Friends was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank (not New York), and originally titled "Six of One." The six main actors famously negotiated equal salaries of $1 million per episode for the final two seasons, and all six remained for the entire 10-year run.
Production Trivia
Reveal Answer
'Six of One' and 'Friends Like Us' were both considered before 'Friends'
Reveal Answer
Courteney Cox
Reveal Answer
$1 million per episode each
Reveal Answer
He lost a bet to Matthew Perry during the filming of 'The Whole Nine Yards'
Reveal Answer
The production crew would draw new pictures on it for each episode
Reveal Answer
Craig Bierko was offered the role but turned it down
Reveal Answer
It remained the same set for all 10 seasons
Reveal Answer
One of the writers had a similar experience in a relationship
Reveal Answer
They negotiated as a group, ensuring equal pay for all six actors
Reveal Answer
It was filmed at the Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank, not in New York
Casting Secrets
- Lisa Kudrow originally auditioned for Roz Doyle on Frasier before being cast as Phoebe
- Matt LeBlanc had only $11 when he auditioned for Joey
- Jennifer Aniston almost left the show after Season 1 to star in another sitcom
- Hank Azaria auditioned for Joey twice before the role went to Matt LeBlanc
- Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men) was originally considered for Chandler
- Jane Sibbett (Carol) originally auditioned for Rachel
Show Records
- 236 episodes across 10 seasons
- 52.5 million viewers watched the series finale live
- 6 Emmy wins for Outstanding Comedy Series
- $1 million per episode for each main cast member in the final two seasons
- #1 rated show in its final season