‘Friends’, the legendary sitcom beloved by millions worldwide, aired on NBC from 1994 to 2004. With stars like Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, it was no surprise that the show was a hit. The chemistry between the actors made ‘Friends’ one of the most memorable shows in television history.
Cue ‘The Apprentice’
However, as ‘Friends’ left screens in 2004, NBC ushered in a new player on the block. ‘The Apprentice’, a reality show hosted by Donald Trump, entered the scene. Alarmingly, this new show’s ratings appeared to surpass ‘Friends’ reruns, causing a stir. This success proved lucrative for Trump, prompting an astonishing demand for a hefty pay raise.
Trump’s Quest for Equal Pay
Riding the wave of success, Trump felt his payment should match the ‘Friends’ star cast. He asked for an eye-popping $6 million per episode. This figure equaled the combined earnings of each ‘Friends’ actor. Given that ‘The Apprentice’ had higher ratings, Trump believed he deserved a level playing field salary-wise.
NBC’s Response to Trump’s Request
Jeff Zucker, NBC’s boss, was not keen on this. He rebuffed Trump’s request, citing it as incompatible with their initial agreement. Despite their disagreements, they found a way to meet halfway. Trump then remained the face and voice of ‘The Apprentice’ for 14 seasons.
The Undying Legacy of ‘Friends’
This saga did little to tarnish ‘Friends’ legacy. Courteney Cox, Monica Geller’s alter ego in the sitcom, recently used Instagram to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Her sincere appreciation for the ongoing love toward ‘Friends’ showcased the sitcom’s timeless charm.
Remembering Matthew Perry
Following the heartbreaking loss of Matthew Perry who played Chandler Bing, ‘Friends’ fandom didn’t wane. Instead, the sitcom’s audience grew, drawing in old and new faces alike. It continues to spread laughter and entertainment, serving as a timeless masterpiece.
Binge-Watch ‘Friends’ and ‘The Apprentice’
Want to relive those hilarious ‘Friends’ moments? You can stream all ten seasons on Max. Prefer the suspense and competition of ‘The Apprentice’? Check it out on the NBC network. Despite past controversies and rivalries, both shows hold a special place in viewers’ hearts.
Enduring Love for Two Classic Shows
Whether you’re a long-time ‘Friends’ fan or a novice eager to enter its world, the sitcom’s heartwarming humor never fails to captivate. Similarly, ‘The Apprentice’, despite its fair share of controversy, has its unique appeal. It’s a thrill to witness the enduring love for these shows long after their on-air availability.
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