'Friends: The Reunion': emotions run high on social media as long-awaited special airs

Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer reunite for a one-off on the set of their beloved show

‘Friends: The Reunion’ is now available to watch on OSN Streaming. Courtesy OSN 

‘Friends: The Reunion’ is now available to watch on OSN Streaming. Courtesy OSN 

Sophie Prideaux author image
Sophie Prideaux
May 27, 2021
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As the cast of Friends, one of the world's most-loved shows, reunite for the first time in more than 17 years, emotions were running high on social media.

Friends: The Reunion finally aired on HBO Max on Thursday morning, after years of hoping and wishing by fans around the globe.

But did it live up to expectations?

The overwhelming answer is yes.

As the cast gathered to reminisce over their fondest memories, favourite episodes, and the global phenomenon that the show became.

The one-off special started with the cast members –  Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer – returning to the set of the show, including Monica's apartment and the Central Perk coffee shop.

As the cast got emotional at stepping back onto the set, so did social media users around the world.

"Joey wiping Monica's tears. We aren't ready for this #FriendsReunion", wrote Twitter user Amrita, as LeBlanc used a tissue to dab Cox's tears.

One of the reunion's revelations was that many of the cast members had forgotten a lot of the show's famous lines, as well as whole episodes. But die-hard fans of the show still remember it line-for-line.

"I think it’s funny how they don’t remember their episodes... but I do #FriendsTheReunion @hbomax," wrote Twitter user ReallyRoo.

"They are delivering the lines the same way as before this is making me cry even more #FriendsReunion," wrote user Abby Camms.

Another moment which really set social media users off was Schwimmer and Aniston, whose characters Ross and Rachel had an on-off relationship throughout the show's 10 seasons, admitting that, during the show's first few seasons they were never able to act on their feelings, as the timing was never right. Instead they channelled their adoration of each other into their on-screen relationship.

"Jen and David?!?! Real life Ross and Rachel?!?! #FriendsReunion", wrote one user.

Many people also took the opportunity to relive their favourite show, and bask in the nostalgia it brought about.

"The #FriendsReunion. I admit I was sceptical at first, but I am actually crying," wrote Twitter user, Jacinta Lee.

"One hell of a reunion. #FriendsReunion", another user said.

"I'm so thankful for this cast," read another tweet.

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Read more:

[ Jennifer Aniston's favourite 'Friends' celebrity cameo? Ex-husband Brad Pitt, of course ]

[ Everything we know about the 'Friends' reunion special so far ]

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