It was an eyeball-grabbing idea, the idea to combine the launch of new streaming service HBO Max with the launch of the Friends Reunion Special. But that idea seems consigned to the trash-box now, and all because of the unprecedented and unrelenting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the latest developments, Warner Bros, parent company of HBO Max, and owners of the Friends franchise, has postponed the excitedly-awaited Friends Reunion Special due to the Coronavirus-related shutdown in the entertainment industry.
The launch of HBO Max, the new streaming service from WarnerMedia, will go ahead right on schedule, but the Friends Reunion Special episode has been postponed to an unspecified date.
The Friends Reunion Special will reunite the beloved bunch of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer for the first time in 16 years. WarnerMedia had hoped that the debut of the special alongside the HBO Max launch, would generate a frenzy among fans that would benefit HBO Max greatly.
However, that is not to be. After production shut down in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, which rages on unabated, WarnerMedia had to shelve its plan to film the special in May, just before the launch of HBO Max.
The special is scheduled to be filmed at the iconic comedy’s original soundstage, Stage 24, on the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank. It will be directed by Ben Winston. All six primary cast members are executive producing the special along with Winston, and Friends creators Kevin Bright, Marta Kauffman and David Crane.
HBO Max has paid an eye-popping $425 million for rights to the iconic show, whose popularity simply refuses to wane even 16 years after it aired its final episode. On the contrary, its legendary status among fans has only skyrocketed in recent times. It is at present one of Netflix’s most-watched shows, consistently ranking in Netflix’s new in-house top ten lists for the day. From May onwards, though, Friends will have a new destination. All 236 episodes will be available to stream on HBO Max.
The HBO Max launch is going ahead on schedule on its as-yet-undeclared May premiere date.
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