“Friends” has been off the air since 2004. But thanks to streaming services and constant syndication, it’s never really gone anywhere. People are still bingeing their way through the show for the first time or the hundredth time, so all of the jokes are still fresh in their minds.
Matthew Perry, famous for playing Chandler Bing on the show, knows that. And he’s proving it by releasing a line of Chandler-themed merchandise in the aptly named “Could this BE any more of a merchandise store?”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIY9KrKLBBt
Before anyone starts accusing Perry of cashing in on something from the past or trying to relive the glory years, hang on a second. (This is where we’d do the Ross “quiet down” motion if we were talking in real life. It’d be a great reference). Proceeds from the merchandise will go toward the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 response fund.
The site, which is only going to be up for two weeks, includes mugs depicting Chandler dancing and plays off catchphrases with embroidered hats that say “What is this, a baseball cap?” or a hoodie with “Could this BE any more of a sweatshirt?”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIjdpEyLxWQ/
Like “The Office,” “Friends” is one of those shows that will always have a spot in the pop culture landscape. It’s timeless. You might catch things that are dated (like old phones or affordable New York apartments), but the jokes and themes are always relatable. The fans will always find a way to revisit their favorite episodes, so Perry was smart to recognize that and parlay it into raising funds for a good cause.
They’re only missing out on an ad with Matt LeBlanc wearing every single article of clothing for sale.
There’s still some time left on the sale, so maybe they have something planned. But, if not, it’s still a well-timed merchandise drop for holiday shopping and contributing money to COVID-19 relief.
