The Friends Experience

The One Where Dana falls into Her Favorite Sitcom: An Honest Review

By: Me!

I don’t think there is anyone that can resist clapping when the iconic F.R.I.E.N.D.S. theme song comes on. So when I discovered that there was an experience available in New York, I never bought tickets so quickly before. The experience was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this magnificent show! It’s crazy that it ended, the finale had 52.5 million viewers tuning in. It’s a show that has stood the test of time and still touches the hearts of millions around the world to this day.

Ok… let’s break this down and get straight to the point. After you check in for your time slot, and your tickets have been verified you are rewarded with the iconic opening scene of the orange couch and water fountain in the park. Followed by both apartments and then ending in a functioning Central Perk cafe. Sprinkled in between are small corners where you can take one picture (emphasis on one, done by the staff) that recreate scenes like riding Pat the dog, Ross and Rachel’s Vegas wedding, and PIVOT!” There are a few spaces that have costumes, props, and fun facts that all Friends enthusiasts need to know.

The apartment spaces were by far my favorite. The attention to detail was spot on, I especially loved that you could go out on the balcony and into Monica’s kitchen. At those times it really felt like the gang was about to pile in through those iconic purple doors. Now we went early, but on the weekend, and so did everyone else and it was hard to occupy space without feeling like you were getting in someone’s way. If I could do it again I would aim for a weekday to hopefully avoid the crowds. The experience is about 45 minutes because the staff does, how should I put it encourage you through the exhibit.

Over all the experience is what you make of it. I clearly had a lot of fun because I couldn’t wipe that huge smile off my face. It’s a great chance to take some pictures if that’s your main objective. If taking pictures isn’t your thing just skip it. The museum-like exhibits didn’t contain any new fun facts that a fan wouldn’t already know. Instead, I suggest you take a leisurely walk through Greenwich Village to see the exterior of the iconic Friend’s apartment. Ending the day with good company in a cozy cafe, paying tribute how I think would make the cast happy.