Friends premiered on NBC in September 1994, introducing viewers to six characters who would quickly become fans’ lifelong pals.
The comedy, which ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004, has become a multigenerational hit. Creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman managed to make everyday life in New York City relatable to the masses through their quirky and lovable characters, beginning with siblings Monica Geller (Courteney Cox) and Ross Geller (David Schwimmer).
Although Ross was older than Monica, the two had a strong bond that united the rest of their crew, including Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) — who Monica knew in high school and Ross swooned over from afar — and Ross’ college buddy Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry).
Monica befriended Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) while living in the Big Apple before Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) joined the group when he moved into Chandler’s apartment across the hall.
Throughout the series, all six friends manage to reside in Monica’s purple-doored apartment at one point or another — if you include the time Ross lived there with their grandmother one summer while trying to make it as a dancer.
Friends’ final episode, “The Last One,” aired in May 2004. As one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, the series was nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards (with four wins), 10 Golden Globe Awards (one win), 14 Screen Actors Guild Awards (two wins) and 11 People’s Choice Awards (11 wins). It made a lasting impression on both the fans and the actors themselves, who have remained close for decades.
Scroll through the gallery below to see the cast from season 1 to now: