“Friends” stars reunite for one-off show
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The cast of the immensely popular American sitcom Friends, have come together for a documentary that’s sure to please nostalgic fans
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Cast today (L-R, top to bottom): Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing), Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani), David Schwimmer (Ross Geller), Courteney Cox (Monica Geller), Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green) and Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay)
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FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS
Friends is still syndicated around world, earning Warner Bros $1bn per year. Six stars have deals to receive 2% of revenue – $20m each annually

STAR POWER (actor earnings per episode)

1994-95 Season 1 $22,500 (actors unknown)
1995-96 Season 2 $22,500-$40,000†
1996-97 Season 3 $75,000 
1997-98 Season 4 $85,000
1998-99 Season 5 $100,000
1999-00 Season 6 $125,000
2000-01 Season 7 $750,000
2001-02 Season 8 $750,000
2002-03 Season 9 $1 million 
2003-04 Season 10 $1 million


Stars begin collective bargaining to ensure all six receive same salary
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Although set in New York, Friends was filmed in front of live audience on Stage 24* at Warner Bros Studios, California – renamed The Friends Stage in 2004

Original show titles included Insomnia Cafe, Six of One, and Friends Like Us

Aniston is wealthiest cast member, worth around $300m
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May 6, 2004: Series finale airs on NBC – watched by 52.5m Americans
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Series creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane (left)

Theme song: I’ll Be There for You by The Rembrandts – used after R.E.M. refuse producers
use of Shiny Happy People
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Friends: The Reunion is out on HBO Max (U.S.) and other streaming outlets
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*Season 2 onwards. †Aniston and Schwimmer earned more than others as fans became obsessed
with Rachel-Ross storyline. 
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Sources: Variety, Parade, South China Morning Post, IMDb
Pictures: HBO Max, Creative Commons, Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS