Remember the anticipation surrounding the 2021 Friends reunion? The collective excitement quickly faded when it became clear the cast would simply be reminiscing with James Corden. But now, a different opportunity has emerged – a chance to revisit the Friends universe in a completely new way.
Almost two decades after they were shelved, eight previously unseen episodes of the *Joey* spin-off are now available to watch. These episodes offer a glimpse into a story that never fully reached audiences, a continuation of the world fans already loved.
The series, starring Matt LeBlanc as the lovable Joey Tribbiani, originally aired from 2004 to 2006. Despite a promising start, viewership dwindled, and the final episodes were left unaired – until now. They’ve been released on the official Friends YouTube channel, offering a rare treat for dedicated fans.
For years, these episodes remained locked away, unavailable for streaming, rental, or purchase. Their sudden release feels like uncovering a lost piece of television history, a secret chapter in the Friends saga.
A special guest appearance adds another layer of nostalgia: Robert Costanzo returns as Joey Tribbiani Senior, the only original Friends cast member to cross over into the spin-off. Sadly, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, and Ross never made the journey to join Joey in his new adventures.
The show follows Joey as he chases his acting dreams in Los Angeles, a bold move from New York. However, his new beginning is quickly complicated when his television show is unexpectedly cancelled, forcing him to navigate a new set of challenges.
Central to the newly released episodes is Joey’s relationship with Gia, played by Drea de Matteo of *The Sopranos*. The supporting cast includes Jennifer Coolidge, Andrea Anders, Miguel A Núñez Jr, and Ben Falcone, adding depth and humor to Joey’s new life.
The cancellation of *Joey* mirrored the on-screen struggles of the character. The show debuted with an impressive 18.6 million viewers, inheriting the coveted *Friends* time slot. However, ratings steadily declined to an average of 7.1 million in the second series – a number that, while still substantial, wasn’t enough to sustain the show at the time.
Friends executive producer Kevin S. Bright has reflected on the show’s missteps, believing *Joey* lost sight of the character’s core appeal. He argued that the spin-off presented a “pathetic, mopey” version of Joey, a stark contrast to the confident and reliable friend audiences had come to adore.
While *Joey* currently holds a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to the original *Friends’* 78%, a growing number of viewers are re-evaluating the spin-off. Many believe it has been unfairly judged against the monumental success of its predecessor.
Online, fans are describing *Joey* as “highly underrated” and a “hidden gem.” Some appreciate the show’s unique identity, distinct from *Friends*, and the opportunity to see Joey’s character evolve beyond his familiar role.
One viewer noted the show allowed Joey to grow in ways the original series didn’t, offering a deeper exploration of his personality and ambitions. It’s a chance to see a beloved character in a new light, navigating the complexities of life and career.
The complete series, including these newly released episodes, is now available to watch for free on the official Friends YouTube channel. It’s an unexpected gift for fans, a chance to rediscover a show that deserves a second look.
