The Horrific Commentary About The Friends Cast Is Exactly Why Celebrities Rarely Do Reunion Shows

Last night, we were finally treated a Friends reunion after 17 long years and, as expected, the internet went into meltdown. From fans obsessing over the cast's long-standing friendships to people commenting on how different they look now, social media was filled with opinions about our most famous circle of friends.

The thing is, it wasn’t all what you would call… friendly. In fact, some of it was pretty abhorrent. Almost immediately, the cast's looks were torn apart - just as they were when the trailer was first released. ‘What happened to their faces??’ one person commented on Instagram. ‘They all look strange though!! Except phoebe,’ another said. ‘These wax museum figures just keep getting worse,’ a third replied.

Quickly, fans began defending the actors – but the narrative continued. It appears people can’t seem to believe than the Friends cast have actually aged in the last 17 years.

Of course, it’s not just been fans shocked at their aged faces, but speculation about what cosmetic work they’ve had done – with people condemning the actors for supposedly using Botox or fillers, targeting male and female cast members alike. The most harrowing part of it all though, is that people have been honing in on Matthew Perry’s speech and appearance despite his very public battle with addiction.

Right now, 'What happened to Matthew Perry?' is a trending search term on Google - and while most of it genuine concern for an actor they love, some of the commentary is beyond acceptable.

'I drink too much so I am scared I am going to look as bad as Matthew Perry in 20 years,' one person said online. 'It’s so sad to see Matthew Perry. He looks so old,' another said using a crying laughing emoji.

Many also pointed out his slurred speech, which the actor has said is due to a dental procedure he needed right before filming the show.

'Obviously no one wants to film after a procedure, but it happened,' an insider told tabloids. 'The feeling was one of huge sympathy for Matthew, especially in recent days, given how people reacted online. Matthew has told those around him that he is sober, and there is no need to worry.'

Given how much Matthew has had to deal with in the last few years, and his omission that he cares deeply about what people think of him on last night's show, it's devastating to know he will bore witness to such an unsympathetic online reaction from some.

Because, that’s the thing isn’t it - despite the fact many feel forever bonded to the cast of Friends, none of us actually know what they’re dealing with. Judging them then, for the way they’ve aged, the treatments they may or may not have had, or the life experiences that have shaped their appearance is disheartening to witness.

So often we believe we’re moving beyond ageism, body- or face-shaming and stigmas around addiction – yet it only takes one viral episode of a TV show to prove we’re nowhere near as far as we think we are. Just because these celebrities are far removed from our lives, just because they’re recognisable figures, doesn’t give anyone the right to critique their appearance or life choices on public platforms that, surprise, they can and do actually read.

Many of the Friends stars have previously spoken out about the pressures of fame and how they’ve coped with hurtful comments from tabloids and public alike. It might feel different because it’s ‘just’ a comment online, but you’re still adding to a chorus of voices that ultimately sets a narrative they are bound to hear about.

With so much Friends goodness to gush over from last night's reunion, one would hope the focus would be on how excited fans were to see their favourite cast on screen together again – but reactions like this prove exactly why so few iconic casts and celebrities agree to do 10- or 20-year reunions. Seeing the comments for ourselves, we can’t blame them.

Click through for more on what the Friends cast have got up to since the show...