Evolution of the 'Friends' Cast: From Season 1 to Present

Friends debuted on NBC in September 1994 and instantly endeared audiences to its six unforgettable characters. Over its 10-season run from 1994 to 2004, this beloved comedy captured the hearts of multiple generations. Through the genius of creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman, the relatability of everyday life in New York City was brought to life through the endearing and eccentric personalities of Monica Geller (Courteney Cox) and Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), who happen to be siblings.

Ross, being older than Monica, had a strong bond with her which also extended to the rest of their crew. This crew included Rachel Green, whom Monica knew in high school and Ross admired from a distance, as well as Ross' college friend Chandler Bing. Prior to Joey Tribbiani joining the group after moving into Chandler's neighboring apartment, Monica had become good friends with Phoebe Buffay while living in New York City.

In the span of the series, all six friends take turns living in Monica's apartment with the purple door, including the time Ross stayed there with their grandmother for a summer while pursuing his dream of being a dancer.

The final episode of Friends, titled "The Last One," was broadcasted in May 2004. Being one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, the series received multiple accolades, including 62 Primetime Emmy Award nominations (with four wins), 10 Golden Globe Award nominations (with one win), 14 Screen Actors Guild Award nominations (with two wins), and 11 People's Choice Award nominations (with 11 wins). The show left a lasting impact on both the fans and the actors themselves, who have maintained a close bond for many years.

Scroll through the gallery below to see the cast from season 1 to now:

Credit: Courtesy of HBO Max

‘Friends’ Cast From Season 1 to Now: Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc and More

Friends premiered on NBC in September 1994, introducing viewers to six characters who would quickly become fans’ lifelong pals.

From 1994 to 2004, the comedy series ran for 10 seasons and gained popularity among multiple generations. David Crane and Marta Kauffman, the creators, managed to captivate the audience by portraying relatable everyday life experiences in New York City through endearing and peculiar characters. The story begins with siblings Monica Geller (Courteney Cox) and Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), who share a strong bond. This bond extends to the rest of their group, including Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), whom Monica knew in high school, and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Ross' college friend.

Monica became friends with Phoebe Buffay (played by Lisa Kudrow) while living in New York City. Joey Tribbiani (played by Matt LeBlanc) later joined the group when he moved into the apartment across the hall from Chandler's.

During the course of the series, all six friends take turns living in Monica's apartment with the purple door. This includes the time Ross lived there one summer with their grandmother, as he pursued his dreams of becoming a dancer.

Below is a gallery showcasing the cast of Friends from season 1 to the present.