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Friends is celebrating almost 30 years since it first hit the screens, and it’s still one of the most beloved TV shows of all time. The sitcom’s charm was partly due to its iconic settings and the hilarious interactions between its six central characters. As the milestone approaches, some behind-the-scenes details about the show’s production are coming to light.
In a recent chat with Architectural Digest, John Shaffner, the show’s production designer, shared some intriguing trivia. Initially, the plan was to place Chandler and Joey’s apartment in a different location from Monica and Rachel’s. If this original idea had been implemented, it would have altered many of the show’s key scenes and possibly affected the budget.
Shaffner revealed that he proposed the idea of having Chandler and Joey’s apartment directly across the hall from Monica and Rachel’s. “I think we should have another working space for the performance. And don’t you think that ultimately the boys should live across the hall?” Shaffner suggested during a meeting with Kevin Bright, one of the show’s creators. Bright agreed, and this decision led to many memorable moments in the show’s hallway.
Originally, Shaffner had even suggested placing the apartments on the top floor, so the characters would have to climb several flights of stairs every time they returned from Central Perk. However, Bright decided this might become an old joke, so the apartments were moved to a few floors lower, and the idea was dropped.
As Friends’ 30th anniversary approaches on September 22, fans are preparing to celebrate by sharing edits and videos about the show and its cast. The main cast included Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston as Monica and Rachel, respectively, Matthew Perry as Chandler, Matt LeBlanc as Joey, David Schwimmer as Ross, and Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe. The series also featured memorable guest appearances by celebrities like Julia Roberts, Jon Favreau, Reese Witherspoon, Christina Applegate, and Brad Pitt.
Friends aired on NBC for a decade, from 1994 to 2004, and its impact continues to resonate with fans worldwide.