Rachel kiss was not on
GUNTHER SPIN-OFF POSSIBLE
FRIENDS fans won’t get a reunion – but there is plenty of unseen footage in the archives to make special new episodes.
James Michael Tyler, who played Central Perk coffee shop worker Gunther in the US sitcom, claims scenes were cut from the TV smash all the time.
He says the producers always over-filmed each story and then edited clips out to fit into the strict 22-minute time slot.
It will fuel speculation that scenes could be spliced together to make new episodes of the show, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
James says: “There are scenes and bits that were filmed and not shown.
“That’s mainly because of time. And, because we had to keep it within 22 minutes, there is plenty of stuff on the cutting room floor.
“There would certainly be enough for The Gunther Show! If the episodes ran to 22 minutes and 10 seconds then Gunther was going to be the first to go. I think The Gunther Show would have had some potential as a spin-off back in the day.”
Friends ran from 1994 until 2004 and starred Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Mathew Perry as Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Joey and Chandler.
Asked why it is still a hit 25 years on, James, who came to the UK to promote Comedy Central’s forthcoming FriendsFestive event, said: “It speaks to everyone. It captures that magical moment when you are becoming an adult and learning to be independent but you have your friends around you to help you cope.” ● Friends airs daily on Comedy Central. FRIENDS is famous for having titles starting with “The One Where...”
And there are stories called “The One Where Rachel Kisses Gunther” and “The One Where Gunther Proposes To Rachel”.
However, if fans are thinking that TV bosses planned to get barista Gunther and the subject of his unrequited affections Rachel Green to get together, think again.
They are stories dreamed up on Friends’ fan fiction sites.
James laughs: “I am aware of these tales. Maybe I should read them. For me, I’m just happy they kept that arc with Gunther and Rachel. It gave producers an excuse to run with it. If they had ever kissed I don’t think it would have served the story well.
“It would have been nice for us to have a date maybe – but that’s all.”