From the moment Friends graced the screens, it was as if the lives of those six New Yorkers became intertwined with viewers’. Fans laughed with them, cried with them, and found themselves connecting with Rachel’s fabulous fashion sense, Monica’s meticulousness, Phoebe’s quirky charm, Joey’s love for food, Ross’s awkwardness, and, of course, Chandler’s witty humor. Little did we know that 2023 would bring a bitter twist, leaving the group of friends as just five, with Matthew Perry’s departure.

Nevertheless, this beloved sitcom continued to be an absolute sensation, gracing Netflix screens. Following the unfortunate loss of Perry, the show’s popularity skyrocketed, climbing the charts in over 20 countries. Yet, did the USA join the ranks of these ardent fans?

Friends soar to new heights worldwide

The unexpected passing of Perry at 54 ignited a heartfelt wave of fans worldwide revisiting the show on Netflix and HBO Max, catapulting it back into the top 10 charts across numerous regions. While over 20 countries embraced this nostalgic reunion, there was one notable absence – the USA. As per FlixPatrol, Friends thrived everywhere except in the United States, where the series bid farewell in 2004, leaving American fans with cherished memories rather than participating in the rekindling of the show’s international popularity.

Friends bid farewell in many regions when Max streaming services dropped it in January 2022, but Netflix territories have a glimmer of hope until 2024 when the rights are up for renewal. Data revealed the show’s triumphant return to the top 10 charts in 20 countries starting October 30th, including the UK, India, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Defying Netflix’s new ranking criteria, Friends reclaimed global popularity, although it could not crack the US’s top 10. Yet, it surged on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon VOD platforms.

The remarkable resurgence can undoubtedly be attributed to the unwavering adoration for Chandler Bing, a character brought to life by the late Perry. His untimely departure cast a shadow over the entire cast. This sentiment was poignantly evident in the heartfelt joint statement they issued.

Chandler Bing’s legacy: Co-stars unite in tribute

The unexpected and unfortunate passing of Perry deeply saddened the global community. Admirers from around the world poured in their respects for the late actor. In a wave of heartfelt tributes, Perry’s contemporaries and co-stars had released a ‘joint statement’ to mourn the loss of one of their own. The statement read, “We were all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We were a family.”

Marta Kauffman and David Crane also expressed their grief by acknowledging the “brilliant talent“ possessed by Perry. They went on to state that they had no second thoughts about casting Perry for the role of Chandler Bing. More so, he had become a household name. So, while he left this world, his craft would continue to live on through his impeccable portrayal of Chandler Bing.

Did you also rewatch Friends post Perry’s demise? Let us know in the comments below.