We’re Getting 8 New Episodes of an Old Sitcom, But Unfortunately, It’s ‘Joey’
Once in a blue moon, sitcom fans receive an unexpected treat — lost episodes of their favorite sitcoms appear out of the ether, not exactly “new” but new to us. In 1984, for example, the Museum of Television and Radio discovered four episodes of The Honeymooners. A year later, Gleason released more vanished episodes from his private vault. For fans who’d grown up with only 39 episodes in constant rerun rotation, the discoveries were comedy gold.
Other classics have been unearthed over the years, like an unaired I Love Lucy pilot found under the bed of an actor who’d appeared in the episode. CBS turned it into a one-hour special in 1990. Chappelle’s Show also released “lost episodes” in 2006, but they weren’t really missing — simply three shows produced by the cast after Dave Chappelle walked away.
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It’s been a long minute since surprise episodes of a favorite sitcom have been unearthed, but that dry spell ended late last week. Remind Magazine reported that we’re getting eight — count ‘em, eight! — unseen episodes starring a beloved sitcom character. Unfortunately, these aren’t missing episodes of Friends. We’re getting more Joey.
Two decades ago, NBC realized that America wasn’t that into Mr. Tribbiani when he wasn’t surrounded by Chandler, Phoebe and Rachel. While Joey’s first season ensnared plenty of holdover Friends fans, the curiosity factor wore off by Season 2. The network put the sitcom on hiatus in March, then cut bait months later. What happened to the Joey characters? Did anyone care about the unresolved storylines — whatever they were?
The official Friends Instagram account broke the big news last week: “Did you know that the final eight episodes of #Joey Season 2 never aired in the U.S.? Now, 21 years later, catch the remaining episodes exclusively on the #FRIENDS YouTube channel!”
Really, the Friends YouTube channel? Eight unaired episodes of Joey didn’t qualify for a spot on Peacock or Hulu? It’s surprising that the unaired installments have been kept under wraps for so long — during Covid, streamers were desperate for content. Were the Joeys so unfunny that they couldn’t clear that low bar?
Here’s your chance to find out. “Joey's New Girlfriend Learns of His Slutty Past” sounds provocative. “Joey Confesses His Feelings Amid Chaos” is a little on the nose, but sure. “Joey's Biggest Hater Is a Little Girl” might be the most relatable of all.
How you doin’, Joey? OK so far — a handful of the unreleased episodes have cracked the 100,000 view mark on the Friends channel. But when random “Get ready with me” videos regularly get 3 million watches on YouTube, it’s easy to conclude that NBC had the right idea all along.