So last week on PopWatch we discussed whether or not Friends should make the leap to the big screen, and many of you found the idea as enticing as scarfing down a heaping plate of mud. Cut to yesterday afternoon, when my spankin’ new colleague Michael Ausiello broke the news that Courteney Cox is joining the cast of Scrubs for a three-episode arc. That got me thinking about what existing series might benefit from casting the five other core cast members of NBC’s late, great sitcom. After all, the best way to stop Friends: The Movie from happening is by making sure its players are too busy to hop aboard. To that end…
I’d start by bringing Lisa Kudrow to 30 Rock as a fiery human resources exec charged with the unenviable task of trying to bring order, decorum, and a more formal dress code to the staff of The Girlie Show cast and crew. I know, I know… Tina Fey’s brilliant sitcom doesn’t really need improvement, and nothing will ever replace Kudrow’s agonizingly funny Comeback, but under that type of logic, we wouldn’t have those hint-of-lime tortilla chips either, now would we? (All together now… click here and begin the chant.)
So, PopWatches, now it’s your turn. Pick your favorite Friend and pair him or her with an existing series. Ready, set, cast!
I want David Schwimmer to cameo as a Colombian drug dealer on Burn Notice. With his character killed off in the most humiliating manner possible (death on the throne, or something like that).
If folks are again reminded of how bad of an actor he is, we may be spared “Marcel: The Return”
I would love Kudrow on ’30 Rock’ but no woman is allowed to be on the show and be funnier than Tina Fey. Look how Jane Krakowski was dialed down last season. “Muffin Top” was just too funny.
Matt LeBlanc would fit right in on CSI…they need to replace Warrick right.
David Schwimmer should play a competing soul-hunter on Reaper.
How about Jennifer Aniston on “Ugly Betty” for a three-episode arc as rival for Vanessa Williams?
For the love of television, please find something for Matthew Perry! He was the only actor of the six I could stand by the end of “Friends” and I was bummed with Studio 60 turned out to be such a flop. I could see him going toe-to-toe with Hugh Laurie on “House” or maybe playing a love interest for Olive on “Pushing Daisies.” He has just the right kind of humor for those shows.
How about Matt LeBlanc as Dr. Drake Ramore on “Grey’s Anatomy.” I mean, why not? That show’s already an overpopulated, glorified soap opera, so he’d fit right in.
How about Matthew Perry on The Office? Michael Scott vs. Chandler Bing = Hilarious.
If they were a little younger, I could see Matthew Perry or Matt LeBlanc on “How I Met Your Mother” (would love to see Perry spar with NPH on the job or something).
I couldn’t agree more with Ep Sato about Schwimmer… I was going to suggest he guest stars on Law and Order as a victim who is killed off within the first 30 seconds of the program. Matt LeBlanc could substitute for one of Paula Deen’s sons on her butter-lovin’ cooking program. Jennifer Aniston could guest as the “Eve” skeleton on Lost next season… not sure she has the acting range, though. I actually like Slezak’s idea of Lisa Kudrow on 30 Rock, except there are already so many good characters on that show that don’t get enough screen time, I’d hate to have any of them lose more lines to stunt casting. Truthfully, I’d rather see Paul Rudd, the honorary seventh friend, get more work than any of the leads. It’s not like they need the money.
David Schwimmer was already on 30 Rock as the insanely annoying Gonzo. He needs to stick to behind the camera work. And Matthew Perry is already working on writing and producing a comedy for Showtime. I don’t need any Friends appearances. Their time has come and gone.
I’d love to see Courteney Cox on Brothers & Sisters – maybe a corporate rival with some attraction for Tommy, who’s already strayed once.
How about a sextet of ghosts inhabiting a coffee shop that “The Ghost Whisperer” has to reach out to and help resolve their unfinished business or whatever it is that she does?
Chandler – anywhere. Get Matthew Perry a job asap!
Suave 1960s adman, cranky drug addicted doctor, buffoonish NBC programming honcho – all of these current characters need an evil twin. I would take MP on Mad Men, House and 30 Rock.
even though much of the Schwimmer “bashing” holds merit. He was SUPPOSED to be annoying on 30 rock. i think that was his purpose. to be insanely grating. it did work. I didn’t like him on it. I’m not sure I disliked him the way that the show wanted me too though. hmm…
lisa kudrow – girlfriend of charlie sheen on two and a half men
jennifer aniston – dancing with the stars
matthew perry – entourage