Joey 20 Years Later: Why the Friends Spinoff Failed

Joey 20 Years Later: Why the Friends Spinoff Failed

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re reflecting on “Joey” and why the “Friends” spinoff ultimately failed.

Part One: A Sure Thing!

It’s been 20 years since we bid farewell to Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey. Of course, Joey returned months later in one of the most hyped spinoffs ever. Fast-forward another two years, we said goodbye to Joey again after two seasons and 46 episodes. “Joey” wasn’t the first disappointing spinoff on the heels of a colossal success. “Joanie Loves Chachi,” “The Brady Brides,” and “Gloria” had even shorter runs. Where those failures were quickly forgotten, “Joey” remains the go-to example of an unnecessary spinoff. This makes sense, as “Friends” is one of the most streamed shows. Conversely, “Joey” currently isn’t streaming anywhere, although nothing’s stopping Warner Bros. Discovery from putting it on Max… aside from not wanting to remind people of its existence.

Kevin S. Bright recalls being under “a tremendous amount of pressure for the show to succeed on a ‘Friends’ level.” “Joey” also promised to fill the void left behind by “Frasier,” which proved that a spinoff to an ensemble piece could be unique while staying faithful to its titular character. Unfortunately, “Joey” was more like “The Tortellis,” the other “Cheers” spinoff. Despite the anticipation, it was clear early on that “Joey” wouldn’t work. The original pilot leaked online, not receiving the best response. Little changed in the aired pilot, although Andrea Anders replaced Ashley Scott as Joey’s neighbor/love interest, Alex. Reviews weren’t enthusiastic, but “Joey” premiered with 18.55 million viewers, riding high on the success of the “Friends” finale’s 52.5 million viewers.

“Joey” also won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite New Television Comedy, although its competition included the equally short-lived “Complete Savages” and “Father of the Pride.” Plus, winning a People’s Choice Award isn’t that hard. While not a “Friends”-sized hit, “Joey” performed well enough to get a second season. Following a hiatus mid-season, NBC essentially set the show adrift, moving it to Tuesday nights against the unstoppable “American Idol.” The second season averaged 7.1 million viewers, but it soon hit a low of 4.1 million. Between the dismal ratings and Matt LeBlanc’s high salary, the network cut their losses, canceling “Joey” in May 2006 with the final eight episodes not even airing on NBC.

Part 2: New Friends, New Home, New Joey

Although NBC was determined to make a “Friends” spinoff, “Joey” wasn’t even their first choice. Initially, a Rachel spinoff was discussed, but she was arguably already the main character and Jennifer Aniston was more interested in pursuing a movie career. We’re glad this spinoff didn’t happen, as it would’ve drastically altered the “Friends” finale. Imagine if Rachel got on the plane and we ended on Ross crying in Phoebe’s arms. While a Chandler and Monica spinoff was considered as well, Courteney Cox and Matthew Perry were ready to move on. On paper, a Joey spinoff made sense since he was the only friend who didn’t get married or have kids by the show’s conclusion. This also demonstrated why a Joey spinoff didn’t make sense, however.

As his friends matured, Joey got progressively more childish. Not to the point the character grew annoying or unlikable. There were attempts to flesh out Joey, most notably his relationship with Rachel, and we know how that storyline turned out. If that relationship proved anything, it’s that Joey didn’t need further depth. He was eternally a big kid at heart, and that’s what audiences liked about him. The spinoff made the mistake of forcing Joey to grow up. The premise alone is hard to swallow with Joey moving to Hollywood after trying so hard to keep his friends together. Although the pilot explains why Joey gave change a chance, we never believe he would leave his friends in New York and rarely talk about them.

Joey also changed, going from the life of the party to a more negative character. As Kevin S. Bright put it, “Joey was a womanizer, but we enjoyed his exploits. He was a solid friend, a guy you knew you could count on. Joey was deconstructed to be a guy who couldn’t get a job, couldn’t ask a girl out. He became a pathetic, mopey character. I felt he was moving in the wrong direction, but I was not heard.” What’s more, Joey worked as part of an ensemble, but the spinoff left the glass ⅙ full. That’s not to say Joey was the sole issue, as the supporting cast left much to be desired, despite attracting talented actors.

Drea de Matteo played Joey’s sister Gina, but we like to pretend Adriana got away from the Sopranos and entered witness protection. While de Matteo had good comedic timing, Gina got saddled with a lot of uncomfortable jokes about breast implants and giving birth at 14. Paulo Costanzo played her nerdy son Michael, who felt like the poor man’s Ross. LeBlanc and Anders dated for several years in real life, but Joey and Alex were no Ross and Rachel. Miguel A. Núñez Jr.’s Zach, who was introduced in Season 2, was also an underwhelming substitute for Chandler. Not even Jennifer Coolidge could save the show as Joey’s agent Bobbie. By the way, is Bobbie related to Monica and Phoebe’s friend Amanda?

There were a few dopplegangers in the “Friends”-verse with Adam Goldberg going from playing Eddie to appearing as another character named Jimmy. Or maybe Eddie just stole someone else’s identity. Aside from LeBlanc, the only actor to reprise their role was Robert Costanzo as Joey’s father. None of the other main “Friends” cast members made guest appearances, although David Schwimmer directed two episodes. The showrunners wanted “Joey” to stand on its own without relying on gimmicky guest spots, but the show never got out of its predecessor’s shadow. In addition to pushing forward without five of the original stars, “Joey” was produced without “Friends” co-creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman. Scott Silveri and Shana Goldberg-Meehan, who later married, took the reins on “Joey.”

Despite initially saying, “Oh God, no,” to the idea of a spinoff, Kevin S. Bright came on as an executive producer. Bright didn’t agree with every creative decision, but the network executives, studio, and other producers didn’t listen. LeBlanc acknowledged that “Joey” was “doomed from the start,” even if he can’t complain about his $30 million payday. Looking back, is there anything redeemable? Well, it’s fun seeing guest stars like Simon Helberg and Bob Odenkirk pop up a few years before they hit it big. Some of the setups are amusing in retrospect like Joey saying the wrong name at an awards show over a decade before Envelopegate befell the Oscars. Overall, though, it’s evident why so many call this the worst spinoff ever.

Part 3: It Was a Good Show, Right?

“Joey” signified the beginning of a dark era for NBC, which fell from first to fourth in the ratings. Conan O’Brien regularly pointed this out, and the ensuing “Tonight Show” fiasco didn’t help. “Joey” seemed to turn networks off from spinoffs in general. That’s one reason NBC didn’t move forward with a proposed Karen Walker show. Spinoffs weren’t abandoned altogether with “Better Call Saul,” “Young Sheldon,” and “House of the Dragon” being modern success stories. Yet, spinoffs now proceed with more caution, not wanting to be the next “Joey.” After a five-year break, LeBlanc returned to the spotlight, winning a Golden Globe for “Episodes.” Although LeBlanc played himself, he also played against type in a show with a cynical edge, taking various shots at “Joey.” In a way, “Episodes” is what “Joey” should’ve been, a Hollywood satire with a familiar face, but a completely different tone.

Of the six friends, a Phoebe spinoff might’ve shown promise given her complicated past and promising future with Mike. Beyond the main cast, we could imagine spinoffs centered on Jack and Judy moving to Florida, Carol and Susan bringing up Ben, or Rachel’s sister Amy becoming a baby stylist. How about a spinoff where Gunther spends all his money moving to Paris, later realizing Rachel never arrived? Based on “Joey,” though, maybe we should leave “Friends” as is. The creators don’t want to undo the happy ending and with Matthew Perry’s passing, that’s never been more true. Let’s just pretend Joey returned to New York, reprised his role as Dr. Drake Ramoray, and moved into the apartment over Monica and Chandler’s garage.

Do you think “Joey” is criminally underrated? Explain why in the comments.