It's been over a decade since the final episode of the American TV show "Friends" aired in 2004, yet its influence has never waned. Fashion bloggers still discuss how Rachel's makeup and style fit perfectly with today's retro trends; debates about whether Ross is a "jerk" continue to rage on forums; and on February 21st this year, five of the actors reunited on NBC to pay tribute to the legendary director James Burrows, who had directed "Friends." Although Matthew Perry was unable to attend due to rehearsals for a play in London, it was still a rare reunion of the old friends, prompting fans worldwide to marvel at the occasion—after all, since the series ended, the six have never been together again, and even finding a photo of them all in one frame is difficult.
"Did you have a contract with the crew to ensure you wouldn't sleep with each other?" the host posed a bombshell question, causing a moment of awkwardness among the five actors, until Jennifer Aniston burst into laughter. That moment of awkwardness was thought-provoking. The magical chemistry among these young people supported what many fans consider the "greatest American sitcom," so why couldn't something happen between them? However, the interview itself didn't provide any sensational revelations; the focus of this reunion was actually time—time that leaves beautiful memories but also takes away collagen: Matt LeBlanc's temples have turned gray, and Lisa Kudrow, the oldest of the six, shows signs of aging. The familiar theme song plays, evoking endless nostalgia. If time could rewind, how wonderful it would be to start from the last episode, the last scene: everything is packed, and the friends are about to move into the West Village apartment in Manhattan. Here, the best ten years of youth are about to unfold.
The status of "Friends" in television history is indisputable. Not to mention its consistent top-five Nielsen ratings, or its significant influence on the lifestyle of a generation of young Americans and even on American English, its most remarkable trait is its enduring appeal. In today's world of endless entertainment gossip, even an incomplete reunion can easily capture headlines. Uniquely, its magic once crossed oceans, cultivating a generation of die-hard Chinese fans. In contrast, "Seinfeld," which was hugely popular in the U.S. in the early '90s, is rarely mentioned domestically. "Friends" is likely the first American sitcom to gain widespread popularity in mainland China.