Last week, fans of the 1990s sitcomFriendswere rejoicing after it was announced that the entire cast would reunite for a new NBC special honoring James Burrows, who directed several episodes of the series. The original report revealed thatFriendsstarsJennifer Aniston,Courteney Cox,Lisa Kudrow,Matt LeBlanc,Matthew PerryandDavid Schwimmerwere all expected to be on hand for the special, which is set to air on Sunday, February 21, but now a new report fromUS Weeklyreveals thatMatthew Perrywill not be in attendance. Here’s what the actor’s publicist had to say in a statement issued last week.
“RegardingMatthew Perryand the James Burrows tribute,Matthewwill not be attending, as he is in London in rehearsals for his play, The End of Longing, which begins previews on February 2 at the Playhouse Theatre. NBC executives were aware of this prior to their TCA announcement.Matthewmay tape something for the tribute. In other words, this is not the reunion people have been hoping for.”
Matthew Perryalso appeared on the U.K. talk showThe Graham Norton Show, where he confirmed he won’t be in attendance for the special, but the actor did reveal that he is going to introduce them via video from London. So, while you will technically see all of the mainFriendsstars on this special, they won’t all be in the same room together, or even in the same country together, for that matter. Still, it should be quite the event, honoring one of the most iconic TV directors of all time.
James Burrows recently directed his 1,000th episode of television with the NBC midseason sitcomCrowded. He directed 15 episodes ofFriends, including thepilotepisode. This NBC special honoring this TV legend, who also co-created the 1980s classicCheers, is expected to cover all facets of his legendary career Thespecialis being likened to that of theSaturday Night Live40th Anniversary special that aired last year.
The last time aFriends reunionhappened was back in 2014, but it was onlyJennifer Aniston,Courteney CoxandLisa Kudrowwho showed up for a special episode ofJimmy Kimmel Live!marking the 10th anniversary of the series finale. Are you disappointed thatMatthew Perrywon’t be in attendance for thisFriendsreunion? Will a fullFriendsreunion ever happen?
