'Friends' 30th-anniversary reboot stalled due to 'deep tragedy' surrounding Matthew Perry's death

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The anticipated 30th-anniversary reboot of the beloved sitcom 'Friends' has been canceled following Matthew Perry's death in October 2023.

The remaining cast members were reportedly in secret talks to return to the show for a big payday.

However, network executives believed that the tragic passing of Perry made it difficult for writers to create humorous content, leading them to cancel the plan.

Executives say no 'proper reboot' is possible without Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry, 54, who played the iconic Chandler Bing on the show, died of acute effects of ketamine and subsequent drowning. He was found floating face down in a bathtub at his home.

In connection with his death, five people were arrested and charged in August for running a "broad underground criminal network."

"Without Matthew, there's no way a proper reboot will happen. The deep tragedy around his death would just be too hard to reference in the context of a comedy," a source told RadarOnline. 

Insiders say 'Friends' reboot without Matthew Perry will be a 'step too far'

Insiders and Matthew Perry's 'Friends' co-stars believe that his absence may not be the best decision, indicating that this step should be approached with caution.

"The writers and network bosses have held talks about doing a reboot, but it's been decided it would be far too poignant with Matthew," the source added. 

"There were always bittersweet plots with Friends, but this would just be a step too far," they cautioned. 

Matthew Perry's 'Friends' co-star Courteney Cox reflects on her time on the show with him 

Courteney Cox played beloved character of Monica Geller who had love interest for Chandler Bing. The show started on September 22, 1994, and ran till May 6, 2004.

"We used to say, 'Oh, I can't wait for this month,' or 'God, it feels like forever.' I would never say that line anymore," Cox told People in a recent interview. 

"That show is incredible," she told the outlet, adding "Every joke holds up, all the characters are just so amazing, and we [had] the best writers in the world. I'm lucky that it continues on through all the generations. And that's very fortunate."

Cox also suggested that 'Friends' reboot would work. "It’s hard to try to redo anything. Anything with 're' in front of it with this group... I think it's so special," she said.

In 2021, Perry reunited with his fellow cast members David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc for a special reunion hosted by James Corden.