interactions. That theme is central to any successful show.”
“People bond with shows, particularly if they deliver humor, strong performances, and clever jokes—’Friends’ certainly had all that.”
Kudrow also noted that many doubted whether a show about “a group of young adults lounging and chatting” could even qualify as a legitimate show.
“That’s not my concern,” she responded. “I was simply part of it, but yes, it was definitely a show.”
Kudrow’s Future Endeavors
As ‘Friends’ is now behind her, Kudrow is set to star in “No Good Deed,” a Netflix dark comedy centered around three families vying to purchase the same house, where her character and her on-screen husband, Ray Romano, reside.
Other notable cast members include Abbi Jacobson, Linda Cardenelli, Denis Leary, and Poppy Liu.
“He’s such a talented actor, effortlessly charming, and seems genuinely kind… I sensed we would work well together, and we did! We share a lot of common ground,” Kudrow said about collaborating with Romano.
