DistantNews
Do you know how much the 'Friends' actors earn from the series reruns? The amount might make your head spin.
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Culture & Society

Do you know how much the 'Friends' actors earn from the series reruns? The amount might make your head spin.

From Veฤernji List · (6m ago) Croatian Positive tone

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The cast of the iconic TV show "Friends" continues to earn substantial royalties, reportedly around $20 million annually per actor, from reruns and streaming platforms.
  • Lisa Kudrow revealed these figures in a recent interview, also sharing her renewed appreciation for the show after the death of her co-star Matthew Perry.
  • Kudrow reflected on the cast's performances and the show's enduring appeal, suggesting it captured a unique sense of innocence appealing to younger generations.

Veฤernji List highlights a fascinating financial aspect of a beloved cultural phenomenon: the enduring profitability of "Friends" for its main cast members. The article focuses on the revelation by Lisa Kudrow that each of the six principal actors earns approximately $20 million annually from residuals, a testament to the show's sustained global popularity over two decades after its finale.

After Matthew passed away, I watched the series again. Before, I only noticed what I did wrong or what I could have done better. But then for the first time, I really realized how great the series was. I thought: I was okay, but Jennifer and Courteney? Incredible. David and Matt? They made me laugh to tears. And then Matthew โ€“ he was simply on a completely different level.

โ€” Lisa KudrowReflecting on her experience watching 'Friends' after Matthew Perry's death and appreciating her co-stars' performances.

This piece taps into a sense of nostalgia and enduring affection for "Friends," a sentiment particularly strong in Croatia where the show remains a cultural touchstone. Kudrow's personal reflections, especially her renewed viewing of the series after Matthew Perry's passing, add a poignant layer, allowing readers to connect with the actors on a more personal level.

'Friends' captured a spirit of innocence that younger generations may never have had the chance to experience.

โ€” Lisa KudrowExplaining the enduring appeal of 'Friends' to younger audiences.

The article also touches upon the show's intergenerational appeal, with Kudrow's observation that "Friends" captured a "spirit of innocence" that resonates with younger audiences. This perspective is particularly interesting from a Croatian viewpoint, where cultural consumption often involves a mix of global trends and local interpretations. The continued financial success of "Friends" serves as a reminder of the lasting power of well-crafted entertainment and its ability to transcend time and borders.

Matthew gave it to me at the end of our last filmed episode. And I recently found a message he intended for me inside it. I haven't opened it or looked inside. But yes, there was a message inside, and I forgot about it. There's a right time for everything.

โ€” Lisa KudrowRecounting a sentimental gift from Matthew Perry.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.