Lisa Kudrow Says the ‘Friends’ Cast Has Already Shot Some Things for the Reunion

Guys—they were just on a break. The Friends reunion, which has been rumored practically ever since the purple door with the yellow frame on it shut for the last time, is officially, really happening. All six Friends stars will reunite for an unscripted special for HBO Max. 

Both HBO Max and the cast are being pretty hush-hush about the reunion special. Here’s every detail we know so far.

Who’s coming back: 

According to a press release from HBO Max, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer have all committed to reprising their roles in a new special, which will be executive produced by Friends creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, as well as original Friends producer Kevin Bright. They’ll shoot on the original Friends soundstage, Stage 24, on the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank, California. Ben Winston, best known for his work on The Late Late Show With James Corden, will direct as well as executive produce. What is this? All nine Friends Thanksgiving episodes rolled into one? Because we’re feeling pretty grateful.

The release date:

In November 2020, Perry confirmed the Friends reunion will be taping in March 2021. “Friends reunion being rescheduled for the beginning of March,” he tweeted. “Looks like we have a busy year coming up. And that’s the way I like it!”

In January 2021, Lisa Kudrow confirmed they’ve already started shooting some things for the reunion. “There’s different facets to it, and we already shot packages of things,” she told Rob Lowe on his podcast, Literally! With Rob Lowe, according to People. “I pre-shot something already so we’re definitely doing it, because I already shot a little something.” 

How they made it happen:

It sounds as though the actors got plenty of “perks,” if you will. Variety reports that a source claims all six performers will be paid at least $2.5 million each for their work. (LET JENNIFER HAVE ANYTHING SHE WANTS.)

Break out the foosball table, the holiday armadillo, the traditional English trifle, and the smelly cats. This is really happening.