In the annals of television history, there are a few shows that have left an indelible mark quite like Friends. From lovable characters to stories with a happy ending, the series gave its fans everything they wanted. However, years after the NBC sitcom came to an end, Matthew Perry revealed one of the reasons behind why it ended in season 10. Although fans all over the world believed that the show had run its course, that was not the only driving factor.

While it was a pivotal moment that marked the end of an era, he ended up putting the mantle of responsibility on Jennifer Aniston as the decision had come from her.

Matthew Perry opened up about why Friends ended

Nearly 2 decades after Friends reached its end, Matthew Perry opened up about the events that led to the series’ end. In his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, he said that Jennifer Aniston had been the one to make the decision. The actor wrote that Aniston “had decided that she didn’t want to do the show anymore, and as we all made decisions as a group, that meant we all had to stop.”

Perry revealed that the actress “wanted to do movies” and switch her focus from television to the big screen. While Aniston’s decision played a major role in the group, the actor wrote that the stories of “Monica, Chandler, Joey, Ross, Rachel, and Phoebe had all pretty much played out by 2004.” So, even though it was difficult, the 6 cast members said their goodbyes to the series that brought them fame.

However, while they were all ready to depart from their roles, Matthew Perry had one final request that was granted in the series finale.

Matthew Perry’s last line as Chandler Bing in Friends

In his memoir, which has now made its way to the bestsellers list shortly after his tragic passing, Matthew Perry revealed that he was not supposed to have the last line in Friends. He wrote that he had taken the co-creator of the show, Marta Kauffman to the side and asked if he could be the one with the last line. The actor told her, “No one else will care about this except me.” Thankfully his request was granted.

In the series finale, The Last One, as the group said their goodbyes to their New York apartment, Jennifer Aniston asked if they wanted to grab a coffee before they went their separate ways. That is when Matthew Perry’s Chandler chimed in and jokingly asked, “Where?” as they all walked out of the apartment and to Central Perk for the last time.

What do you think about Matthew Perry’s reasoning behind why Friends ended? Let us know in the comments below.