Over two decades after Friends ended, the cast continues to rake in roughly $20 million a year in residuals. Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay, shared her insights during a recent interview, attributing the show's enduring appeal to its unique innocence and exceptional cast chemistry.
"I rewatched Friends after Matthew's death," Kudrow said, referring to Matthew Perry. "For the first time, I truly appreciated how great it was. Jennifer and Courteney were amazing, David and Matt made me laugh, and Matthew was beyond us all."
Kudrow also noted that the show's energy captured a simpler time, something younger generations may never experience. Despite some behind-the-scenes issues, the cast bonded and negotiated their salaries from $22,500 per episode in season one to $1 million per episode by seasons nine and ten.
"There was a genius at work," she added about Perry's performance as Chandler Bing. "We will never experience something like that again."
Kudrow found comfort in watching the show after Perry's death, saying, "It makes me laugh, and there he was. He was the funniest."