There For You, One Last Time
It all began ten years ago, on Stage 24 of the Warner Brothers lot in Burbank, California. On that first night, 21.5 million viewers tuned in to the premiere episode of "Friends." Thursday night, 45 million viewers are expected to watch it all end, and 30 second ads are going for $2 million.
Naturally, the famous stage in Burbank has been appropriately renamed the "Friends" Stage. And as crews from around the world filled the famous set for a last look at TV history, "Extra" has the inside word on how tonight's finale will play out. We've learned the cast will watch the show together. Then, on the "Tonight Show," Jay Leno will call the guys out first. It's expected the ladies will be crying uncontrollably, and may need more time.
And they're certainly not the only ones feeling sad -- lots of famous fans are having a tough time saying goodbye.
When we spoke to Alec Baldwin, who had a memorable "Friends" appearance, he told us, "It is such a good show. They are such a uniquely gifted cast. Good luck; you guys will have great careers."
Matthew Broderick is also a huge fan of the show, and added, "It's so wonderful. I will really miss it. Just great story arcs."
"Extra" was invited to the "Frasier" finale party, where the cast members knew just what our "Friends" were going through. "You guys did a great job and an amazing show," was David Pierce's message. "I wish you well."
Kelsey Grammer, who knows a thing or two about successful spin-offs, had some advice for Matt LeBlanc, who will be starring in "Joey:" "Hopefully, cast a lot of good people around you and do nothing."
A lot of stars we spoke to, including Regis Philbin, had some funny farewells for the gang. "Goodbye, good luck, you've had a great run. Adios amigos," he said, adding to us, "I like those kids; we've had them on the show."
At the Tribeca film festival, "Everybody Loves Raymond's"
Peter Boyle was a little less sympathetic: "Now ‘Raymond'
will be number one!"
But back on the set, James Michael Tyler, who played Central Perk's Gunther, perhaps best summed up everyone's feelings about tonight's finale: "I hope there are a lot of tissues around because we're going to be crying."
Don't miss "Friends," Thursday night starting at 8 p.m. on NBC, as a piece of history comes to an end.
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