Friends news archive

FRIENDS NEWS ARCHIVE

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Last Archive: Apr 25
News added: Jan 1

'Friends: The Movie'?
* Hit American TV sitcom Friends may make its big screen debut next year - complete with all six famous cast members and a raunchier adult slant. The Emmy-winning show has already had its television run extended by a year after all six stars agreed to a tenth season and it is thought that the promise of a movie spin-off convinced them all to stay on board. The film antics of the New York buddies will be far more risque than the televised shows and could include sex and nudity. A studio source says, "Without those pesky American television network censors, it will be much more adult and will even include nudity." Reports suggest that hunky air head Joey Tribbiani played by Matt LeBlanc will be the one to disrobe first. The source says, "Matt has a huge female following, not to mention gay men. They will likely flock to the movie to see him bare all." Actors Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer were already willing to extend the show's award winning run but both Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston had misgivings due to their outside success in Hollywood. A source says, "They all agreed to do one more year after the movie deal was struck. They all want to be movie stars - that's why they caved in." However, the tenth season will run slightly shorter than its predecessors with only 18 episodes compared to the usual 22. All cast members will be paid $930,000 per episode and will net a percentage of the film's profits. The source continues, "They're being paid $9 million each for the film, plus a percentage of the profits and since it will likely be a major hit, they stand to walk away with a fortune." (Jan 1) (Source: IMDB)

Friends reunited for 10th season
* Friends will stay on the air for another season! American network NBC has announced that the Emmy-winning series will not end once the ninth season, which is currently showing in the States and kicks off on Channel Four in the UK next month, finishes shooting next year. No details of the deal between the network, producers Warner Brothers and the six stars, who earn nearly £700,000 per episode, have been released. But NBC spokeswoman Rebecca Marks confirmed that an agreement had been sealed. The news brings an end to rumours that the actors Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer - were planning to bow out once filming of the ninth season was completed next spring. That speculation was fuelled only last week when 33-year-old Aniston said she was ready to leave so she could start a family with megastar husband Brad Pitt. Aniston, who won a best actress Emmy for her role as Rachel Green in the show earlier this year, told a US magazine: "In my mind I'm done. I want to start my family." The new deal is now likely to see the Friends keep their current million-dollars-an-episode salaries but cut the number of episodes they shoot next season. Aniston may also have been persuaded to stay on by castmate Kudrow, who has a young son. In recent interviews Kudrow has been talking about how the sitcom's filming schedule, with its regular hours and four-day week, is ideal for a young mother. NBC spokeswoman Rebecca Marks said the tenth series should definitely be the last. (Dec. 23) (Source: Ananova)

Spoilers
* Check out the spoiler page for spoilers on the first 4 episodes. If you live in the US tune in this thursday (26 Sept) for the season premiere. (Sept 24)

Emmy winners!!
* At long last, "Friends" has won the emmy for "popular comedy on TV" and Jennifer Aniston won the award for "best actress" and was lost for words as she accepted the award. (Sept 24)

New season 9
* When I get any information on season 9- i.e. screen dates, spoilers and scripts, I will post it here. Email subscribe@friendsuk.cjb.net with "Subscribe" in the header to be the first to know.

Lisa Kudrow backs return of Friends
* Lisa Kudrow has become the latest Friends star to admit she wants the hit sitcom to continue. The ninth series, which is about to start in the US, has been billed as the last. But Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox-Arquette have already both hinted that the show could return. Kudrow, who plays Phoebe, said: "You know we all get along, and we still have fun and the writers are still working really hard and they do good stories." Speaking on Carrie Fisher's US talk show Conversations From The Edge, she said that a recent resurgence in the show's popularity could save it. "A lot of reasons shows finish is the ratings are really bad," she said. "We were number one for the first time ever in our eighth season." (Aug. 22)

Matt LeBlanc to wed long-term girlfriend
*Girls, its the announcement you've been dreading!... Matt LeBlanc has announced he plans to marry his girlfriend Melissa McKnight at Christmas. He plays Joey in Friends. The couple have been engaged since November 1998. McKnight has two children from a previous relationship (Source: Evening Standard) (Aug. 22)

LeBlanc Plans Christmas Wedding
* FRIENDS star MATT LeBLANC is set to wed longtime girlfriend MELISSA McKNIGHT at Christmas. The couple have been engaged for four years and the Canadian actor, 35, has decided it's time to become a husband for the first time - and a proper stepfather to his fiancé's two kids JACKI and TYLER. One pal says, "They've got a terrific home in Los Angeles and Matt wants to settle down more than he has been able to over the last few years. "They're looking to get hitched sometime over the Christmas holidays, when Friends will be on vacation. It will be fairly small by Hollywood standards. "Matt's walking on air and the kids are happy that Matt's going to marry their mom. He's talking about more kids with Melissa." LeBlanc will be the first of the male stars of Friends to wed, although all three of the female cast have tied the knot. (Source: WENN) (Aug. 22)

Aniston Says Time Is Right to Move on
* JENNIFER ANISTON isn't looking forward to the end of FRIENDS next year - but she's convinced it's the right thing to do. The actress, whose new movie THE GOOD GIRL which opens today, admits she feels it's time to move on with her career. She says, "It's going to rip all of our hearts out when it ends - it's the longest thing I've ever committed to. "I mean we could do it for years and years more, but it's time to bow out." (Source: WENN) (Aug. 22)

Matthew Perry Talks About His New Movie & Friends
* Matthew Perry's new comedy, Serving Sara, finally makes its way to theaters after suffering a production delay while Perry dealt with some personal problems. Looking at the finished film, Perry could joke about how his rehabilitation from substance abuse served the character in a method acting sort of way. Perry is used to having his private life made public, and he will openly talk about facing his problems. What he won't stand for are rumors that can harm others. As recent reports claim he has begun drinking again, Perry vehemently refuted such claims. For the full story click here (Aug. 22)

Jennifer says she nearly ended up a waitress
* Jennifer Aniston says she thought she might end up as a waitress until she landed a role in Friends. She says she used to have lower expectations of herself. Her latest film role is as a discount store employee who seems to have few ambitions in The Good Girl. "Until Friends, I really thought acting was a 'You do a job once a year' thing," she said. "I don't know if it was right to say I wasn't very ambitious but I had that thought a lot - the dream of maybe succeeding or making money at what I really want to do might not happen - and I might just be a professional waitress. And that was fine." Aniston says she doesn't know what's going to happen to Rachel Green in its ninth and final series. "I leave that to the writers," she said. "I love being surprised every week, I really do. I love being excited to see what's around the corner, and they never disappoint me." (Aug. 22)

Friends named among worst TV shows
* A parents' group has named Friends and Buffy The Vampire Slayer as the worst shows on US prime-time TV. The Parents Television Council also lists CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in its 10 worst programmes. Buffy was rated the worst of all, with the PTC condemning its use of violence, sex and the occult.The group also criticised Friends, for basing much of its humour on sexual references or situations. The PTC said the show, which also featured two unmarried characters having a baby, was inappropriate for its 8pm time slot. Jennifer Aniston's character Rachel gave birth in the season's final episode. The PTC's research director Melissa Caldwell said: "I'm not really sure why it passed without much discussion but it's certainly not a good role model, especially considering how popular the show is with teenage viewers.'' CSI was criticised for dealing graphically with themes of incest and sadomasochism. The show has had a meteoric rise in popularity, often beating ER as viewers' favourite drama. Sabrina The Teenage Witch was among the shows on the PTC's list of best programmes for families. (Source: Ananova) (Aug 22)

Jennifer Aniston says husband Brad wants seven children
* Jennifer Aniston says she plans to have two or three children but husband Brad Pitt wants seven. She says they are likely to begin trying for a baby in the next year or two. And the Friends star says she and Brad couldn't be more normal. "People think we have a glamorous lifestyle but it couldn't be more normal," she told the Daily Mirror. "We love to just sit at home in the same room together. We paint, read scripts, read books, watch movies and have quiet dinners. Just normal." Talking of having children, she said: "We definitely want to and at some point in the next year or two, we will go down that road. "I always thought two or three children but Brad wants seven." (Aug 22)

NBC boss refuses to rule out return of Friends
* The boss of American TV channel NBC is refusing to rule out the possibility of Friends returning. The show is due to end after its next series, which begins in America this autumn. All the actors have said they don't want to do any more shows. However, NBC Entertainment President Jeff Zucker told reporters: "I wouldn't 100% put nails in the coffin yet." He told reporters that he would discuss the issue with producers in the near future. (Jul. 29)

Hollywood awaits Emmy Awards nominations
* Martin Sheen, Anthony Edwards, Kiefer Sutherland and Jennifer Aniston could be among the nominees for this year's Emmy Awards. The nominations will be announced at lunchtime on Thursday. Sheen, Edwards and Sutherland could be nominated in the Best Actor in a Drama category for The West Wing, ER and 24. Aniston is thought to have a chance at a nomination in the Best Actress in a Comedy for Friends. It would be the first time any of the Friends actors has been nominated in the main acting awards. In previous years they have always chosen to be included in the Supporting Actor categories. Sex And The City and Six Feet Under, which are shown on American cable network HBO, are also expected to be among the nominees. The Emmy Awards will be handed out at a ceremony in Los Angeles on September 22. (Jul. 29)

UK season premiere this friday!
* This is the moment that all the UK fans without cable have been waiting for! Tune in this friday at 9pm on channel 4 to enjoy the season 8 premiere! (Jul. 4)

Friends star sues over topless picture
* Jennifer Aniston is hoping to persuade a judge to punish the magazine publishers who ran a topless picture of her. Her lawsuit will be heard in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday. Aniston aims to show that magazine publishers improperly profited from the picture taken while she sunbathed topless in the back garden of her Hollywood hills home. The 33-year-old, now married to Brad Pitt, is suing Man's World Publications and Crescent Publishing, claiming that a paparazzi trespassed into a neighbour's garden and climbed an eight foot wall to take the picture in February 1999. The picture has since appeared in magazines published by the defendants, and other European publications. Aniston claims the magazine publishers violated her privacy and profited from her likeness without consent. She is suing for an undisclosed sum. Aniston's lawyer, Jay Lavely, said Aniston will testify. Calling Aniston a "public figure," a lawyer for the magazines said the topless picture first ran overseas - so his clients cannot be blamed for re-running them in the United States. "Man's World and Crescent had nothing to do with the taking of that photograph," said Kent Raygor. (Jul. 4)

Coupling goes to America, may replace Friends
* American network NBC has brought the rights to the BBC's Coupling and are hoping to use it as a successor to Friends. The American version is being made by the same production team as the British. According to the Hollywood Reporter, NBC sees the show as a possible successor to Friends, which is due to end after its next series. "It's kind of a next-generation sitcom," producer Ben Silverman said. "It is really honest and edgy, and the humour flows more organically. It is a smart and fresh comedy." "We think Coupling would be a perfect show for the fans of Friends, and so does NBC," Silverman said. (Source: Ananova) (Jul. 4)

Rachel's birth bed is in demand among Friends fans
* Hundreds of Friends fans want to give birth in the same bed as Rachel. Rachel, played by Jennifer Aniston, was seen by US viewers having a baby girl called Emma last week. St Vincent's Medical Centre in New York, where the birth supposedly took place, has been bombarded with calls. A hospital spokesman told The Sun: "Most said they wanted to have their baby where Rachel had hers. They wanted to book her room." (Source: Ananova) (Jul 4)

Friends star hurt during bar brawl
* Friends star David Schwimmer was hit in the head by a flying glass after being caught in the middle of a drunken brawl. The actor needed two stitches following the incident at a record release party for the Pet Shop Boys in New York on Tuesday night. Schwimmer, who plays Ross Geller in the hit comedy, was cut by a shard of glass during the fight between two women, said his spokeswoman, Ina Treciokas. "A woman from across the bar flung a glass at another woman," she told the New York Daily News. "They were apparently a little rowdy and drunk." Pet Shop Boys stars Neil Tennant and Christopher Lowe had earlier finished a gig in Manhattan and had invited selected guests back to the hotel. Schwimmer was an accidental casualty and did not know either of the women, Ms Treciokas said. The 35-year-old's injuries were above his hairline. "He's fine now. He was not really shaken up," she said. (Source: Ananova) (Jul. 4)

(Hope you didn't miss it!)
Season finale! *WARNING: SPOILERS*
* The waiting is over! Tune in to NBC tonight to enjoy the season finale "The One Where Rachel Has A Baby" In the one-hour season finale, Rachel waits in the hospital maternity ward with the anxious Ross. However, numerous other pregnant women are wheeled in while Rachel's painful labor continues. Inspired to conceive a baby of their own, Chandler and Monica search for a private room in which to get romantic. Meanwhile, Phoebe is attracted to a handsome patient, Cliff (EDDIE McCLINTOCK). She asks Joey to pose as his daytime drama character Dr. Drake Ramoray and interrogate Cliff about his background. Recurring guest star CHRISTINA PICKLES appears as Monica's mother, Judy, and recurring guest star MAGGIE WHEELER appears as Chandler's ex-girlfriend, Janice. (Source: NBC) (May 16)

* Ratings boom tonight *WARNING: SPOILERS*
Rachel's baby delivers a ratings bonanza for NBC's fave pals and baby makes seven. Tonight's the night that Rachel gives birth on Friends, a "jump the shark" moment if there ever was one. The NBC sitcom has enjoyed a strong season, both creatively and in the ratings, bouncing back to top arch time slot rival Survivor almost every week. In fact, that is one reason the Survivor finale was moved to this Sunday night. CBS didn't want to go head-to head with the Friends finale. (Instead, they go head-to-head Sunday with The X-Files series finale along with a Cosby Show reunion special.) Details about tonight's hour-long Friends finale have been closely guarded. NBC left the final few pages off any scripts and the studio audience was booted off the set before those hush hush scenes were shot. Maybe Bob Newhart pops out at the end and says, "Emily, who are these kids and why do they keep drinking coffee?" Here's what we do know about "The One Where Rachel Has A Baby": For one thing, it's a girl. Ross, the nerdy friend nobody likes, is the dad. He's going nuts in the waiting room tonight as dozens of other pregnant women are wheeled in and out. Meanwhile, Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) search for a private room in the hospital so they can work on having their own baby. Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) gets involved in something zany and extraneous. Hilarity ensues. What happens next year when Friends returns for a ninth and final season? Will the baby be kept out of sight or be front and centre? Will he start talking, like on Baby Bob? "Obviously, we don't want it to become a show about a baby," executive producer David Crane told the Associated Press. "On the other hand, we don't want to pretend that there isn't one. The fortunate thing is that it's an infant, so you don't have to give it lines." Friends has a shot at finishing the season as the No. 1 show in the U.S. ratings, an astounding achievement for an eight-year-old series. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is the likely runner-up. Over the years, there has been talk of a spinoff once the show ends (the rumours usually involve Matt LeBlanc's character Joey moving to California to pursue an acting career), but Crane insists he won't be involved. That's good news for anyone who remembers After M*A*S*H, Tabitha or Joanie Loves Chachi. Then again, Frasier keeps humming years after Cheers. (May 16) (Source: Toronto Sun)

* Rachel gets stuck in 'endless labour hell' *WARNING: SPOILERS*
Fans of Friends will see Rachel stuck in "endless labour hell" in tonight's episode on US TV. The one-hour special revolves around a hospital where Rachel gives birth to a baby, fathered by Ross. Her waiting friends spend the time causing havoc in the hospital, according to US network NBC. Chandler and Monica decide they want to have their own baby and search for a private room in a bid to make it happen. In the meantime Phoebe makes a play for a handsome patient with some help from Joey. The show is likely to draw one of the biggest audiences in the US this year for any regularly scheduled primetime series, after last week's episode attracted 24.3 million viewers. The eighth series of Friends is due to be shown on Channel 4 in July. It is currently showing on E4. Friends is due to have one more series before the show ends for good. (Source: Ananova) (May 16)

* Friends birth likely to top US ratings.
The birth of Rachel's baby in Friends is expected to be a TV ratings winner in the US. The episode will air in the US in a one-hour season finale on NBC this Thursday. The eighth series of Friends is due to be shown on Channel 4 in July. It is currently showing on E4. Friends is due to have one more series before the show ends for good. (May 14) (Source: Ananova)

Matt Le Blanc unhappy with Friends storyline *WARNING: SPOILERS*
* Matt Le Blanc says he didn't agree with Joey falling for Rachel in Friends. He says he was "reluctant" to show the vulnerable side of Joey. Le Blanc says he didn't enjoy having to play Joey when he was sad and had his heart broken. "I reluctantly went out on stage and did my job those nights.," he tells ew.com. "I want to see Ross and Rachel get together. They belong together. That's how the show started. And especially going into the next season, it seems appropriate." (Source: Ananova) (Apr. 28)

'No plans' for Friends spin-offs says producer
* The executive producer of Friends says there are no plans for any of the main characters to have spin-off shows. The programme is due to finish at the end of the next series. However, Kevin Bright says there are rumours Gunther may have his own show. He tells USA Today: "It is highly unlikely that there will be spin-offs done with the six main Friends characters, however there are rumours that Gunther may have his own show." Bright also said there are "no plans" for Helen Baxendale to return to the show as Emily. (Source: Ananova) (Apr. 28)

Is Jennifer pregnant (in real life)??
* FRIENDS star JENNIFER ANISTON has re-ignited reports she is pregnant with BRAD PITT's child, after kicking her smoking habit. Hollywood was rife with speculation last year that the glitzy couple were expecting their first child. And now the word in tinseltown is that the 33-year-old actress is finally pregnant, after both she and Pitt recently gave up smoking cigarettes. The pair have remained tight-lipped about the reports and friends have refused to confirm the pregnancy. But media sources in America have also pointed out that Brad and Jen both missed last month's OSCAR ceremony. Another ACADEMY AWARDS absentee was SARAH JESSICA PARKER - who has since announced she is pregnant. (Source: WENN) (Apr. 20)

Schwimmer Fights Against Rape
* FRIENDS star DAVID SCHWIMMER has been promoted from being the face of Los Angeles' RAPE TREATMENT CENTRE - to director. The TV hunk, who plays ROSS GELLER on the hit show, believes it's his job as a celebrity to draw attention to important causes. The 35-year-old says, "To be perfectly honest, I feel I have a duty to use my celebrity status in a positive way. Most rape victims are women, so the bulk of the discussion is loaded towards women. I thought I could find a way to approach the subject of rape in such a way that men are going to respond to it." Two of his former girlfriends are victims of the violent crime. He says, "One was a child at the time, who was abused by a family friend. And then she was raped again when she was 16 in a date-rape situation." The Center started out offering crisis services for rape victims who came to the casualty department, and then branched out into providing counseling and therapy. Schwimmer continues, "My most devastating moment was when a 13-year-old girl told me her story. At that moment, I realized just how important this center really is. Nothing else had ever made me connect with reality like that." He also gave support to COSMOPOLITAN magazine's campaign to make it illegal to possess or distribute the "rape drug" GHB. He enthuses, "I think Cosmo's campaign is great, and that the possession and distribution of any of these "rape drugs" should be illegal." (Source: Infobeat) (Apr. 20)

Naked Jennifer doesn't worry Brad
* BRAD PITT has refused to watch his wife JENNIFER ANISTON shooting her new film's saucy sex scenes with a younger man. The Hollywood hunk, who has enjoyed his own steamy scream romps, would not watch parts of THE GOOD GIRL being filmed - because he couldn't handle her intimacy with JAKE GYLLENHAAL, who is 17 years younger than Pitt. A close friend of the OCEANS' 11 star tell Britain's DAILY STAR newspaper, "He just knew he couldn't handle it. The most he's ever had to put up with is seeing her kiss a few guys - these scenes are much more full-on." And a movie insider says, "Brad was with Jennifer throughout - except when she filmed the sex scenes. Then he was nowhere to be seen. It was obviously an issue." (Source: WENN) (Apr. 20)

Matthew Perry's character in Ally McBeal was created just for him
* Matthew Perry says his character in Ally McBeal was written specifically for him. He made his debut in the comedy series on American TV last night (15 Apr). Perry plays a "cocky, successful and opinionated" lawyer who gets romantically involved with Ally. Perry says his character is a "much meaner fellow than I've played in the past. "This kind of guy gets to say the things that people don't usually say, they just think," he tells US television show Access Hollywood. Perry says the character is very different to Chandler in Friends. He said: "He looks a lot like Chandler, but he's different. He's just a more edgy guy. It's fun to play him and come in and be kind of mean." (Source: Ananova) (Apr. 20)

Brand new scripts!
* That's right! After a long while I've added brand new scripts for episodes 815 through to 818! ENJOY! (Apr. 7)

Figgis says Friends star is impressive in new film role
* Movie director Mike Figgis says David Schwimmer shows hidden depths in his latest film. The Friends star is seen barking like a dog in one scene in Figgis's dark comedy Hotel. Figgis told Ananova Schwimmer was desperate to do something to get away from his image as Ross. "He was dying to do something that wasn't Friends," he said. "He's an interesting actor. He really surprised a lot of the other actors. "He's got a big theatre background. That's how he ended up in the film. "I always thought he was going to be good. I think he's good in Friends as well. He has great timing." Schwimmer plays Jonathan Danderfine in Hotel, which also stars Max Beesley, Rhys Ifans and Saffron Burrows. Figgis says he had no problem persuading Schwimmer to sign up to the film even though it wasn't for a huge fee. "Obviously he's doing well financially so he really just wanted to do the film," he said. Hotel in released in the UK today. (Source: Ananova) (Apr. 7)

Jennifer Aniston is America's favourite cover girl
* Jennifer Aniston has topped a poll of the top-selling celebrities pictured on American magazines. Her face helped sell more magazines than anyone else in the final months of last year. She appeared on the front of Ladies Home Journal with husband Brad Pitt as well as Elle and Redbook on her own. The poll was carried out by the American publication Media Industry Newsletter. Other popular publications of the last quarter of 2001, included Madonna on the cover of American Photo, Reese Witherspoon on CosmoGirl!, Julia Roberts on Good Housekeeping and Faith Hill on InStyle. Mariah Carey was the least popular celebrity to appear on a cover, when she was pictured on the front of Architectural Digest. Sarah Jessica Parker on Harper's Bazaar and comedian Jon Stewart on the cover of Esquire also failed to appeal to magazine buyers. (Source: Ananova) (Apr. 7)

Brand new spoilers galore!
* I've just added brand new spoilers for episodes 818 (this weeks) through to 822. ENJOY! The Scripts should be up soon, though no specific date. Just check back soon!... (Mar. 24)

Season 8 Video and DVD episodes 1-12 now out in the UK!
* Visit your local retailer to buy a copy of the video of episodes 1-12 on 3 separate videos/DVDs. The DVD is double sided with a B side including bonus "never seen before" footage! *Note that PAL Videos and Region 2 DVDs won't play on American/Canadian players* (Mar. 24)

This weeks BRAND NEW episode! *WARNING: SPOILERS* (Skip this spoiler)
* Enjoy a brand new episode this week on NBC at 9pm:
THE ONE IN MASSAPEQUA (03/28/02)
ALEC BALDWIN GUEST-STARS AS ANNOYINGLY UPBEAT BOYFRIEND AT GELLERS' ANNIVERSARY PARTY; CHRISTINA PICKLES, ELLIOTT GOULD ALSO GUEST-STAR -- A tongue-tied Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) regrets her request to supplant Ross (David Schwimmer) as the designated toast-giver at their parents' 35th wedding anniversary party while Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) arrives with her latest boyfriend (guest star Alec Baldwin, "Pearl Harbor") -- an upbeat optimist who always gushes so enthusiastically that he drives everyone crazy. What's more, Mr. and Mrs. Geller (guest stars Christina Pickles and Elliott Gould) ask a shocked Ross and pregnant Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) to pretend that they're married for appearance's sake. Matt LeBlanc also stars. (Source: NBC) (Mar. 24)

Tom Selleck hoping to make a Friends swansong
* Tom Selleck says he wouldn't mind making another appearance on Friends. The former star of Magnum plays Monica's former boyfriend. The show is returning for a ninth series, with Monica having married Chandler. Selleck said: "I am waiting for them to call me back. I know they love me." (Source: Ananova) (Mar. 24)

Last weeks episode (21 March 2002)
* If you live in the US you can enjoy a repeat of "The One With Ross's Step Forward" on NBC at 9pm. Click here to read the script (Mar. 21)

Friends' Joey Set for Frasier-Style Spin-Off Show
* FRIENDS favourite JOEY TRIBBIANI is set to become a permanent fixture on TV screens - if plans for a FRASIER-style spin-off series are approved. The lovable bungling lothario, played by heart-throb MATT LeBLANC, will be "definitely less dumb" and will be living in Los Angeles, continuing to try and make it as an actor. LeBlanc, 34, is said to be extremely excited about the project, if it should come together when Friends finishes later this year. According to Britain's THE MIRROR newspaper, a source says, "He gets a job in a DYNASTY series as the playboy son but it's cancelled after the first episode." The decision could spark outrage amongst the other Friends actors - COURTENEY COX, LISA KUDROW, JENNIFER ANISTON, DAVID SCHWIMMER and MATTHEW PERRY - none of whom have exactly set the screen alight with their film roles. (Source: WENN) (Jan. 21)

This weeks episode (14 March 2002)
* "The One With Monica's Boots" will be shown this week in both the US & UK at the same time (forget the time difference!). Click here for the spoiler or read the script (Mar. 10)

New episode!- US & UK *WARNING: SPOILERS* (Skip this spoiler)
* If you live in the US don't forget to watch a brand new episode on NBC the Thursday at 8pm. Here is a brief preview:
THE ONE WITH THE TEA LEAVES (03/07/02)
Feeling awkward after revealing his romantic feelings to Rachel, Joey avoids contact with her. Rachel hopes to restore their friendship by telling Joey a big lie about her unborn child. Meanwhile, after studying tea leaves, Phoebe believes she will soon encounter the man of her dreams. And Ross tries to recover his favorite pink shirt from the apartment of his former girlfriend, Mona (recurring guest star BONNIE SOMERVILLE).
Meanwhile if you live in the UK and have cable/digital channel E4 you can enjoy "The One With The Rumor" (with special guest appearance from Brad Pitt!). Click here for the spoiler or the script! (Mar. 7).

Jennifer Aniston to have long labour in Friends
* Jennifer Aniston looks set to have a very long labour in the final episode of the current series of Friends. The show's producers say Aniston's character Rachel will probably end up having the longest labour in the history of the hospital where she gives birth. Friends is due to have one more series before the show ends for good. Co-creator Marta Kauffman says they are already beginning to think about how to finish it: "My guess is that the series finale will be an hour. We don't have specific plans at the moment. We're still trying to figure out the end of this season." (Source: Ananova) (Mar. 7)

Last weeks episode:
THE ONE WHERE JOEY TELLS RACHEL (02/28/02)
JOEY FINALLY CONFRONTS ROSS AND RACHEL ABOUT HIS LOVE FOR HER -- A guilt-ridden Joey (Matt LeBlanc) finally fesses up to a speechless Ross (David Schwimmer) about his true feelings for Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) and the guys agree that it would be best if Joey told her over dinner about his unrequited love -- and let caution fly. Meanwhile, Chandler (Matthew Perry) gets defensive when Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) introduces Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) to her handsome new boyfriend (guest star Harry van Gorkum) -- especially when Phoebe proclaims him to be Monica's long-lost soulmate just before the two hit it off and find they have much in common. (Source: NBC)
Meanwhile if you live in the UK and have cable/digital channel E4 you can enjoy "The One With The Stripper". Click here for the spoiler or the script! (Feb. 28).

Matthew Perry at the Grammys...
*... No he didn't win anything lol! but he presented U2 with an award alongside Britney Spears. Look out for him in replays of the awards on TV. (Feb. 28)

Matthew Perry to get married(?)
* There are spring wedding plans for Matthew Perry. He was spotted buying an enormous diamond ring for Andi O'Reilly. Matthew has spent the last 5 years in and out of rehab for alcohol/painkiller addictions has had his life turned around by the make up artist. "Matt is very serious about her, Andi is a real down to earth kind of girl and appears to be just what he needs at this stage in life". The couple have been been dating for 6 months after they met at a Hollywood friends house. He has never been happier in ages, his friends say- Andi has done for him what no other doctor or clincs haven't been able to. She put him on a diet and exercise plan that worked. Perry's mum fully credits O'Reilly for saving her son. The pair are considering Tahiti as a honeymoon destination. (Source: Hello) (Feb. 28)

Former Ally McBeal star set for Friends
* Former Ally McBeal star James LeGros is to appear in Friends. He played Mark Albert in the last series of Ally McBeal. LeGros' role in Friends will involve a close encounter with Phoebe. "Basically, Phoebe keeps running into this fellow and gets it into her head that they're meant to be together," LeGros tells the Chicago Sun-Times. "Let's just say that it doesn't work out and Phoebe may have dodged a bullet." (Source: Ananova) (Feb. 25)

Brand new spoiler!
* I've just added a brand new spoiler for episode 817. Check it out here. Thanks to Geababy for this (Feb. 18)

Matthew Perry to play a lawyer in Ally McBeal
* Matthew Perry is to guest star in two episodes of Ally McBeal. The Friends star will play a "cocky, successful and opinionated attorney". Christina Ricci is making a guest appearance in the show at the same time. The shows will be aired in the United States in April. Executive producer Alice West told Variety: "Matthew Perry displays a strong presence and natural comedic ability on his other TV project, which makes him a natural choice for Ally McBeal." Perry, who plays Chandler Bing, has rarely appeared on other TV shows since Friends started in 1994. Other stars who have appeared on Ally McBeal this series are Jon Bon Jovi, Tom Berenger, Elton John and Mariah Carey. Barry Humphries' Dame Edna Everage has also guested, and proved so popular it became a regular role. (Source: Ananova) (Feb. 18)

Friends breaks TV Ratings- AGAIN!
* The Feb. 7 showings of Friends broke Neilsen prime time ratings as the most watched repeat in 4 years. 28.08m tuned into the repeat with Brad Pitt guest-starring, while 28.64m (exactly the same amount that watched the week before) tuned in to the brand new episode on the Neilsen Prime Time Chart! Here is the top 5:
Week for 04-10/02/02- different shows
1(-). Winter Olympics (Fri.) (45.56m)
2(-). Winter Olympics (Sun.) (30.20m)
3(-). Winter Olympics (Sat.) (29.41m)
4(3). Friends (28.64m)
5(4). Friends (8:30) (28.08m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Feb. 18)

NBC Nearly Lost Best FRIENDS
* "Two weeks ago, NBC programming boss Jeff Zucker was trying to figure out how he was going to replace "Friends." The contracts for all six stars of the network's signature comedy were set to expire in May - and Zucker had no real indication they were seriously interested in staying for a ninth season. Suddenly, late last month, the stars signaled to NBC and the show's producers, Warner Bros., that they wanted to talk. "It was a function of the fact that the show is on a creative roll and the stars are having a good time doing the show," Zucker, the network's entertainment president, told The Post. "When the season began, no one knew for sure if the show would return," Zucker said. "But in the last couple of weeks it was pretty clear that everyone felt this was something they wanted to do - then it was just a matter of figuring out the deal." Zucker said the fact that there was "no deadline" - no promise that the show would or could return for a ninth season - made the negotiating process easier. "That, and the recognition that fans of this show are turning out in record numbers every week," he said. "We're obviously thrilled and relieved." Traditionally, the audiences for hit TV series begin to falter after five or six seasons, sometimes like a ball dropping off a table. Suddenly this season, the ratings for "Friends" have - almost inexplicably - jumped. Ratings are the highest they've been since the show's second year. As well, the hoped-for movie careers for several of the stars - most especially David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston - have not yet materialized. The "Friends" cast members have shown remarkable loyalty to each other, declaring they would all stay or all go - and that they would all be paid equally. It was not easy considering that all six actors - Aniston, Matthew Perry, Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox and Schwimmer - had different agents. Sources confirm that all six "Friends" stars still have the same deal - $1 million each episode for 24 episodes. While NBC will have to pay $156 million next season to air 24 new episodes - the most ever paid for a TV series - it's a price that NBC is willing and able to meet. On Monday, The Post estimated that "Friends" will gross as much as $250 million in advertising for the network this season." (Source: NY Post) (Feb. 18)

***BREAKING NEWS!*** (well it was at the time! :) )
* from Yahoo
NBC's `Friends' Agree to Come Back
* "The six actors who star in the show, NBC and Warner Brothers Television signed a deal Monday to wrap up the series with a final, 24-episode season starting in the fall. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox Arguette, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer will all be paid $1 million per episode for the final season, according to sources close to the negotiations who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Their contracts, believed to be worth more than $750,000 per episode now, were due to expire at the end of the season. It was unexpectedly quick good news for NBC, which had been concerned that negotiations over the series' return would stretch into May, as it had the last time "Friends" was renewed. May is when networks announce their new fall schedules.

This year, however, the actors — buoyed by the show's strong ratings and positive critical response this season — decided early they wanted to come back. "Friends" has drawn an average of 24.5 million viewers this season, more than any other regular series. It has never finished as the No. 1 show for any season in its history, according to Nielsen Media Research. "We've never had better `Friends,'" said NBC Entertainment President Jeff Zucker, "and we're thrilled. "Since we all had the same objective, this was the easiest deal we have ever made," Zucker said. "Everyone wanted it to work out, because everyone wanted to be able to send the series out appropriately, and in style." The season is nearing a climax with Aniston's character, Rachel, pregnant and due to deliver a baby during the May ratings sweeps. NBC will reportedly pay Warner Brothers a $6 million per episode license fee for the series, up from the current $5.5 million. Earlier Monday, show representatives denied a tabloid report that writers were working on a final episode that had Rachel dying in childbirth." (Source: Yahoo) (Feb. 12)

Rachel to die (maybe)
* "Jennifer Aniston's character Rachel may be KILLED OFF while giving birth in a shocking finale to the hit show, it was reported last night. The dramatic episode, in which pregnant Rachel Green dies in the delivery room, is being lined up as a huge ratings winner. But her healthy baby daughter survives - and dying Rachel begs Ross (David Schwimmer) to allow their best friends Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) to raise their child. An insider said it is one of three possible endings - and has the approval of 33-year-old Jennifer. (Feb. 8)

TV Ratings- Superbowl week!
* The ratings are in and of course, Superbowl occupies pole positions, but Friends is right behind at #3... and #4 on the Neilsen Prime Time Chart! Here is the top 5:
Week for 28/01-03/02/02
1(-). Superbowl 36 (86.80m)
2(-). Superbowl Postgame (49.76m)
3(1). Friends (28.64m)
4(1). Friends (8:30) (27.02m)
5(10). ER (24.75m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Feb. 8)

Courteney pregnant(?)
* Celebrity couple COURTENEY COX ARQUETTE and DAVID ARQUETTE are expecting their first child - according to American gossip columnist TED CASABLANCA. The FRIENDS beauty and her husband visited the CSMC PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS CENTER at the CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER in Los Angeles last week. According to pregnant patients in the waiting area, the couple announced themselves at reception, saying they were there for the test, which confirms whether or not a woman is expecting. As the glamorous pair were escorted to a more private area, an expectant father congratulated them, to which a cheerful David replied, "Thank you." (Source: WENN) (Feb. 4)

Brand new script!
* Episode 814 is all ready and rearing to be read! Check out the script page (Feb. 4)

Friends stars begin talks for another series
* The cast of Friends have begun talks about returning for another series. They have started negotiating with Warner Brothers and NBC, which broadcasts the show in America. It's thought the stars will want at least $1million an episode if they agree to a ninth series. According to Variety insiders say there is a "50-50 chance" the cast will decide not to make any more shows after the end of the current series. (Source: Ananova) (Feb. 4)

This weeks episode!- US & UK *WARNING: SPOILERS* (Skip this spoiler)
* If you live in the US don't forget to watch a brand new episode on NBC the Thursday at 8pm. Here is a brief preview:
THE ONE WITH THE BIRTHING VIDEO
MONICA TRIES TO SPICE UP VALENTINE'S DAY BUT DOES CHANDLER HAVE POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS? - When a playful Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) goes all out for Valentine’s Day with sexy lingerie and X-rated entertainment, Chandler (Matthew Perry) is too shell-shocked to respond after he accidentally views the wrong tape -- a birthing video meant for Rachel (Jennifer Aniston). Meanwhile, Ross (David Schwimmer) has difficulty breaking the news to Mona (guest star Bonnie Somerville) that Rachel has moved in with him - but his plans to soften her up with the perfect Valentine’s Day date are thwarted when she shows up unexpectedly at the door. Elsewhere, Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) tries to cheer up a depressed Joey (Matt LeBlanc) by bringing him the world’s most cheerful dog. (Source: NBC) (Feb. 1).

Angry Joey!
*Actor MATT LeBLANC is still angry about his embarrassing cut-off at last month's PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS - because he didn't get the chance to honor New York. The FRIENDS star stepped up to act as the spokesman for the sitcom when it won Best TV Comedy at the ceremony - but found his acceptance speech drowned out by music. He says, "On the top deck there's all the fans and they're just hanging over and screaming. It's a really fun time. "So I looked up and I said, 'I want to thank you,' and then they went to a commercial and I had a whole thing ready. "I was p**sed off. I was going, 'Hey, I'm not finished.' I was going to dedicate the award to the people of New York." (Source: WENN) (Feb. 4)

If you live in the UK don't forget to tune it this Thursday at 9pm on cable channel E4 to watch the episode "The One With Rachel's Date" Click here for the spoiler or click here for the script (Feb. 4)

Brand new spoiler!
* Read a first hand spoiler of episode 816 here! (Feb. 1)

TV Ratings
* For the first time this season, a repeat of Friends has made #1 on the Nielsen Prime time chart. It also "registered its highest repeat rating among young adults in nearly three years". 23 million people tuned in to see "The One With Rachel's Date". Here is the top 5:
Week for 21-27/01/02
1(1). Friends (22.99m)
2(4). CSI (20.69m)
3(-). Stephen King's Red Rose Part. 1 (20.00m)
4(-). NFC Postgame Show (19.40m)
5(7). Everybody Loves Raymond (19.23m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Feb. 1)

Jennifer Aniston becomes Jennifer Pitt
" Jennifer Aniston has ordered 250 new note cards with Jennifer Pitt printed on them. The actress has kept her maiden name since marrying Brad Pitt 18 months ago. But according to Los Angeles artist Claudia Laub, she has now decided to change it. Claudia told Heat magazine: "I asked her what name she wanted and she was really firm that she wanted Jennifer Pitt. I was really surprised because I thought she had kept the name Aniston. "Most people start with 100 cards. I think the fact that she ordered 250 says she's not letting this one go." (Source: Ananova) (Feb. 1)

Bush's niece to appear on Friends
* The niece of US President George W Bush is to appear in Friends. Model Lauren Bush has finished filming a minor role in one episode. The show's bosses are considering giving her a permanent role, it is reported. Lauren, 17, has graced the front cover of fashion mags Vogue and Tatler. According to the Daily Express, Lisa Kudrow, who stars as Phoebe, said: "Lauren started off doing this and that for us, but we liked her so much we have given her a role in the background of the coffee shop." Fans of the show will be able to spot Lauren giving one of the series' male stars a dirty look in her first outing. Lauren shot to fame after her uncle, her father Neil's older brother, became President. Despite dabbling in acting and modeling she is still said to be intending to continue her education in business school. (Source: Ananova) (Feb. 1)

This weeks episode!- US & UK *WARNING: SPOILERS* (Skip this spoiler)
* If you live in the US don't forget to watch a brand new episode on NBC the Thursday at 8pm. Here is a brief preview: Click here for a detailed spoiler from Dan.
THE ONE WITH THE SECRET CLOSET
WILL IT BE A FAR, FAR BETTER THING FOR JOEY TO BACK AWAY FROM ROMANCE WITH RACHEL? -- When a concerned Joey (Matt LeBlanc) takes a pregnant Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) to the hospital when she's in pain, he realizes his intense feelings for her are excluding Ross (David Schwimmer) from the joys of impending fatherhood -- so Joey makes a gallant, if reluctant suggestion that could change all of their lives. Elsewhere, Chandler (Matthew Perry) is obsessed with finding out what's behind the locked door of Monica's (Courteney Cox Arquette) forbidden secret closet while Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) convinces Monica to submit to her massage -- then regrets it when her newfound client responds in ecstasy with suggestive grunts and groans... (Source: NBC) (Jan. 29).

If you live in the UK don't forget to tune it this Thursday at 9pm on cable channel E4 to watch the episode "The One With The Videotape" Click here for the spoiler or click here for the script (Jan. 23)

Brand new script!
* I've just added a brand new script for episode 813. Click here to read it (Jan. 29)

Jennifer Aniston becomes Jennifer Pitt
* Jennifer Aniston has ordered 250 new note cards with Jennifer Pitt printed on them. The actress has kept her maiden name since marrying Brad Pitt 18 months ago. But according to Los Angeles artist Claudia Laub, she has now decided to change it. Claudia told Heat magazine: "I asked her what name she wanted and she was really firm that she wanted Jennifer Pitt. I was really surprised because I thought she had kept the name Aniston. "Most people start with 100 cards. I think the fact that she ordered 250 says she's not letting this one go." (Source: Ananova) (Jan. 29)

Next weeks episode
* Added 2 brief spoilers for next weeks episode! Thanks to BeaSilverStar and GeaBaby for sending these in! (Jan. 29)

TV Ratings
* Last weeks brand new episode was the #1 most watched prime time show even beating out "The Golden Globe Awards". Over 29 million people tuned in to see "The One Where Chandler Takes A Bath" according to Nielsen. Here is the top 5:
Week for 14-20/01/02
1(2). Friends (29.24m)
2(-). AFC Division Playoff (28.72m)
3(3). ER (26.14m)
4(-). CSI (24.07m)
5(-). Golden Globe Awards (23.45m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Jan. 25)

This weeks episode!- US & UK *WARNING: SPOILERS* (Skip this spoiler)
* If you live in the US don't forget to catch a repeat of episode 805 "The One With Rachel's Date" on NBC the Thursday at 8pm. Here is a brief preview, click here for the detailed spoiler or click here for the script.
RACHEL'S DATE WITH SOAP HUNK HAS ROSS IN A FUNK -- Ross (David Schwimmer) is horrified to learn that Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) is headed out on a date with a handsome soap-opera actor (guest star Johnny Messner) -- especially since she is pregnant with his child while Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) is attracted to a cute but klutzy sous-chef (guest star Kevin Rahm, "Jesse") -- and protests when Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) wants to fire him. Elsewhere, Chandler (Matthew Perry) torpedoes the promotion of a distant co-worker (guest star Chris Parnell) who's mistakenly been calling him "Toby" for five years. Matt LeBlanc also stars. (Source: NBC) (Jan. 23).

If you live in the UK don't forget to tune it this Thursday at 9pm on cable channel E4 to watch the episode "The One Where Rachel Tells..." Click here for the spoiler or click here for the script (Jan. 23)

Jennifer Aniston to direct episode of Friends
* At the weekends Golden Globe Awards ceremony Matthew Perry revealed Jennifer Aniston will direct an upcoming episode of the show. She will follow on-screen boyfriend David Schwimmer who has also directed various episodes. (Jan. 21)

No Golden globes for Friends
* Friends has not won any awards this year at the golden globes. In best musical or comedy series "Sex and the city" won, while Jennifer Aniston missed out on best supporting actress in a Mini-series losing out to Rachel Griffiths (Six feet under) (Source: Yahoo!) (Jan. 21)

Lisa Kudrow wants to know Friends' fate
* Lisa Kudrow refused to be drawn on the fate of Friends at the Golden Globes. But she said she couldn't wait to know whether the show would continue for another series. Kudrow says she wants to make plans about what she'll do next year if she isn't working on the show. (Source: Ananova) (Jan. 21)

President makes Friends
* The niece of US president George W. Bush will make an appearance in "Friends" giving one of the cast a "look". (Jan. 21)

Rock Star in UK Box office
* The Mark Wahlberg/Jennifer Aniston film "Rock Star" has debuted at #8 in the UK box office taking in £294'973 at the box office. (Source: IMDB) (Jan. 21)

2 months left to decide if there'll be season 9
* Friends star Matt LeBlanc says he "honestly" doesn't know if the cast want to make a ninth series. The show's producers say they need to know within the next two months. They need to make a decision soon on how the current series will end. The decision on whether the show will go on is in the hands of LeBlanc and co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Matthew Perry. Scott Sassa, west coast president of NBC, the network which shows Friends in America, told USA Today: "Its really a decision for them; it's not a negotiation. A decision: do they really want the show?" LeBlanc said: "I honestly don't know." He added: "Friends is the kind of thing you hope for - a one in a million shot. Am I ever going to be involved with a project as big as this again? Odds are, no. "Do I need to be in blockbuster after blockbuster? No I don't need that."
Warner Bros, which make the series, wants Friends to remain in production.
The series currently being shown in America has gained the biggest ratings since 1996, with an average of 26 million tuning in. Warner Bros' television president Peter Roth said: "Friends remains a series that is important to everyone, most especially the audience. It's our fervent hope the series will continue." (Source: Ananova) (Jan. 20)

Brand new episode!- US & UK *WARNING: SPOILERS* (Skip this spoiler)
* Yes, brand new year means brand new episodes!- If you live in the US you can look forward to "The One Where Chandler Takes A Bath" on NBC at 8pm on Thursday. Here is a quick preview:
Will Joey declare his love for Rachel-- or Phoebe!?! Poor Joey (Matt LeBlanc) is driving himself crazy with guilt over his secret affection for Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) until Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) mistakenly thinks he's infatuated with Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) and blabs to her, which only muddies their romantic ball of confusion. Meanwhile, Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel promise not to learn the sex of their unborn child until she sneaks a peek at the doctor's confidential folder. Elsewhere, Monica urges a reluctant Chandler (Matthew Perry) to enjoy the soothing pleasures of a scented bath -- but she realizes that she's created a tub monster when she can't get him out from under the bubbles.
If you live in the UK and have cable/satellite channel E4 you can look forward to "The One With The Red Sweater" on Thursday at 9pm. Click here for the spoiler or click here for the script (Jan. 16)

Brand new spoiler for episode 814
* Check out the spoiler section for a brand new detailed spoiler which includes first hand experience of someone at a taping! (Jan. 16)

Jennifer Aniston involved in car crash
* Jennifer Aniston (Rachel) is currently recovering at home after an accident last night (Jan. 15) where she was driving along Sunset Boulevard in her jaguar when another driver crashed into the passenger side. She was treated on the spot but returned home to be comforted by husband Brad Pitt. (Jan. 16)

TV Ratings
* 25.53 million people tuned into last weeks brand new episode. (I won't give the title as it may spoil storylines). It ended up as #2 on the Nielsen Prime Time chart. Here is the top 5:
Week for 07-13/01/02
1(2). Survivor: Africa (27.26m)
2(6). Friends (25.53m)
3(24). ER (25.42m)
4(37). Everybody Loves Raymond (22.28m)
5(-). NFL Playoff Game (22.03m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Jan. 16)

Jennifer Anis-Tan
* A UK tabloid has revealed where Jennifer Aniston gets that "brown look". She goes in for a $30 full body spray in Los Angeles. She pops back regularly to retain the hot look. (Source: The Sun) (Jan. 16)

Monica and the jumpers!
* It can now be revealed that Courteney Cox Arquette (Monica Gellar) alongside Gladiator star Russell Crowe do in the past time- they go to a Hollywood parlor to knit! (Jan. 16)

'Friends' Survives 'Survivor: Africa' Finale
"In a head-to-head ratings battle between hit shows last Thursday night, an original episode of NBC's "Friends" beat the finale of "Survivor: Africa," the third installment of the CBS unscripted series.
Overall, however, CBS won the night, with an average of 24.5 million viewers in prime time compared to NBC's 21.6 million. "Survivor" steadily built to more than 30 million viewers in its final half-hour against the NBC sitcoms "Will & Grace" and "Just Shoot Me."
Still, CBS' margin of victory was much slimmer than when "Survivor: The Australian Outback" ended in May, underscoring "Friends'" breakout popularity this season and suggesting that the "Survivor" novelty is wearing off. Thursday's two-hour finale averaged about 27.3 million viewers, down 25% from the second edition's conclusion.
The winner of "Survivor: Africa" was Ethan Zohn, a 27-year-old soccer player from Lexington, Mass., who beat out retired teacher Kim Johnson, 57, from Oyster Bay, N.Y., for the $1-million top prize. Zohn said he'll use some of the money to start a soccer league for children." (Source: LA Times) (Jan. 16)

Brand new script for episode 812!
* Just added a brand new script for last Thursday's episode shown on NBC- click here for the script (Jan. 12)

TV Ratings
* Last week 16.75 million viewers tuned into the repeat broadcast of "The One With The Videotape" on NBC according to this weeks Neilsen prime-time figures. It was the 6th most watched show during the new year period. (Source: Neilsen) (Jan. 12)

Bing says Bing's the dad
* The Steve Bing- Liz Hurley debacle has taken a bizarre new twist as Bing hints Friends star MATTHEW PERRY (Chandler Bing) is the father of Liz's unborn baby, according to internet reports. Gossip website People News reports playboy Bing has dropped several hints that Perry had a fling with the AUSTIN POWERS beauty while they were filming "Servicing Sara" last year. The film was put on indefinite hold while Perry sought treatment for his dependence on prescription drugs in the middle of filming. And according to www.msnbc.com,"A source close to the entrepreneur says Bing is telling friends that he believes Hurley and Matthew Perry were an item". But Hurley has slapped the suggestion, with her spokesman saying, "She denies that she had any kind of relationship with Matthew Perry other than a professional one." The rumours may cause trouble for Perry as well - he is reported to be engaged to girlfriend ANDI O'REILLY. (Source: WENN) (Jan. 7)

Brand new episode this week- US and UK! *WARNING: SPOILERS* (Skip this spoiler)
* Don't forget to tune in this Thursday if you on either side of the Atlantic ocean!- In the US on NBC at 8pm brand new episode "The One Where Joey Dates Rachel". Here is a quick preview:
WILL RACHEL BECOME EVEN MORE CHUMMY WITH OL' PAL JOEY? -- In order to prepare Joey (Matt LeBlanc) for his big date the next night, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) eagerly agrees to step out with him for a rare night on the town, but when each is pleasantly surprised with their newfound compatibility, they begin to regard each other in a way no one could have predicted. Meanwhile, a beaming Chandler (Matthew Perry) racks up a record number of points on Monica's (Courteney Cox Arquette) new Mrs. Pac-Man game machine -- but his three-letter ID might prove too offensive when young Ben (guest star Cole Mitchell Sprouse) visits. In addition, Ross (David Schwimmer) finally is allowed to teach an honors class but its cross-town location means he must break land speed records just to get there on time. Lisa Kudrow also stars.

Meanwhile the UK finally gets the season premiere. "The One After Do". Click here to read the detailed spoiler or the script. (Jan. 7)

Golden Globe Nominations!
* This year Friends gets 2 nominations at the Golden Globe Awards:

Best Musical or Comedy Series
Ally McBeal
Frasier
Friends
Sex and the City
Will & Grace

Best Supporting Actress

Jennifer Aniston (Friends)
Tammy Blanchard (Life with Judy Garland)
Rachel Griffiths (Six Feet Under)
Allison Janney (The West Wing)
Megan Mullally (Will & Grace)

(Source: NBC) (Jan. 7)

Friends stars negotiate pay rise
* The cast of Friends are reported to be negotiating $1million an episode salaries for any future shows. At present they earn $750,000 per episode, which is around £690,000. But Jennifer Aniston and her co-stars are seeking pay rises to match that of Frasier stars Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce. The cast have been told it's up to them whether the show carries on for another series, reports the Daily Record. Last year NBC boss Jeff Zucker said if the actors want to do another series, the network wasn't prepared to increase their salaries. (Source: Ananova) (Jan. 5)

Cast of Friends arrange trip for World Trade Centre survivors
* The cast of Friends have invited survivors of the World Trade Centre attacks to visit the set of the US sitcom. More than 150 survivors or people who lost loved ones were flown from New York to watch the filming in Los Angeles, according to reports. They spent three days in a nearby hotel, courtesy of Warner Bros studio and NBC. They met the cast of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox Arquette, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer, (Source: Daily Record) (Jan. 5)

Brand new spoiler
* Check out the latest spoiler for episode 812 which is scheduled for broadcast on Thursday 10th January 2002. So mark that date in your diary! (Jan. 5)

Brand new spoiler
* Check out the latest spoiler for episode 812 which is scheduled for broadcast on Thursday 10th January 2002. So mark that date in your diary! (Dec. 30)

TV Ratings
* The repeat broadcast of "TOW Rachel Tells..." was watched by another 14.7 million people. It was the 8th most watched show the week 17-23/12/01. It is the first time this season that Friends has been outside the top 5. (Dec. 30)

Quiz fixed!
* Sorry, there was a slight glitch with the quiz where it was giving the answers to the last quiz. It has now been fixed so please try again! (Dec. 27)

This weeks episode
* Tonights (Dec. 27) episode is a repeat of episode 803 "TOW Rachel Tells..." shown on NBC at 8pm. Read the spoiler or the script. (Dec. 27)

Brand new quiz added!
* At long last I've added a new quiz. Give it a go and see how you go! (Dec. 24)

Latest TV Ratings
* 23.85 million people tuned into last weeks episode "The One With Ross's Step Forward". On the Nielsen prime time chart it sits at #2 just behind ER. Here is the top 5:
Week for 10-16/12/01
1(-). ER (28.86m)
2(2). Friends (23.85m)
3(5). Law & Order (19.39m)
4(-). Will & Grace (19.38m)
5(4). Everybody Loves Raymond (19.30m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Dec. 21)

Friends characters could end up a couple, says Jennifer Aniston
* "Jennifer Aniston says the ideal ending to Friends would be for Rachel and Ross to end up together. She thinks the show's fans would love to see her character and David Schwimmer's "walk off into the sunset" as a couple. Aniston says she has a feeling something will happen between them. She said: "Who knows what is going to happen between those two. "We just get those scripts and the surprises hit us in the face. I guess they were always going to have problems when they were together. "I think the long term answer to Ross and Rachel, so long as the viewers are concerned, was that they had to be apart. "But I do have this strange feeling that is most definitely not over yet." (Source: Ananova) (Dec. 21)

This weeks episode
* If you live in the US don't forget to watch a repeat of "The One With The Red Sweater" on NBC this Thursday on NBC. Here is a quick spoiler: *WARNING: SPOILER* (Skip this spoiler)
WILL PREGNANT RACHEL REVEAL WHO'S THE DADDY? -- As they prepare to leave the wedding hotel, an excited Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) speculate about who might be the father of pregnant Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) baby while the expectant mother debates whether she should tell the unsuspecting dad at all. At the same time, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) mistakenly thinks Phoebe is preggers -- and makes a gallant gesture -- while Ross (David Schwimmer) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) frantically try to re-stage generic wedding photos with other couples at the hotel when Chandler loses the film from his own ceremony. Meanwhile, Monica can't wait to tear into her tantalizing wedding gifts. (Source: NBC) (Dec. 17)

Chandler gets fat
* Friends star Matthew Perry has gained so much weight his months-old wardrobe for the hit TV show is already too small for him. The troubled star - who has been in rehabilitation for addiction to prescription drugs - has seen his waistline balloon, until a few earlier this year Friends producers ordered him a whole new wardrobe for his character Chandler Bing. However, with his body still inflating out of control rendering his new clothes un-wearable, bosses have stopped humoring Perry - and have ordered him to shed weight as soon as possible. (Source: WENN ) (Dec. 17)

Jennifer Aniston worries about photo of her half-naked
* "Jennifer Aniston is worried about a revealing photo of her with former boyfriend Tate Donovan. She says the picture shows him naked and her wearing only knickers and a bra. The Friends star is worried it will be sold to the highest bidder after being stolen earlier this year. She told German Cinema magazine she doesn't want Brad to see the photo. But the actress says she can rely on him not "straying" with other women. "Brad's a gentleman and turns down every offer with a thank you - but no," she said. Jennifer also denied persistent rumours she is pregnant. "I'd like to hang the idiots who are selling that story up by their toe nails," she said." (Source: Ananova) (Dec. 17)

TV ratings update
* Here is a quick update on the viewing figures of Friends over the past two weeks. Included is the top 5 to see how it went on. You'll be glad to know that Friends has re-overtaken "ER" as #1 season-to-date show.
Week for 03-09/11/01
1. CSI (23.96m)
2. Friends (22.44m)
3. Everybody Loves Raymond (17.9m)
4. 60 Minutes (17.24m)
5. Law & Order (16.12m)

Week for 19-25/11/01
1(4). Friends (24.24m)
2(). ER (23.58m)
3(). CSI (22.82m)
4(4). Friends (8:30 episode) (22.14m)
5(3). Everybody Loves Raymond (21.88m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Dec. 17)

Brand new episode!!!
* After a weeks break you can now catch a brand new episode tonight! Here is a quick preview:
THE ONE WITH MONICA'S BOOTS 12/06/01
THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKIN'...AND MONICA JUST KEEPS ON TALKIN' ; TRUDIE STYLER AND MARLA SOKOLOFF GUEST STAR -- Chandler (Matthew Perry) is incensed when Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) spends a fortune on a luscious pair of black boots but when she discovers that her sexy new footwear thrashes her feet, she puts on a brave front and walks on rather than admit that hubby knows best. Meanwhile, when a wide-eyed Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) learns that Ross' (David Schwimmer) young son attends the same school as rock star Sting's son, she angles to meet the celebrity and get concert tickets -- until she afoul of his suspicious wife, Trudie Styler (as herself). In additon, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) tries to mediate between an angry Joey (Matt LeBlanc) and his pregnant kid sister (guest star Marla Sokoloff, "The Practice"). (Source: NBC) (Dec. 6)

TV Rankings
* Here are the rankings for the past two weeks. Friends was back at #1 last week while the repeat of the season opener charted at #4 on the Nilesen prime time charts. This weeks top 5 looks like this:
Week for 12-18/11/01
1(-). The Carol Burnett Show (29.8m)
2(). Everybody Loves Raymond (24.26m)
3(). The West Wing (20.86m)
4(1). Friends (20.66m)
5(). Law & Order (20.22m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Dec. 6)

This weeks episode
* If you live in the US and you missed the season premiere or just want to watch it again fear not! It gets it's first repeat this Thursday. "The One After I Do" is on this Thursday at 8pm on NBC. (Nov. 29)

Jennifer & Brad watch Britney
* "Jennifer Aniston, getting a coif chop at the supertrendy Tova's Body, Mind and Spirit. The Hills of Beverly. Dressed in a not so sassy smock, the Friends star sat around chatting with the fellow follicle-minded. Brad's wife-unit told her chair-bound chum how they had just watched HBO's Britney Spears concert special and "really enjoyed" the underage crooner. The small-screen siren also added that her man did not think B.S. was lip-synching. Those movie-stars are so benevolent, are they not?" (Source: E) (Nov. 29)

Season 7 finalé in the UK
* If you live in the UK don't forget to tune into Channel 4 over the next 2 Fridays to watch "The One With Monica & Chandler's Weeding" parts 1 & 2! It gets shown at 9pm on channel 4. (Nov. 26)

David Schwimmer to teach
* David Schwimmer is planning to leave the acting profession and become a teacher. He says he's ready to leave the comedy which made him a household name. Schwimmer told The Observer: "There is so much other stuff that I want to do that I'm ready for Friends to be over. "I would like to teach in public school. I think I have a lot to offer in that area. "I just see this chapter of my life coming to a close and I'm not quite sure what the next chapter has in store." (Source: Ananova) (Nov. 26)

Brad Pitt in TONIGHTS episode!!!
* It would be a sin to miss this Thursday as Brad Pitt guest stars in this weeks episode, which will be shown at 8pm on NBC! Here is a quick review: *Warning: SPOILER* (Skip this spoiler)
The One With The Rumor
In this Thanksgiving episode, special guest star Brad Pitt plays Will, Monica's high school friend who was the only student fatter than Monica was. She invites him to Thanksgiving dinner with the gang, unaware that he isn't exactly fond of Rachel. Meanwhile, Chandler and Phoebe pretend to be enthralled with a televised football game in order to avoid helping Monica in the kitchen. And Joey vows to devour the entire turkey single-handedly. (Nov. 22)

Friends TV rankings
*Good news! More people watched last weeks episode of Friends than the much hyped Michael Jackson show, although more people tuned into ER. Anyway the top 5 prime time shows according to Nielsen looks like this:
Week for 12-18/11/01
1(1). ER (27.37m)
2(3). Friends (26.54m)
3(-). Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary (25.73m)
4(2). CSI (25.11m)
5(4). Everybody Loves Raymond (21.99m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Nov. 21)

Brad Pitt in next weeks episode
* You musn't miss next weeks episode of Friends as Brad Pitt makes a special appearance! (Nov. 19)

Friends TV rankings
*Friends slides a place this week, dipping to #3 in the Neilsen Prime time chart. The top 5 looks like this:
Week for 05-11/11/01
1(3). ER (26.85m)
2(-). CSI (25.10m)
3(2). Friends (24.24m)
4(-). Everybody Loves Raymond (21.72m)
5(-). Survivor: Africa (20.55m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Nov. 19)

David Schwimmer's Swift Directorial Debut
*DAVID SCHWIMMER had one aim when it came to directing his first episode of FRIENDS - to get the cast out of work on time. The hunky actor, who plays the role of ROSS GELLAR on the hit show, was excited to get the opportunity to try his hand behind the camera in the episode which aired on television last night (15/11/01). But rather than being a perfectionist, Schwimmer's biggest desire was to make sure none of his cast mates had to work long hours. He says, "The first couple of seasons we were here until two or three in the morning, but we've got it chiseled now so we get out at a good time. "Now we have families and things we want to do. So I wanted to make sure we got out at a good time as a matter of pride." (Source: WENN) (Nov. 19)

Brand new episode
* Don't forget to tune into a brand new episode this Thursday at 8pm on NBC to watch "The One With The Stripper". (Nov. 14)

Friends TV rankings
*Friends remains at number 2 on the Neilsen Prime time chart. Nearly 27 million viewers tuned into "TOW The Halloween Party". The top 5 looks like this:
Week for 29/10-04/11/01
1(-). Fox World Series Game 7 (39.08m)
2(2). Friends (26.96m)
3(1). ER (24.68m)
4(-). Fox World Series Game 4 (23.69m)
5(-). Fox World Series Game 3 (23.41m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Nov. 12)

Jennifer & Brad are now enemies...
"Hollywood hunk Bradd Pitt hates his beautiful wife Jennifer Aniston... on the small screen! Pitt has just finished taping his guest role on the hit sitcom Friends - a part which seems him playing David Schwimmer's character Ross's former high school best friend. His real life wife's TV alter ego Rachel used to mock the gawky looking Pitt at school, but when he reappears at her New York pad a decade later, he's transformed into a gorgeous hunk. Aniston spends the episode, which is being broadcast at the end of the month (NOV01) trying to get back into his good books. (Source: Ananova) (Oct. 5)

Brad Pitt stopped work on Ocean's 11 for Friends
* "Brad Pitt wouldn't shoot any scenes for Ocean's 11 on Thursday nights because he wanted to watch Friends. The film's producer Jerry Weintraub says Pitt wouldn't work on a Thursday evening because he wanted to watch his wife Jennifer Aniston. Weintraub also revealed Pitt was the butt of several practical jokes played on the cast by George Clooney. Clooney apparently likes to booby trap doors with buckets of water. Pitt said that it took him two hours every day to undo the traps in his hotel room that had been left for him by Clooney and Matt Damon. But the cast did manage to get their own back on Clooney, they covered his toilet seat with cling film." (Source: Ananova) (Oct. 5)

Brad Pitt to appear in Friends (2 versions of this story!)
* Brad Pitt is to star in a forthcoming episode of Friends. The episode to be shown in the US later this month will involve Pitt wearing a fat suit. Brad appears in The One With The Rumour, Monica meets an old high school pal played by Pitt who once was fatter than she was. He has now shed the weight and become a heart-throb.
Monica then invites him to Thanksgiving dinner. But Pitt's character isn't a fan of Rachel, played by his real-life wife Jennifer Aniston. (Source: E Online) (Nov. 2)

Brad Pitt Records Friends Cameo
* Jennifer Aniston's husband Brad Pitt has recorded his much anticipated guest spot on FRIENDS - and the role is far from glamorous. Reports have been rife about the Seven star's appearance on the hit sitcom, but according to crew members on the set, the hunk recorded his spot this week. The episode will air at the end of November but hunky Pitt won't be breaking any hearts on the show. Rather than smooching up with his real-life-wife Aniston for a romantic lead role, Pitt has opted to take a role as Ross' geeky high school friend. (Source: WENN) (Nov. 2) Note from Ed- which one will Brad actually be!?!...

Friends TV rankings
*This week Friends holds at #2 on the Neilsen prime time chart, just behind ER. "Friends" had 25.64million viewers, just 1.74 million less than ER. Why? "Inside Schwartz" had 16.56 million viewers, and won over 9 million Friends viewers. What can you do? This week tape the rival if you must and watch Friends! The top 5 looks like this:
Week for 22-28/10/01
1(1). ER (27.38m)
2(1). Friends (25.64m)
3(4). CSI (24.67m)
4(-). World Series (23.55m)
5(3). West Wing (21.47m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Oct. 31)

Brand new episode!
* Don't forget to tune into ANOTHER brand new episode this Thursday on NBC at 8pm. Here is a preview. *WARNING: SPOILER!* (Skip this spoiler)
THE ONE WITH THE HALLOWEEN PARTY 11/01/01
OSCAR NOMINEE SEAN PENN GUEST-STARS AS PHOEBE'S FUTURE IN-LAW AT HALLOWEEN SHINDIG -- At Monica's Halloween party, Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) meets the friendly fiance (Oscar-nominated guest star Sean Penn, "Dead Man Walking") of her ditsy twin Ursula (also played by Kudrow) but becomes alarmed when she learns that her sister has misrepresented herself to the hunky guy - and Phoebe finds herself attracted to him as well. Elsewhere at the shindig, Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) comes disguised as Catwoman and wonders if she could take down Phoebe's Supergirl character while Chandler (Matthew Perry) arrives as a bunny and mistakes Ross' (David Schwimmer) giant hybrid "Spud-nik" costume for something found on a sidewalk. In addition, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) runs out of candy and resorts to paying trick-or-treaters. (Source: NBC) (Oct. 31)

Justin Timberlake could be set for Friends guest role
Friends producers are refusing to comment on reports that Justin Timberlake is to appear in the show. It is believed Timberlake met with the show's writers to discuss the possibility. Reports suggest the *N Sync singer would play a character based on the part he plays in the new film 'On the Line'. In the film, which also stars the other members of NSync, Timberlake plays a stylist. (Oct. 29)

Brand new episode!- preview
* THE ONE WITH RACHEL'S DATE 10/25/01 *WARNING: SPOILER!* (Skip this spoiler)
RACHEL'S DATE WITH SOAP HUNK HAS ROSS IN A FUNK -- Ross (David Schwimmer) is horrified to learn that Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) is headed out on a date with a handsome soap-opera actor (guest star Johnny Messner) -- especially since she is pregnant with his child while Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) is attracted to a cute but klutzy sous-chef (guest star Kevin Rahm, "Jesse") -- and protests when Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) wants to fire him. Elsewhere, Chandler (Matthew Perry) torpedoes the promotion of a distant co-worker (guest star Chris Parnell) who's mistakenly been calling him "Toby" for five years. Matt LeBlanc also stars. (Oct. 25)

Jennifer Aniston in the Dark Over Friends Ending
* "Friends actress Jennifer Aniston is clueless as to how the hit American show will end. The beautiful star, who plays Rachel Green in the long-running comedy, says the cast have recorded a false ending of the sitcom to keep everyone guessing. It is thought the latest series of Friends, currently being shown in America, will be the last. Jennifer told Britain's OK! magazine, "The night we shot the finale, we were handed the scripts at two o'clock in the morning. "We shot a whole phoney ending, sent the audience home and then they didn't even let us know how it was going to end." She adds she'll still hang out with the cast of Friends when the sitcom ends. "We all love each other. I hope we stay friends for a very long time," she says." (Source: WENN) (Oct. 25)

Friends U-Turn
* The possibility of an extra FRIENDS season looked a distinct possibility last week (18 Oct 01). The shows stars Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox Arquette, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc have been offered a big money deal to star in a new series, despite reports that the hit comedy was to be no more. The shows six central stars - who earn in the region of $650,000 per episode - will receive the same money for fewer episodes, allowing more time for them to pursue their movie careers. (Source: WENN) (Oct. 25)

Matthew Perry Kits Out Bachelor Pad
* "Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing) has created the perfect bachelor pad by kitting out his multi-million dollar abode with piles of boys' toys. The Friends star spent $2.9 million on the Beverly Hills, Los Angeles home 18 months ago and has been busy decorating it ever since. And now he's opened up the doors of his playpen to American property magazine Metropolitan Home. Interior designer Donna Warner, who is also the magazine's editor, admits she was shocked by the actor's great taste and style. She says, "It's not what you expect but it's still the perfect bachelor pad - he has games everywhere, a pinball machine, a football table and video screens everywhere. "But he has turned the place into an architectural dream and has designed much of it himself. He has Zen moments, a meditation room and lots of mid-century and contemporary art - it's very stylish." (Source: WENN) (Oct. 25)

Men prepared to pay for night of passion with Jennifer
* "More than 20 per cent of UK males say they would pay at least £5,000 for a night in bed with Jennifer Aniston. The findings come in a survey of 1,000 adults which found 27 per cent of women said they would spend the same amount to be with Brad Pitt. The survey also found that almost half the population of the UK say they do not see any harm in paying for sex. ICM Research interviewed 1,000 adults for the survey commissioned by online bank Egg." (Source: Ananova) (Oct. 25)

Friends TV rankings
* Friends drops down to #2 this week in the prime time charts, with a still impressive 25.58m viewers. "The One With The Videotape" attracted the lowest audience this season-to-date. However Friends still is the #1 show this season-to-date with an average of 29.22m compared to ER's 25.87m per episode. The top 5 looks like this:
Week for 15-21/10/01
1(6). ER (26.71m)
2(1). Friends (25.58m)
3(4). CSI (23.04m)
4(7). Everybody Loves Raymond (21.63m)
5(3). West Wing (20.79m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Oct. 24)

Reviews
* Read and leave your reviews of any of the new episodes of Friends. Click here (Oct. 19)

New episode!!!
* Don't forget to tune in tonight to a brand new episode tonight on NBC at 8pm (US only):
BRAND NEW EPISODE! PREVIEW: *WARNING: SPOILERS!* (Skip this preview)
THE ONE WITH THE VIDEOTAPE 10/18/01
A PICTURE'S WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS -- Ross's (David Schwimmer) and Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) attempt to explain to the gang how they wound up in bed together six weeks earlier quickly devolves into an argument over who came on to whom -- until Ross shocks the room by announcing that he has the whole encounter on videotape. Meanwhile, Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) return from their honeymoon, excited at the prospect of hanging out with another just-married couple they met on the flight home...until they discover that their newfound "friends" gave them a fake phone number. Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc also star. (Source: NBC) (Oct. 18)

Friends still #1!
* Friends tops the Neilsen prime time chart week ending 14th October 2001 for a third straight week. It is still #1 season to date. 29.2 million tuned into "TOW Rachel Tells..." helping it beat off competition from the season premiere of reality show "Survivor: Africa" and "The West Wing". The top 5 looks like this:
Week for 08-14/10/01
1(1). Friends (29.2m)
2(-). Survivor: Africa (23.84m)
3(3). West Wing (23.65m)
4(7). CSI (22.73m)
5(4). Law & Order (22.07m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Oct. 17)

David Schwimmer now on TV!
* If you live in the US and have HBO then tune in on Sundays at 9pm to see David Schwimmer's new wartime drama "Band Of Brothers". The opening episode already had audiences enjoying it, making it the #1 HBO/cable show with 6.43m viewers, making it #76 on the overall Nielsen prime time chart. If you live in the UK BOB is shown every Friday at 8pm on BBC2. (Oct. 17)

Jennifer Aniston 'would love to play Wonder Woman'
* "Jennifer Aniston says she would love to play Wonder Woman on the big screen. Movie bosses are currently planning a remake of the cult '70s TV series. Aniston says the role would be her first choice if she was to play a superhero or sci-fi character on film. She also told TV Week magazine that Hollywood ought to remake The Bionic Woman for her to star in. Sandra Bullock was tipped to play Wonder Woman in the film, but has since passed on the role. (Source: Ananova) (Oct. 16)

Jennifer Aniston: Call Her "Mrs. Pitt"!
*When did Jennifer Aniston know that husband Brad Pitt was the one for her? "Pretty immediately," she grins. "Maybe it was when he asked me to marry him. I just went, 'Oh okay. That makes sense.'"

Though too famous in her own right to be thought of as simply Mrs. Brad Pitt, the Friends star — a two-time Emmy nominee for supporting actress in a comedy — recalls the first time someone did just that. "I was sitting in a dentist's office at 7 o'clock in the morning," Aniston says. "[Brad] took me to get my wisdom teeth pulled out. We were sitting in the waiting room at the crack of dawn, and I'm scared to death because I'm going under. The woman opens the door and says, 'Um, Mrs. Pitt?' And we both were like, 'Wow!'"

Aniston clearly doesn't mind sharing such sweet stories with her fans — though she has found married life with a megastar full of "adjustments and transitions." As she puts it, "You're dealing with doing something very intimate and trying to balance it publicly, which you don't necessarily want to be doing, but you have no real choice in the matter. Trying to have your own private time and experience it for yourself is sort of... just challenging." — Daniel R. Coleridge (Source: TV Guide) (Oct. 12)

Brand new episode!!!
* Don't forget to tune in to tonights episode "TOW Rachel Tells..." showing on NBC at 8pm.

Here is a quick preview: *WARNING: SPOILERS!* (Skip this spoiler)
Everybody seems to know who the daddy of Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) baby is except the real father -- and when he finds out, he's more concerned about other matters than his relationship with Rachel or his unborn child. Meanwhile, Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) and Joey (Matt LeBlanc) fib about a gas leak to gain unusual entry into the newlyweds' apartment. Courteney Cox Arquette, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer also star

Email me what you think of the episode and I'll add it to the reviews page (Oct. 11)

Friends #1 again!
* Friends tops the Neilsen prime time chart week ending 7th October 2001. It took a 31% share and is still #1 season to date. An impressive 30.04 million viewers tuned in to new episode "TOW The Red Sweater", just 1.66 million less than the premiere. The top 5 looks like this:
Week for 01-07/10/01
1(1). Friends (30.4m)
2(2). ER (26.9m)
3(-). West Wing (25.24m)
4(-). Law & Order (22.55m)
5(3). Everybody Loves Raymond (22.46m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Oct. 10)

Friends #1!
* Friends tops the Nielsen Prime time chart with 31.70 million viewers to the season premiere. It took a 31% share and is also #1 of the season-to-date. I've listed the top 5:
Week 24-30/09/01
1. Friends (31.7m)
2. ER (28.2m)
3. Everybody Loves Raymond (22.8m)
4. CSI (22.27m)
5. Inside Schwartz (25.52m)
(Source: Neilsen) (Oct. 9)

NEW SCRPTS & SPOILERS
*I've added brand new scripts for episodes 801 and 802, as well as brand new and updated spoilers for episodes 804-806! Hope it was worth the wait. (Oct. 9)

Jennfier Joins Madonna in New Ritchie Film
* "Jennifer Aniston has joined Madonna on the set of her new movie 'Love, Sex, Drugs and Money'. The MATERIAL GIRL stars in the film, husband GUY RITCHIE's version of 1974's SWEPT AWAY, as a rich wife who sets out on a cruise around the Mediterranean.
It is not yet known which role Aniston will take. Madonna has demanded 24-hour protection on the Malta set of the movie following a recent bomb scare at the hospital where she was recovering from a suspected hernia." (Source: WENN) (Oct. 9)

Matthew bullied by brats
* "Friends star Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing) quit a children's' badminton tournament he was umpiring because of the kids' constant taunting. Perry had offered to umpire the tournament as a favor for a friend, but the children proved to be more of a handful than he had bargained for. The kids taunted the actor about his recent stay in a rehab clinic and called him a "fat ass" and "druggie". Eventually the taunting became too much and Perry stormed out shouting "I can't take this!" A Friends spokesman said that the star was upset by the ungrateful children because, "he was trying to give something back to the community." (Source: WENN) (Oct. 9)

Next weeks episode Preview *WARNING: SPOILERS!* (Skip this spoiler)
THE ONE WHERE RACHEL TELLS... 10/11/01
FATHER'S DAZE -- Everybody seems to know who the daddy of Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) baby is except the real father -- and when he finds out, he's more concerned about other matters than his relationship with Rachel or his unborn child. Meanwhile, Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) and Joey (Matt LeBlanc) fib about a gas leak to gain unusual entry into the newlyweds' apartment. Courteney Cox Arquette, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer also star. (Source: NBC) (Oct. 5)

New David Schwimmer show on UK TV
* For the next few weeks all you David Schwimmer fans look like you are to be spoilt for choice and torn between two as to what you watch on a Friday Night. The obvious choice is Friends on channel 4 at 9pm or his brand new program "Band Of Brothers" on BBC2 between 8:30 and 10:20, meaning you'll have to tape one or the other, or skip the middle half-hour of BOB and watch Friends- The choice is yours!

Band Of Brothers tells the true-life tale of Easy Company, an elite parachute unit of the American Army during the Second World War. David Shcwimmer plays the harsh and unfair Lt. Sobel. The program was produced by Tom Hanks and Stephen Speilberg and the series begins in Georgia in 1942 as a group of young men start training to become members of America's newest military regiments, the paratroopers. (Oct. 5)

Small article on David Schwimmer
* "David Schwimmer thought he would escape recognition when he popped into a tiny newsagent's in a sleepy village to buy pornographic magazines. The 35-year-old actor was on a break filming TV drama Band Of Brothers in Hertfordshire, England and went into the shop to buy treats for the rest of the cast. Without a flicker of recognition, the elderly assistant served him with a copy of Penthouse, Playboy and Mother-In-Law a little known publication featuring pictures of older women doing household chores in the nude. But his hopes of anonymity evaporated as he left. "By the way, I love your show Ross", the assistant called after him". Story from Metro (Oct. 5)

Friends pregnancy mystery *SPOILER ALERT* (Skip this spoiler)
* Friends' Rachel is to fall pregnant leaving fans guessing who the father of the baby is. Jennifer Aniston's character sneaks off to the bathroom at Monica and Chandler's wedding reception to take a pregnancy test. She breaks down in tears as Phoebe tells her she is expecting but refuses to reveal the father. Viewers will be kept guessing between three characters.

One is Rachel's toyboy secretary Tag Jones, played by Eddie Cahill and another is Paul Stevens, played by Bruce Willis. The most popular choice is Ross, played by David Schwimmer, who has never stopped loving her. (Source: Ananova) (Oct. 5)

New episode TONIGHT!
* Just a reminder that if you live in the US don't forget to tune in tonight at 8pm for brand new episode titled "TOW The Red Sweater" showing on NBC!

Preview: *MINI-SPOILER ALERT!* (Skip this spoiler)
THE ONE WITH THE RED SWEATER
WILL PREGNANT RACHEL REVEAL WHO'S THE DADDY? -- As they prepare to leave the wedding hotel, an excited Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) speculate about who might be the father of pregnant Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) baby while the expectant mother debates whether she should tell the unsuspecting dad at all. At the same time, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) mistakenly thinks Phoebe is preggers -- and makes a gallant gesture -- while Ross (David Schwimmer) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) frantically try to re-stage generic wedding photos with other couples at the hotel when Chandler loses the film from his own ceremony. Meanwhile, Monica can't wait to tear into her tantalizing wedding gifts. (Source: NBC) (Oct. 4)

The One With All The Reviews
I have added a new page to this site with what you thought of tonight's/last weeks/any episode. Click here to visit the page. Or E-mail lee1@mail.com with what you thought (Oct. 4)

Biggest audience ever!!!
* A jaw-dropping 32 million viewers tuned into last weeks season premiere, the shows biggest audience in 5 years! (Oct. 4) (Source: Ananova)

Brand new episode!
* If you live in the US don't forget to tune in this Thursday for another brand new episode titled "TOW The Red Sweater" showing at 8pm on NBC! (Oct. 3)

Rock Star out
* Jennifer Aniston's movie "Rock Star" drops out of the Box office top 10 this week. (Oct. 2)

Did you watch it!?!
* Hope that none of you in the US missed the season premiere of Friends last night! What did you think email me and I'll put up a page with your reviews! (Sept. 28)

Friends premieres TONIGHT!!!
* Set your alarms and cancel all previous appointments 'cause (drumroll!): A brand new episode premieres tonight on NBC all over America at 8/7pm. (Sept. 27)

Rock Star back on form
* Jennifer Aniston's latest film "Rock Star" rebounds back up to #6 on the US Box office up from last weeks #10. The film which stars 'Planet Of The Ape's' Mark Wahlberg took in $3.2m this weekend taking it's box office gross up to $15.5m.

Friends episode reshot
* "Friends has been affected by the US terrorist attacks. The third episode of the new series has been re-shot because it was due to take place in an airport.

The episode was supposed to feature Monica and Chandler arriving at the airport several hours before taking off on their honeymoon. Friends executive producer David Crane told the Philadelphia Inquirer: "A lot of it had to do with how ridiculous it was for crazy, obsessive Monica to want to get there three hours in advance.

"Two weeks ago, that would have been ridiculous. It's not ridiculous now. Everybody's doing it now. A lot of the comedy in it didn't feel funny, so we re-shot the story line." (Sept. 21)

Rock Star drops
*Jennifer Aniston's latest film "Rock Star" drops from 3-10 this week on the US box office taking just $3.5 million last week. The film has now taken $11.2m in total at the box office after 2 weeks. (Sept. 18)

Season premiere delayed
*The season premiere will now be shown on September 27 2001, one week later than previously reported. (Sept. 18)

Friends forever?
* Article from Entertainment Weekly:
"Hold onto your La-Z-Boy: Turns out the cast of ''Friends'' is open to coming back after this season, but they ''want to be wowed'' with sexier salaries and scripts, a source says. Last month, the cast was unimpressed with an offer to extend their contract for what insiders say was little more than what they currently earn (Warner Bros. TV upped their per-episode salaries to a whopping $750,000 last year.) But even if all the Friends don't eventually extend their run, one source close to the actors believes the studio is okay with moving ahead with only four of the six stars (a Warner spokesperson denied the rumor, saying the studio wants the entire cast back). Sources are predicting another protracted negotiation, while the creators remain cautiously optimistic. Executive producer David Crane recently bragged about the sitcom having staying power, because [xxx]'s* pregnancy ''really energized the show.'' True, but isn't that what they said about the final season of ''Mad About You''?" (Source: Entertainment Weekly) (Sept. 18) (Note: *= name removed as may be given away as a spoiler- click here click here to read who is pregnant)

Friends producers deny they'd let some of the cast leave
* "The makers of Friends are denying reports they'd be willing to make another series with just four members of the cast. There had been rumours that Warner Bros would be happy with just four of the cast appearing in the next series. But a spokeswoman for Warners said they would want the entire cast to appear." (Source: Ananova) (Sept. 18)

Sean Penn delay's filming
* "Sean Penn's Friends debut has been put on hold following the terrorist attack on New York on Tuesday. The actor was due to start filming his first scenes on the sitcom this week but shooting has now been suspended following the tragedy in America." (Souce: WENN) (Sept. 18)

David Schwimmer stranded
* Following the terrorist attackes in New York last Tuesday David Schwimmer has been stranded in Toronto, Canada. He may even have to put off filming of Friends until he manages to get a plane back. (Source: WENN) (Sept. 18)

No Spoiler!?!
*Sorry to everyone who looked for a spoiler for episode 4 of the brand new season- I forgot to add it to the main spoiler page. It has been updated now! (Sept. 17)

Sean Penn will guest on 'Friends'
* "Sean Penn will play the boyfriend of Phoebe's twin-sister Ursula in the [eighth and possibly] final series of Friends. But the actor's decision to guest star on the hit TV show will surprise many in Hollywood - Penn is a fierce critic of mainstream Hollywood, and refuses to attend the Oscar ceremony - even on the two occasions he has been nominated for awards.

The Carlito's Way star is the latest in a long line of Hollywood stars to have appeared in the show. Bruce Willis, Reese Witherspoon, Brooke Shields, and Jean-Claude Van Damme have all made guest appearances since the show first aired in 1994 (Source: WENN) (Sept. 14)

**Sean Penn Trivia**
*Remember a scene in the episode "TOW Dr. Ramoray Dies". Chandler and new roommate Eddie recall previous dates:

Friends and family for Jennifer
*Jennifer Aniston could end her five year feud with her mother Nancy, according to press reports. The Friends star refused to invite Nancy to her wedding after she spoke about Jennifer during a TV interview in 1996.

She said at the time that she would never forgive Nancy, but has now admitted that "time will heal" the rift. The feud was made worse when Nancy wrote a book telling of her upset at Jennifer's refusal to meet with her.

The Daily Record reports that Jennifer told US magazine Elle: "I love my mother, I will always love my mother. "We all have our own struggles - some lives are easier than others. It continues to be hard - but time will heal it." (Sept. 14)

Jennifer Aniston too tired for Two Jobs
* "JENNIFER ANISTON is never going to take on two jobs at the same time again - because it's too exhausting. The FRIENDS star, who is married to Hollywood hunk BRAD PITT, says overlapping the filming of FRIENDS with filming a movie made her realise that she's just not cut out for multi-tasking and she's determined to stick to one job at a time in future.

Aniston says, "The quality of life, it's very important. You know, even just finishing this job I did at the end of Friends that was called THE GOOD GIRL, I was pulling double duty again and I was just like, "eek.". "As amazing as it was, it was so exhausting, I felt like something was going to suffer. I'm not a workaholic like that." Source: World Entertainment News Network) (Sept. 14)

Season premiere date
*A brand new episode and a brand new season will premiere on Thursday September 20th on NBC. Check local times for listings. Can't wait till then? Check out the spoiler section. (Sept. 12)

Jennifer on drugs!?!
* "FRIENDS star Jennifer Aniston has confessed that she loves to smoke dope. The Hollywood actress says: "I enjoy it once in a while. There is nothing wrong with that. "Everything in moderation. I wouldn't call myself a pothead."

The smoking of marijuana in America is illegal and can result in time in jail. But Jennifer says that smoking a spliff is not that bad, "It's not cocaine or shooting heroin", she added. Jennifer could be trying to talk up her new film "Rock Star", which flopped at the US box office this weekend. There is a raunchy drugs-and-sex orgy in the movie, but she says: "I have never had anything exciting or fun like that happen to me." (Source: The Sun) (Sept. 12)

Note from Webmaster
* I hope that everyone is OK, and extend condolences to anyone who have lost family, friends and colleagues after the terrible terrorist attacks that took place in New York and Washington D.C. on September 11 2001. (Sept. 11/12)

"Rock Star" is #3 at the US Box office
*Jennifer Aniston's latest movie "Rock Star" debuts at #3 at the US Box office with a weekend gross of $6.2m. The film was beaten to the top spot by other debuts "The Musketeer" (#1) and "Two Can Play That Game" (#2). "Rock Star" which stars Jennifer along with Mark Wahlberg (Planet Of The Apes, Perfect Storm) and Timothy Olyphant (Scream 2, Gone In 60 Seconds) is about a lead singer of a tribute band who becomes the lead singer of the real band he idolizes. (Source: IMDB) (Sept. 10)

Jennifer Aniston loves a bargain!
* Stories about Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston visiting flea markets in California are absolutely true - they hit them at dawn and take a truck. The Hollywood couple are keen decorators and they love to shop for antiques - a fact that Aniston claims makes them the perfect pair.

She says, "Girls love shopping for antiques and they love furniture, and then all of a sudden I met somebody and they love antique shopping and furniture as much as I do, I love garage sales. I love haggling. The flea market at the Rose Bowl was the last one I went to - recently. I got there at the crack of dawn because that's when everyone's really tired. I bought a lamp, leather jacket and some chairs. I took a truck." (Source: World Entertainment News Network) (Sept. 10)

New Jennifer Aniston interview
*She talks about Brad Pitt, her co-stars and her new movie "Rock Star" co-starring Mark Wahlberg (Planet Of The Apes) Click here to read interview (Sept. 10)

DVDs on sale
*If you live in the UK look out for special DVD offers- seasons 1-6 are now on sale at some stores for £9.99 each or £12-16.99 at most high street stores (like Woolworths) with a special buy two get one free offer. The DVDs include 8 episodes per disc. However these are region 2 encoded so make sure that your player can play the disc! (Sept. 6)

Jennifer Aniston promoting new film
*Jennifer Aniston has been in some newspapers today with pictures of her and Brad at the premiere of her new film "Rock Star" which she co-stars with Planet Of The Apes Star Mark Wahlberg a.k.a. Marky Mark. (Sept. 6)

Will there be a 8th season?
*"Jennifer Aniston is indicating to anyone who will listen that this will be the last season of "Friends."

But don't tell that to Warner Bros., which produces the show co-starring Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox and Matt LeBlanc.

"It is our hope that we will have the entire cast of 'Friends' back for a ninth season," Warner Bros. Television president Peter Roth said in a statement. Roth was reacting to statements Aniston made this week to several Websites while promoting her new movie, "Rock Star."

"When this will be over, it will be hard, it's hard for me to think about right now," Aniston told canoe.com. "It's real heartbreaking for me, every time I think about it I'm on the verge of tears, I really am."

While that's not a concrete "we're not coming back" quote, it certainly indicates that Aniston et al. are leaning toward hanging it up after the eighth season of "Friends."(Source: Infobeat) (Aug. 31)

Jennifer Aniston's scenes left on cutting-room floor
*"Fans of Jennifer Aniston, eager to see her work in the upcoming film "Rock Star" opposite Mark Wahlberg, may have to wait for the DVD.

The Popcorn website reports that after test screenings at which audiences were lukewarm on the romance between the two leads, most of her scenes have been excised, and the released version of the film will play down their relationship.

The film, based on a true story about Judas Priest fanatic Tim "Ripper Owens, casts Wahlberg as a heavy-metal fan who sings in a cover band and is tapped to replace his hero in the real group." (Source: Canoe) (Aug. 31)

New Season
* Season 8 will begin showing in the US on September 21st. Check local TV listings for exact details. If you can't wait, check out the updated spoiler page (Aug 25)

Emily's Back!
* UK singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor looks set to replace Helen Baxendale as Ross's ex-wife in an upcoming episode. The 22 year old singer is currently riding high in the charts with her cover of Cher's smash "Take Me Home" and was the voice of last years summer anthem "Groovejet". She replaces Helen Baxendale who is currently pregnant with her 2nd child. (Aug 25)

Jennifer worrying Brad
* Jennifer Aniston who plays Rachel Green in TV show Friends has been in tabloids this week with news that megastar husband Brad Pitt has been furious with her lesbian scenes. She has done 3 lesbian kisses- 1 in Friends with Winnona Ryder which was heavilly cut, 1 in Mellisa Etheridge's music video where she dances with Mellisa's real life partner Tammy Lynn Michaels (TV's Popular). 'Brad has been wondering recently what has happened to the sweet innocent girl next door he married' while Jennifer says that she is sick of being a typecast as Rachel Green and wants to do something different.

However people close to the couple say there is nothing to worry about. Jennifer is only doing this because she feels more confident about her life- she has it all, more money than she ever dreamed of, and a husband that all women dream of. Both of them have come out as saying that they soon want to settle down and start a family. (Source: NE) (Aug 25)

Courteney miscarries
* Poor Courteney Cox Arquette (Monica Geller) is getting over the news of her unfortunate miscourage. She was 3 months pregnant when the tragedy occured. Courteney, you have all our sypathy... (Source: DM)

No Longer Friends
* "Director James Burrows is suing Warner Bros. for $5 million - claiming they promised him a piece of "Friends" in exchange for directing the pilot in 1994.

Burrows said Warner Bros. reneged on an agreemeent to pay him 5 percent of the net profits for "Friends," according to a report in Inside.com.

In his lawsuit, filed last week in Santa Monica Superior Court, Burrows alleges that Warner Bros. also agreed to pay him distribution fees in exchange for his directing services.

Burrows got his chops directing such classic sitcoms as "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Taxi" and "Cheers."

Warner Bros. had no comment on the Burrows lawsuit." (Source: Infobeat) (Aug 25)

xxx's character definately pregnant
*I've moved this news item to the spoiler page as it contains a very big spoiler for the brand new season! (Aug 25)

This site is aging!
* The Best Of Friends is now 2 years old! So far over there have been over 66'000 visitors. This site has been on many different servers which at most times have let me down. Anyway here we are today- bigger and better!

* Added brand new script for episode 805, plus 3 new spoilers as well as many more news items. (Oct. 31)

* Updated reviews section. E-mail me with your reviews of the episodes (Oct. 13)

* It's finally here! Episodes 801 & 802 scripts are in the script section (Oct. 9)

* Added a brand new reviews section with what you thought on the brand new/any episodes. E-mail me with your reviews of the episodes. (Oct. 4)

* Second update of the day!- Updated news stories, added brand new spoiler (Sept. 14)

* Updated the spoiler section which now includes season 8 spoilers- DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN! (Aug. 22)

* Updated the News section which includes a lot of stories recently in the news (Aug. 22)

* Added newer version of the Episode Guide. (Now includes ALL episodes) (July 21)

* Redid the popular quiz!- It now tells you instantly how many you got right- expect more imrovements and quizzes in the future! (May 21)