Fans of Friends could be heard crying worldwide when it was announced that a planned reunion special set to air on the new HBO Max streaming service had hit a snag due to negotiations over money hitting a wall. Well, fear not Friends fan, they’ll be there for you because, although negotiations have been tough, it appears the special is back on track with the cast set to return.
The unscripted reunion special was planned to coincide with the addition of the entire Friends library to the HBO Max streaming service. The special was first announced as if all was well and planned out thoroughly, but sometime later, negotiations and issues over money became a sticking point with the primary cast of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry. It’s now being reported that they have all reached an agreement in principle with series’ producer Warner Bros. TV to do what would be an hourlong special. Although the actors haven’t commented on this tidbit, “Deadline” is reporting that each of the six stars will be paid in the $3 million-$4 million range for appearing in the special.
This special is a pretty expensive endeavor for HBO Max. In addition to the cast fees, the new streamer is spending about $20 million for all the talent, including writers, directors and other behind the scenes personalities who will offer something to say during the special.
The special, in which co-creators/executive producers Marta Kauffman and David Crane are expected to have some involvement, is a perfect way to welcome Friends to HBO Max. The streamer spent a massive $425 million for rights to the hugely popular sitcom, which has emerged as one of Netflix’s biggest hits and is likely to become equally big on the HBO Max service.
