Finally Available: The Last Episodes of *Joey*
It's hard to believe that nearly 20 years have passed since *Joey*, the spin-off of the iconic *Friends*, was abruptly cancelled. Fans were left with a deep longing for closure after the show, which starred Matt LeBlanc as the eternally endearing—if not slightly misguided—Joey Tribbiani, ended mid-season in 2006. For those who followed Joey to Los Angeles on his quest for fame and love, the delays in seeing the show's last episodes felt almost unbearable. But now, like a gift from the nostalgic gods, the final eight episodes are available to stream on the Friends YouTube channel.
A Quick Look Back
For those who may not remember, *Joey* aired just four months after the final episode of *Friends*. The premise followed Joey's adventures in Los Angeles, where he pursued an acting career that was, ironically, met with yet another cancellation. The show aimed to capture the charm of its predecessor but struggled with ratings from the outset, leading many to blame its lineage rather than its merits.
Fan Reactions: A Mix of Nostalgia and Critique
“To the person that runs the Friends YouTube channel, thank you. I never got a chance to watch this series and the fact that you kept with it is amazing,” praised one grateful fan. Another chimed in, “The show, despite its critics, made me laugh on every episode and rewatching it now after all these years was therapeutic. Farewell Joey, you have made an impact in my life and I will cherish it.”
For a show that often received mixed reviews with a meager 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—compared to *Friends*'s 78%—it's no surprise that *Joey* had its share of detractors. Yet, those who cherished the show still reminisce about the moments of laughter it unwrapped, revealing how deeply it resonated with its cult following. It seems that Joey Tribbiani's antics struck a chord for many, even long after the show's decline.
A Show Cut Short
Only 18.6 million viewers tuned in for the pilot episode, but this number dwindled significantly as seasons progressed, averaging only 10.2 million during the first season and a dismal 7.1 million in the second. The crash in ratings led to the show's inevitable cancellation after just two seasons, much to the chagrin of a dedicated fanbase.
International Interest and Accessibility
While U.S. fans had to grapple with the cancellation, international audiences—including those in the UK—could watch *Joey* in its entirety. Channel 5 aired the full second season in 2007, providing a lifeline for fans seeking closure. However, for U.S. viewers, the absence of these last episodes created a definitive gap in the *Friends* narrative.
What the Future Holds
Now that these episodes are finally accessible, it raises questions about how the streaming of *Joey* might influence its reputation moving forward. Will these re-releases change how fans perceive the spin-off, or will they only reinforce the narrative of failure that surrounded it initially? Some fans expressed a hope that Matt LeBlanc and the cast would one day see their impact on audiences—those who adored their misadventures and found joy in the simplest of comedies.
A Question of Legacy
Ultimately, *Joey* serves as a cultural artifact of early 2000s television. This sitcom, though cancelled prematurely, embodies the challenges of living up to the legacy of one of the most successful sitcoms of all time. It's all too easy to see *Joey* as the underdog of the TV world—a reminder that not every spin-off can soar high, but some still manage to create joy and connection among dedicated fans.
As we dive into these newly available episodes, I hope viewers will appreciate *Joey* for what it is: a quirky narrative that deserves a second chance. After all, every beloved character has their ups and downs, even those who charm us with humble pie and catchphrases. Let's relive those moments together.
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr5e5z3l5zvo
