“The One Where You Go Behind the Scenes of Your Favorite Friends Episodes“

The Friends Thanksgiving episodes are beloved by fans and have received various accolades over the years. So, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the beloved comedy series Friends, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood has brought back Friendsgiving! I had a chance to take the tour and took the biggest Friends fan I know, my sister.

If you’ve never been, the Warner Bros Backlot Tour is a guided tour experience that allows visitors to explore the Warner Bros. studio lot in Burbank, California. Providing a unique behind-the-scenes look at how movies and television shows are made, visitors can see iconic sets, soundstages, and locations where popular films and TV series were produced. In addition to the studio lot, the tour also features exhibits showcasing costumes, props, photo ops, and other memorabilia from famous Warner Bros. productions.

FRIENDSGIVING WARNER BROS BACKLOT TOUR

Upon entering the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Lobby, we were greeted by a stunning new display created just for the event. Featured were several costumes from the series, along with the iconic big white dog statue. Additionally, there was a delightful photo opportunity featuring a giant cut-out of the Friends door frame. After capturing all the pictures and videos we desired, we made our way to the first exhibit. Then, settled in to wait for our tour to start.

As we climbed into our golf carts, our guide Rae shared her personal stories about Friends, and pointed out the filming locations of our beloved show. Sadly, the Friends soundstage was in use at the time. I would have loved touring it if it had been open to visitors. Perhaps next year!

While driving around we also saw a couple of celebrities – this is a working lot after all. In addition to seeing the sets for Abbott Elementary, we caught a glimpse of creator and star Quinta Bronson as she cruised by. We also encountered Kristen Johnston from Third Rock from the Sun! I’ve taken this tour several times, and these were my first-ever celebrity sightings. So, be sure to keep your eyes peeled!

After our guided tour, we went to the location of the iconic fountain from the opening of Friends. There, we were provided with an exclusive photo op on a couch replica in front of the fountain. If you love a prop like I do, they also provide umbrellas and mugs! Then, we sat down a perfectly decorated tables for a delicious Friendsgiving meal. Seriously, I was shocked by how yummy everything was.

LESS EXCLUSIVE BACKLOT TOUR FRIENDS AREAS

After enjoying our meal, we were whisked away to the next self-guided stop: “Stage 48: Script to Screen”. There, you could order from Central Perk and snap a photo while seated on the genuine couch from the recreated set. From there, you can wander through and discover the various exhibits, including costumes from other iconic WB Properties. There are also plenty of additional photo ops. Additionally, this is where the Friends store is situated. So, don’t forget to browse the fun and exclusive merchandise available on the tour!

When you’re finished, they cart you to another self-guided tour spot: “Action & Magic Made Here”. Inside, you’re completely absorbed in the realms of all things Game of Thrones, the DC Universe, and the Harry Potter Wizarding World—truly a dream come true for any geek! Imagine walking into the Batcave and catching a glimpse of the iconic ’89 Batmobile, or feeling the excitement as the sorting hat is placed on your head, revealing your house (I’m the proudest and loudest Hufflepuff, by the way). Then exit and splurge at the WB Studio Store at the end of your adventure.

I had a fantastic time on the tour, but I do wish there were a few more exclusive perks included. Even something as simple as front-of-the-line access for the Friends Set Photo, a complimentary photo at the main Friends Central Perk photo op (which currently requires payment), or a small discount on Friends merchandise would have been appreciated.

If you’d like to take the Friendsgiving Warner Bros Studio Backlot Tour, the Special Event Dates are November 8-10, 15-17, 21-24, 29-30. Friendsgiving tours will depart at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

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