Friends reunion
Cast members of the hit TV series Friends NBC/ Warner Bros

There can be nothing better than the much-desired reunion of Friends, but that's not what is happening on NBC for The James Burrows special. Sure, fans would get to see five or six of their favourite Friends stars in one frame again... but it will be more of a get together.

"It is not a Friends reunion," co-creator Marta Kauffman confirmed at the recently held Television Critics Association's winter press tour in Pasadena, California. She emphasised that the event's focus is on Burrows who directed 15 episodes of the hit sitcom, including the pilot that aired in September 1994. (via Us Weekly)

Meanwhile, actor David Schwimmer expressed excitement about meeting his former cast members for the upcoming TV event, but he too stated that it is by no means a Friends reunion. "It's a tribute to Jimmy Burrows who we love and I'm just thrilled to be a part of it. As many of us that can be there will be there and the casts of so many shows are going to try to be there—Frasier, Cheers, Will and Grace, it goes on. This man is an incredible director who helped define situation comedy in this country in the last 40 years so I love him and I'm excited to be there." (via E! Online)

Unfortunately Matthew Perry (who played Chandler) will not be part of this TV special – hence the event is not being called a reunion. "In no way is it a Friends reunion when one member is out of the country," Schwimmer said at FX's TCA panel on 16 January. "I'm sure Matthew Perry would be there if he could, but he's working in London. Maybe one day there will be [a reunion], but this will not be it."

The James Burrows special is set to air on NBC on 21 February 2016.

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