In light of the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix, "Friends" star Lisa Kudrow is publicly urging the next owner to preserve the studio's iconic Burbank lot. In a recent video tour of the lot for Architectural Digest, Kudrow expressed her sentimental connection to the studio, emphasizing its importance to her and the entertainment industry as a whole.
Kudrow, who famously portrayed Phoebe Buffay for all ten seasons of "Friends," has a long history with the Warner Bros. lot. The series initially filmed on a smaller soundstage before moving to Stage 24, which became its long-term home. Stage 24 also holds significance for Kudrow as it later housed production for "The Comeback," another pivotal project in her career. She fondly remembers the early days of "Friends," recalling how the cast would often cross paths with the cast of "ER," which was filming next door.
"Ownership changes all the time, and you don't know what's going to happen," Kudrow stated in the Architectural Digest video. She added, "I think most people really hope whatever happens next is that this studio lot is preserved as is".
Her plea extends to specific elements of the lot, including the fountain featured in the series' title sequence. Kudrow reminisced about the late-night shoot for the opening credits, recalling the challenges of dancing and frolicking in the water while trying to look happy. She humorously noted Matthew Perry's comedic relief during the process. She also lightheartedly requested, "please don't remove Jack Warner's roses".
As Netflix undergoes the Department of Justice's approval process for acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery's studio operations, streaming properties, and content library after a bid from Skydance Paramount, Kudrow joins other voices in the industry hoping for the preservation of Hollywood's cultural history.
Kudrow's recent activities include a surprise visit to the "Friends" couch at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank, accompanied by her "No Good Deed" co-star Ray Romano. "No Good Deed" is a dark comedy series that premiered on Netflix in December 2024, where she and Romano play a married couple. The show has received positive reviews and has been a popular choice among Netflix subscribers.
While some online commenters have different opinions about preserving aspects of the lot, the general sentiment seems to lean towards respecting Hollywood's legacy. Many agree that preserving the Warner Bros. lot is the "bare minimum" and that it represents a connection to "old Hollywood".