What Are Your (boy) FRIENDS Up To?

                             

So, since our FRIENDS have all been up to such interesting projects since their time at Central Perk, I thought a friendly check-in was due.  

THE ONE WITH TWO PARTS: PART TWO: THE BOYS.

MATT LeBLANC: While his other FRIENDS were heading off pursuing non-FRIENDS related careers, LeBlanc chose to continue playing his famed-role, Joey in the ill-advised JOEY.  This premise was about FRIENDS character Joey Tribbiani spinning off into La La Land to pursue his acting career.  However, JOEY just proved that without the support of the full ensemble cast of FRIENDS, Joey was not viable.  So, after this went south, he remained low profile (understandably if you ever saw JOEY).  However, recently he has graced the small screen with a new role: himself.  Yes, he actually plays Matt LeBlanc in Showtime's EPISODES.  With its premier in early 2011, the show has been received well.  Similar to Kirstie Alley's FAT ACTRESS the show chronicles LeBlanc's love/hate relationship with fame.  However, unlike FAT ACTRESS (also on Showtime), EPISODES is not solely about LeBlanc.  It's really about this British couple (played by Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig) who have a hit comedic television show in the UK and are convinced to adapt it for American audiences in Los Angeles (basically what Gervais's THE OFFICE did).  However, (like THE OFFICE), the UK version is superior to the American counterpart in almost every way.  And when the studio forces lead actor Matt LeBlanc onto the writers, the show within a show goes from bad to worse.  Soon its about a hockey coach's one-liners and a librarian with short skirts.  EPISODES really soars and LeBlanc is actually funny without resorting to Joey-esque humor.  Bravo, LeBlanc, for playing a non-FRIENDly role.  The show is certainly a better bet than JOEY ever was and will have a larger arc than FAT ACTRESS (which literally only focused on her weight).  I would highly recommend watching LeBlanc's new show: EPISODES.  

MATTHEW PERRY: Matthew Perry was always my favorite male cast member of FRIENDS because of his dry, sarcastic wit.  So when I heard his latest project MR. SUNSHINE was airing on ABC (in the timeslot of FRIENDS friend Courtney Cox), I was excited.  His previous television series post-FRIENDS was STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP.  A show that was definitely much better than it was given credit for.  But with the ratings subpar, the show was cancelled.  But now with MR. SUNSHINE, our sarcastic bestie is back.  However, despite the fact that the cast is promising (hilarious Allison Janney leads the group), the pilot and second episode were mediocre.  And I really wanted to love this show.  You see, the premise explains that Matthew Perry's character is the general manager of the Sunshine Center (sort of like the Staples Center) where sports and entertainment are supplied to the masses.  However, since no outside life is established for our funny lead, it becomes a work-place comedy complete with nepotistic assistants, crazy bosses, and little substance.  Sure, it has it's comedic moments, but is not my bet for best comedy of the year.  That probably goes to MODERN FAMILY and while this hilarious show leads into MR. SUNSHINE, it's not enough to make it a hit.  Plus, like a lot of his FRIENDS are trying to avoid, Perry still keeps Chandler-esque humor alive and well, which may be his downfall.  

DAVID SCHWIMMER:  Schwimmer's post-FRIENDS life has been fairly underwraps.  Known for wanting to direct more (he directed a few episodes on FRIENDS), he's done a few projects, but nothing really well-known besides his HBO series LITTLE BRITAIN USA.  However, he has been the voice of Melman in MADAGASCAR the animated feature films and shorts.  Onto his third feature for this animated family series, Schwimmer keeps busy, but remains quiet.  But with his one-episode role on 30 ROCK, Schwimmer proves he doesn't need a Ross-and-Rachel role to keep it interesting.  Yet with this, he has been active in his somewhat native Chicago (he attended Northwestern University) with Lookingglass Theatre.  As a co-founder of this theatre company he has acted and directed numerous shows and guides the company.   Schwimmer is quoted to have said: "I've made a good amount of money. I'm very happy that I can now support my theatre company and support friends and family, and I'm ready to maybe go back to school and change careers."  So, who knows what will come next for Schwimmer, but we are looking forward to it.