‘Joey’ Finale Episodes Released in US After 20-Year Wait
Fans of the sitcom “Friends” can rejoice as the last eight episodes of its spin-off series “Joey” have now been released in the United States. This long-awaited availability comes nearly 20 years after the show was initially canceled in 2006, midway through its second season.
Background of ‘Joey’
“Joey,” which featured Matt LeBlanc reprising his iconic role as Joey Tribbiani, first aired in 2004, just four months after “Friends” concluded. The sitcom followed Joey’s move to Los Angeles as he attempted to forge a new career, only to face the misfortune of having his own new show canceled, leading him to live with his family.
Viewer Reception
The show started strong with its pilot episode drawing 18.6 million viewers. However, viewership declined rapidly, averaging 10.2 million for the first season and dropping to 7.1 million for the second. “Joey” was initially scheduled in the same Thursday slot as “Friends,” but in December 2005, it was moved to Tuesdays. Unfortunately, it was pulled from the lineup after one more episode in March 2006.
Cancellation and Availability
Officially, “Joey” was canceled in May 2006 after two seasons. While American audiences missed the series finale during its original run, international viewers, particularly in the UK, were able to watch all episodes. Channel 5 aired the complete second season in 2007.
Fan Reactions
Another fan stated, “Despite its critics, the show made me laugh and rewatching it now is therapeutic. Farewell Joey, you’ve made an impact in my life.”
Cast and Ratings
The cast of “Joey” included recognizable names such as Jennifer Coolidge, Drea de Matteo, Paulo Costanzo, Miguel A. Núñez Jr., and Ben Falcone. While the spin-off holds a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, its predecessor, “Friends,” enjoys a rating of 78%.
In summary, the release of the final episodes marks a significant moment for both fans of “Friends” and “Joey,” allowing them to finally experience the conclusion of Joey Tribbiani’s story after a two-decade wait.
