Friends, the iconic TV series set in New York
Step into the world of Friends and experience New York like the show's beloved characters. Launched in 1994, this TV series became a global phenomenon. Explore the story, visit iconic locations, and discover the FRIENDS Experience.
What is Friends?
- Friends is an American TV series that premiered on September 22, 1994 on NBC. It was an instant hit. The show ran for 10 seasons with a total of 236 episodes, each lasting 22 minutes. Here’s the math: if you want to watch or rewatch all of Friends without stopping or sleeping, you’ll need 3.5 days.
- The series was created by Marta Kauffman and David Crane. Marta Kauffman also wrote Grace and Frankie on Netflix. David Crane worked on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
The Story of Friends
- Friends follows a group of six friends living in New York in Greenwich Village, the city’s bohemian neighborhood. The story begins when Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) moves in with her best friend Monica (Courteney Cox) after leaving her fiancé at the altar. Rachel joins Monica’s tight-knit circle of colorful characters.
- There’s Ross (David Schwimmer), Monica’s brother; Chandler (Matthew Perry), Ross’s best friend who lives in the same building as Monica; and Joey (Matt LeBlanc), Chandler’s roommate. Then there’s Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), Monica’s former roommate and part-time singer. You’ll quickly become familiar with her signature song, “Smelly Cat”.
Following Friends in New York
- When you’re in New York, you can trace the steps of Friends through Greenwich Village. The exterior used for the show’s apartment is located at 90 Bedford Street, at the corner of Grove Street. You’ll spot it easily—there are always fans hanging around. Fun fact: the building was chosen by the production almost by accident. It was simply the address of John Shaffner, the show’s production designer.
- Head north a few blocks and you’ll reach the Lucille Lortel Theatre. This 1920s-style theater appears in season three when Joey pursues acting.
- Continue toward Washington Square Park and you’ll arrive at New York University, where Ross works as a paleontology professor. A chance to brush up on your dinosaur facts!
Visit the FRIENDS Experience in New York
- To relive the show’s best moments, visit the FRIENDS Experience. It’s an immersive museum entirely dedicated to the TV series.
- You can walk through several perfectly recreated sets, including the iconic Central Perk coffee shop with its red couch. A photo on the famous orange couch is a must.
- You can also reenact the famous couch-moving scene on the stairs—pivot! The FRIENDS Experience has plenty of surprises in store.
Discover Central Perk Bar
- Since fall 2025, a Central Perk bar has opened in the heart of Times Square. You’ll find the show’s iconic décor, including the famous orange couch.
- The original Central Perk set from the show is located at the Warner Bros. studios in Los Angeles. You can visit it on your next trip to the American West!
Friends in Video
