Friends is one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time, yet parts of its canon may have shifted years after the show concluded. In terms of continuity, Friends is generally straightforward. Unlike other franchises that spark ongoing debates about what counts as official lore, Friends has a mostly clear timeline. However, a recent development has emerged that could potentially retroactively change a significant aspect of the Friends universe.
Friends’ Joey Spinoff Failed and Isn’t Available to Stream in the U.S
The Friends season 10 finale marked the end for the main cast—except for Matt LeBlanc, who got his own spinoff to continue the story of Joey Tribbiani. The show, simply titled Joey, followed the character as he left New York for Los Angeles to pursue his acting career. Despite the massive success of Friends, Joey struggled and was canceled after just two seasons. Its failure was so complete that it isn’t available on any streaming platforms in the U.S.
While Friends remains one of the most popular sitcoms ever, LeBlanc’s follow-up couldn’t replicate that success. Part of the problem was the absence of guest appearances from other beloved Friends characters, but overall the show was poorly received. NBC has since effectively buried Joey, making it impossible for fans to watch the series through official streaming channels.
Joey’s Streaming Absence Sparks Questions About Friends Canon
Joey’s absence from streaming services has led some to question whether it’s still considered Friends canon. The spinoff, originally meant to continue Joey’s story within the Friends universe, faced poor reception and low ratings, which may have prompted NBC to downplay its connection to the main show.
While both seasons are still available on DVD, the decision to limit access suggests that whether Joey counts as canon is ultimately up to fans. Despite this, there are no continuity conflicts; the issue is simply that Joey didn’t live up to Friends’ quality.
