‘Friends’ Spinoff ‘Joey’ Releases Final Eight Unaired Episodes
The Conclusion of “Joey” is Finally Available for “Friends” Fans
Fans of the hit TV show “Friends” can now rejoice as the conclusion of the short-lived spinoff series “Joey” is finally available to watch. The final eight episodes of the 2004 NBC sitcom, starring Matt LeBlanc as the lovable Joey Tribbiani, were never aired in the U.S. after the show was canceled in 2006 during its second season. However, these episodes can now be streamed on the “Friends” YouTube channel, along with the 38 others that make up the complete series.
Apart from LeBlanc, the cast of “Joey” included Drea de Matteo, Paulo Costanzo, Jennifer Coolidge, and Andrea Anders. The series followed Joey as he leaves New York for Hollywood to further his acting career. In Los Angeles, he reunites with his high-strung sister Gina (played by Matteo) and his 20-year-old genius nephew Michael (played by Costanzo).
The show was created by “Friends” producers Shana Goldberg-Meehan and Scott Silveri, with the pilot episode attracting an impressive 18.6 million viewers. However, the excitement dwindled throughout Season 1 and Season 2, leading to the show’s cancellation.
Reflecting on the failure of “Joey,” “Friends” executive producer and director Kevin S. Bright shared his thoughts in a 2006 interview with The Age. Bright expressed disappointment in the character transformation of Joey from a womanizer to a mopey and pathetic figure, which he felt alienated the audience.
