Friends (1994)

Kernel Score: 92% · 8,905 ratings

Genres: Comedy

First aired: 1994-09-22

Seasons: 10 · 228 episodes

Is Friends worth watching?

Must-watch. The defining hangout sitcom: six friends, one coffee shop, and jokes that have aged unevenly but still land often. It's comfort viewing with characters you'll feel you know.

Watch it if you

  • want an easy, rewatchable comfort show
  • like ensemble sitcoms built on friendship and romance
  • enjoy a long series to settle into

Skip it if you

  • dislike dated jokes and sitcom-style humour
  • want edgy, modern comedy

Best for: Background watching

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Friends

  • Stream: YouTube TV, TBS, HBO Max
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Six young people from New York City, on their own and struggling to survive in the real world, find the companionship, comfort and support they get from each other to be the perfect antidote to the pressures of life.

Friends parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that this TV-14 sitcom about six young adults in New York includes dating, sexual humor, and mature relationship themes.

  • Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — The show revolves around dating and the search for love, with frequent sexual jokes and casual relationship storylines aimed at adults.
  • Language: Some — Language is moderate, consistent with the TV-14 rating.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-14 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Shows like Friends

If you liked Friends, these are the shows we'd watch next.

  • How I Met Your Mother (2005) — 90%: Group of friends in New York and their romantic mishaps.
  • Seinfeld (1989) — 90%: Another New York sitcom about friends and daily annoyances.
  • The Office (2005) — 97%: Sitcom with endlessly rewatchable characters and awkward charm.
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013) — 92%: Ensemble workplace comedy with a lovable cast.
  • The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017) — 89%: Fast, funny New York comedy with warm characters.
  • Peep Show (2003) — 88%: Cynical flatmate comedy for people who like their sitcoms sharper.

Cast

  • Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green
  • Courteney Cox as Monica Geller
  • Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay
  • Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani
  • Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing
  • David Schwimmer as Ross Geller

Friends FAQ

Is Friends worth watching?

Must-watch. The defining hangout sitcom: six friends, one coffee shop, and jokes that have aged unevenly but still land often. It's comfort viewing with characters you'll feel you know.

Where can I watch Friends?

In the US you can stream Friends on YouTube TV, TBS and HBO Max and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.

Is Friends OK for kids?

Friends is rated TV-14. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this TV-14 sitcom about six young adults in New York includes dating, sexual humor, and mature relationship themes.

What shows are like Friends?

If you liked Friends, try How I Met Your Mother, Seinfeld, The Office and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.