The Reason For The 'Friends' Reunion Is Great

Huge news for everyone whose love life is D.O.A.: The entire cast of Friends is set to reunite in February for the first time since the infamous series ended in 2004. But, what is the occasion for this momentous reunion? It turns out the entire cast is coming together for the first time in 12 years to honor James Burrows, a frequent director of the show who was at the helm of some of the show’s most memorable episodes. But, it begs the question: Which Friends episodes did James Burrows direct?

Pretty much every single one of your favorites. Or, at least, every single one of my favorites. Burrows directed 15 episodes of Friends between 1994 and 1998 (aka, some of the most memorable episodes), and his creative genius definitely rubbed off on some of the show’s classic episodes. In fact, some of the show’s most memorable were directed by Burrows himself. Basically, if there’s an episode that you love and can’t hear the title of without getting all mushy gushy sentimental about it, chances are James Burrows directed it.

So, it’s no wonder that the cast is taking this opportunity to reunite after such a long time apart. It’s clear from these episodes alone that James Burrow is a bit of a legend when it comes to directing sitcoms, and it seems only write that the cast would come together to celebrate the impact that he had on them and on the show.

The One Where Monica Gets A Roommate (Season 1, Episode 1)

As in the pilot, guys — Burrows was around from the beginning.

The One With The Sonogram At The End (Season 1, Episode 2)

And all of your feelings of love for Ross totally solidified.

The One With The Thumb (Season 1, Episode 3)

Tell me you can't open a can of soda now without wondering what you’ll find inside after seeing this episode.

The One With George Stephanopoulos (Season 1, Episode 4)

This also happens to be the episode where the three girls and the three guys did their own thing for the first time and really made us all believe in their awesome friendships.

The One With The Blackout (Season 1, Episode 7)

Who doesn’t think of Friends and immediately think of this episode? The ATM vestibule, Jill Goodacre, Ross’ first attempt at confessing his feelings to Rachel, and the first appearance of Paolo. This episode was killer.

The One Where Nana Dies Twice (Season 1, Episode 8)

With the sugar packets! Gets me every time.

The One Where Underdog Gets Away (Season 1, Episode 9)

The very first Thanksgiving episode! I’m sure Burrows' amazing directing had something to do with this becoming a traditionally big episode every season after.

The One With Mrs. Bing (Season 1, Episode 11)

And Jay Leno! And Ross making out with her. Whoops!

The One With The Candy Hearts (Season 1, Episode 14)

Like you weren’t inspired to have a Valentine’s Day bonfire of all your ex-boyfriend’s stuff after watching this special episode of the show.

The One With All The Poker (Season 1, Episode 18)

It’s girls vs. guys in this hilarious episode of poker and killing time.

The One With The Birth (Season 1, Episode 23)

And we all just about died from the laughter and the sweetness of this very special Friends moment.

The One With The Prom Video (Season 2, Episode 14)

Aka, The Best Episode of Friends Ever.

The One Where Ross and Rachel Take A Break (Season 3, Episode 15)

Aka, The Most Famous Episode of Friends Ever.

The One The Morning After (Season 3, Episode 16)

Aka, The Saddest Episode of Friends Ever — because it was when the world realized that it really was over between Ross and Rachel. It would take until the very last episode of the very last season for the two of them to get together again.

The One With All The Rugby (Season 4, Episode 15)

Janice is back in Chandler’s life even though he can’t stand her, and Ross gets the crap beat out of him by Emily’s friends when he tries to impress her with a game of rugby. David Schwimmer doing physical comedy equals the best comedic moments on Friends.

No wonder these six former Friends are reuniting to pay homage to James Burrows. His impact on the show was far-reaching and fundamental, and he deserves to be honored by all of them.