US streaming platform HBO Max has released a new extended trailer for the upcoming, highly anticipated reunion of the Friends cast.
The release of the new trailer comes as fans outside of the US, including here in Australia remain unclear in how they will get to watch the long-awaited event which is set to premiere on May 27.
Friends: The Reunion has been produced for HBO Max by Fulwell 73 Productions. It has been reported the six members of the original cast will receive $2.5 million each to appear in the special.
Foxtel remains the favourite to secure Australian rights to the reunion. The pay-tv company secured a significant output deal with HBO’s parent company Warner Media in 2020, although it’s understood Friends: The Reunion was not included in this deal.
Foxtel has so far declined to answer any questions regarding the reunion. TV Blackbox has spoken to sources at several Australian broadcasters outside of Foxtel who have indicated they are also unaware of any negotiations taking place.
One thing is for certain, if an international broadcast deal is not secured before May 27, the special will be set to break new records for piracy.
The special was first announced in 2019, but was repeatedly delayed by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Filmed earlier this year, on the same sound stage as the original series, the gang are back together for a one-off, unscripted special.
The original incarnation, starring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, remains one of the most successful sitcoms of all time, lasting for 10 seasons, and continues to find a new audience on streaming services.
Its finale in 2004 was the most watched television episode of the 2000s, with 52.5 million US viewers.
Last week, HBO Max confirmed the special would also feature an impressive line-up of special guests, saying:
“We’re going to need a bigger couch.”
While some of these special guests had minor recurring roles in the original series, including Tom Selleck, Maggie Wheeler, and Reese Witherspoon, many will be appearing for the first time, and at this stage, it is unclear in what capacity.
Friends: The One Where They Get Back Together, will premiere on HBO Max on May 27.
Additional reporting – Abbey Mikkelsen
