The iconic sitcom Friends forever changed the lives of its six stars—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer. After the series wrapped in 2004, fans eagerly followed the cast members to see what projects they would take on next. While some found immediate success, others experienced a more bumpy ride as they tried to break free from their legendary roles. In this article, we’ll rank the best post-Friends series and projects of each cast member based on their critical success, popularity, and cultural impact.
1. Jennifer Aniston: From Rachel to a Hollywood Icon
The First to Break Free: The Morning Show and Other Major Roles
Jennifer Aniston’s post-Friends career is perhaps the most successful of the cast. After playing Rachel Green for ten seasons, Aniston became a Hollywood darling. She ventured into movies, most notably Marley & Me (2008) and The Break-Up (2006), but it was her role in the Apple TV+ series The Morning Show (2019) that truly cemented her place as a leading television star.
Aniston’s portrayal of Alex Levy, a morning news anchor navigating the #MeToo movement, earned her critical acclaim and multiple awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award. The Morning Show showcases Aniston’s versatility as she transitions from comedy to drama seamlessly, something many of her Friends co-stars have struggled to do. Her success in this series ranks her first among the Friends cast members for post-series projects.
Courteney Cox: Cougar Town and Beyond
The Monica Geller Transformation: A Comedy Queen
After Friends, Courteney Cox transitioned into the lead role of the ABC sitcom Cougar Town (2009-2015), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination and became a beloved show for its witty humor and endearing characters. Cox’s portrayal of Jules Cobb, a woman navigating her 40s and dating life, demonstrated her comedic timing in a new light.
While Cougar Town was Cox’s standout post-Friends series, she also made appearances in various television projects such as Shameless and Web Therapy. Her ability to mix humor with heartfelt moments continues to resonate with audiences, cementing her place in the comedy world.
3. Lisa Kudrow: The Comeback and Web Therapy
Phoebe Buffay’s Bold Moves: A Master of Dark Comedy
Lisa Kudrow’s post-Friends projects reflect her unique comedic talents and ability to dive into more unconventional, darker comedy roles. One of her most notable ventures was The Comeback (2005, 2014), a critically acclaimed HBO series in which she portrayed Valerie Cherish, a former sitcom star trying to revive her career. Kudrow’s performance earned her multiple award nominations and established her as a true powerhouse in the world of television.
She also starred in Web Therapy (2011-2015), a series she created and starred in as a quirky therapist, which was praised for its sharp humor and Kudrow’s comedic brilliance. Kudrow’s range in both dramatic and comedic roles places her in the upper ranks of the Friends cast’s post-series success.
4. Matt LeBlanc: Episodes and Man With a Plan
From Joey Tribbiani to Emmy Nominations: LeBlanc’s Career Revamp
Matt LeBlanc, forever known as Joey Tribbiani, faced a tough challenge after Friends ended—how to avoid being typecast. Luckily, LeBlanc managed to carve out a solid career, especially with his portrayal of a fictionalized version of himself in the Showtime series Episodes (2011-2017). The show, which followed British television writers navigating the U.S. TV industry, was a hit with critics, earning LeBlanc a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series (Musical or Comedy) in 2012.
LeBlanc also starred in the CBS sitcom Man With a Plan (2016-2020), though it was not as well-received as Episodes. Nevertheless, LeBlanc’s post-Friends career showcases his ability to evolve and take on more mature roles that balance humor and heart.
5. David Schwimmer: American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson
Ross Geller’s Serious Turn: A Gripping Role in a Legal Drama
David Schwimmer’s post-Friends career was marked by his bold choice to dive into drama. Schwimmer took on the challenging role of Robert Kardashian in the FX miniseries American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016). Schwimmer’s portrayal of Kardashian was lauded for its depth, vulnerability, and accuracy, earning him widespread praise and nominations for prestigious awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award.
While Schwimmer’s transition to drama was largely successful, his post-Friends projects have not had the same level of consistency as some of his co-stars. He has also appeared in various theater productions and directed episodes of TV series like Friends.
6. Matthew Perry: The Odd Couple and Go On
Chandler Bing’s Post-Sitcom Struggles: Battling Typecasting
Matthew Perry’s post-Friends career has been a bit more turbulent, as his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing often overshadowed his later roles. However, he made notable attempts to break free from his Friends persona. His role in the NBC sitcom Go On (2012-2013), where he played a sports radio host dealing with grief, received positive reviews but was ultimately short-lived.
Perry also starred in the remake of The Odd Couple (2015-2017), where he played the role of Felix Ungar. While the series was moderately successful, it never achieved the cultural impact of Friends. Despite the mixed results, Perry’s efforts to tackle different characters and genres demonstrate his resilience as an actor.
The Post-Friends Success Formula: What Worked and What Didn’t
Breaking Out of the Typecast Trap
The key to success after Friends was avoiding the trap of being typecast in similar roles. Jennifer Aniston, for example, managed to showcase her range, shifting from comedy to drama with ease. Meanwhile, other cast members like LeBlanc struggled initially to shed their famous roles, but they eventually succeeded with roles that allowed for more depth and growth.
The Power of Comedy
For many of the Friends cast, comedy remained a central part of their post-Friends careers. Cox and Kudrow both thrived in roles that allowed them to tap into their comedic genius, and their series reflected their true strengths as performers.
The Impact of Friends on Their Careers: A Blessing and a Curse?
The Double-Edged Sword of Fame
The massive fame that came with Friends made it both a blessing and a curse for its cast. While it opened doors to major opportunities, it also created a barrier for many actors who struggled to escape the shadow of their iconic characters. Each actor faced this challenge differently, with varying degrees of success.
Conclusion: Friends Cast’s Post-Series Careers: Who Came Out on Top?
Overall, the Friends cast members have had diverse post-series careers. While Jennifer Aniston’s success in both television and film makes her the undisputed leader, other cast members like Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc have found their own niches in the world of television. David Schwimmer’s dramatic turn and Matthew Perry’s continued attempts to evolve as an actor also show their determination to keep pushing boundaries.
The Friends legacy remains strong, but the careers of its stars post-series prove that they each have more to offer than just their famous roles. From drama to comedy, each cast member’s journey is a testament to their growth as actors and their ability to adapt in an ever-changing entertainment industry.
