The ‘Joey’ TV show bombed after ‘Friends.’ Now, fans can stream itTV

The year was 2004. The air crackled with anticipation. Fresh off a decade of unparalleled success, “Friends,” the cultural juggernaut that defined a generation, had finally ended its run. Tears were shed, tissues were used, and a gaping hole was left in the Thursday night NBC lineup. But hope remained! A spin-off, starring the lovable, albeit intellectually challenged, Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), was poised to fill the void. This new show, simply titled “Joey,” promised more laughs, more heart, and more adventures as Joey traded the familiar streets of New York for the sunny shores of Los Angeles to pursue his acting career. We all wanted it to work, didn’t we? (I know I did!). We were ready to embrace Joey‘s new beginning.

The initial reviews were… mixed, to put it kindly. Some critics praised LeBlanc’s performance, noting his undeniable charm and comedic timing. Others lamented the absence of the ensemble cast that made “Friends” so special. Without Chandler’s sarcasm, Monica’s neuroses, Phoebe’s quirkiness, Rachel’s fashion sense, and Ross’s… well, Ross-ness, Joey felt somewhat adrift. The show struggled to find its footing, experimenting with different supporting characters and storylines, but never quite capturing the magic of its predecessor. Ratings dwindled, and after two seasons, “Joey” was unceremoniously canceled by NBC, leaving many to wonder: What went wrong? And more importantly, will we ever be able to see the show again? Well, good news for curious fans: “Joey” is now available on various streaming platforms, offering a chance to revisit (or discover for the first time) this short-lived chapter in the “Friends” universe.

For years, “Joey” was relegated to the dusty corners of television history, a cautionary tale of spin-off failures. But now, with the rise of streaming services, forgotten shows are getting a second life. Is “Joey” a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered, or a relic best left buried? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? (And the answer, as with most things, is probably somewhere in between). But regardless of its critical reception, the fact that “Joey” is now readily accessible to a new generation of viewers is certainly noteworthy. Maybe, just maybe, it will find a new audience who appreciate its unique brand of humor.

What Went Wrong with “Joey”?

The cancellation of “Joey” remains a subject of much debate among television critics and “Friends” aficionados. Several factors contributed to its downfall, chief among them being the absence of the core ensemble. “Friends” worked because of the chemistry between the six main characters. They were a found family, and their interactions were the heart and soul of the show. “Taking Joey out of that dynamic was like taking the pepperoni off a pizza,” one anonymous TV executive commented. “It’s still pizza, but it’s just not the same.”

Another issue was the show’s attempt to reinvent Joey as a more mature and responsible character. While understandable from a narrative perspective, this alienated some viewers who loved him precisely for his goofiness and lack of ambition. “They tried to make him grow up too fast,” said Sarah Miller, a longtime “Friends” fan. “He was supposed to be the lovable idiot! That’s what made him funny.” Also, the new supporting cast didn’t quite click with audiences. They were fine, but they weren’t Chandler, Monica, Phoebe, Rachel, or Ross. The writing, while occasionally funny, also lacked the sharp wit and emotional depth of “Friends.” It felt… generic.

Finally, the show faced the daunting task of following in the footsteps of one of the most successful sitcoms of all time. The expectations were sky-high, and anything less than perfection was bound to be seen as a failure. “It was an impossible situation,” said a former writer on “Joey.” “We were constantly being compared to ‘Friends,’ and we just couldn’t live up to it. It was like trying to follow The Beatles.” Imagine trying to follow The Beatles! No pressure, right?

The Supporting Cast: A Missed Opportunity?

While Matt LeBlanc delivered a solid performance as Joey, the supporting cast of “Joey” failed to capture the hearts of viewers in the same way that the “Friends” ensemble did. The characters, while well-acted, felt somewhat stereotypical and lacked the depth and complexity that made the “Friends” characters so relatable. Drea de Matteo as Joey‘s sister Gina, Alex Rocco as his father, and Paulo Costanzo as his nephew Michael all had their moments, but they never quite gelled as a cohesive unit.

Perhaps the biggest criticism was that the show relied too heavily on the “dumb jock” stereotype for Joey, exaggerating his naivete and lack of intelligence to the point of caricature. While this may have been intended as a source of humor, it often came across as insulting and undermined the character’s inherent likability. “They turned him into a cartoon,” said one disgruntled viewer. “He was always a bit clueless, but he wasn’t an idiot!”

Streaming to the Rescue? A Second Chance for “Joey”

Despite its initial failure, “Joey” is now finding a new audience on streaming platforms. This offers a unique opportunity for viewers to re-evaluate the show without the weight of expectations that plagued its original run. With all the episodes available at their fingertips, fans can binge-watch the series and form their own opinions. Will “Joey” become a cult classic? Probably not. But it might find a niche audience who appreciate its lighthearted humor and Matt LeBlanc’s undeniable charisma.

The availability of “Joey” on streaming also raises questions about the nature of television criticism and the role of nostalgia in shaping our perceptions of past shows. Many shows that were initially panned by critics have gone on to become beloved classics, thanks to their accessibility on streaming services and the power of word-of-mouth. Could “Joey” be one of those shows? Only time will tell. I think it’s worth a watch just to see what they tried to do. It’s a fascinating study in the challenges of creating a successful spin-off.

Is “Joey” Worth Watching? A Critical Re-Evaluation

So, is “Joey” worth watching? The answer, as always, depends on your individual taste. If you’re a die-hard “Friends” fan looking for a continuation of the original series, you’re likely to be disappointed. “Joey” is a different show, with a different tone and a different dynamic. However, if you’re open to a lighthearted sitcom with some genuinely funny moments, you might find something to enjoy.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Pros: Matt LeBlanc’s performance, occasional funny moments, easy to watch.
• Cons: Lacks the charm and wit of “Friends,” weaker supporting cast, predictable storylines.

Ultimately, “Joey” is a flawed but ultimately harmless sitcom that offers a glimpse into the post-“Friends” career of one of television’s most beloved characters. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s not a complete disaster either. It’s just… there. And now, thanks to streaming, it’s there for anyone who wants to give it a try.

The Legacy of “Joey”

“Joey” may not have achieved the same level of success as “Friends,” but it remains a significant part of television history. It serves as a reminder of the challenges of creating a successful spin-off and the importance of maintaining the core elements that made the original show so popular. It also highlights the power of streaming platforms to resurrect forgotten shows and give them a second chance to connect with audiences.

Regardless of your opinion of “Joey,” its availability on streaming services is a testament to the enduring legacy of “Friends” and the enduring appeal of Matt LeBlanc’s Joey Tribbiani. So, grab some snacks, settle in, and decide for yourself whether “Joey” is a hidden gem or a relic best left buried. You might be surprised by what you find.