This 8-bit version of the ‘Friends’ intro is a glorious slice of retro nostalgia
No one told you 'Friends' was gonna be this way
There aren’t too many TV show intros as instantly recognisable as that of Friends.
The sitcom’s opening credits, with its six main cast members gathered around a water fountain, is so iconic that you can picture it now, more than 13 years since the final episode aired.
You’ll recognise the mannerisms of Ross, Rachel and the rest, you’ll have memorised all the lyrics to ‘I’ll Be There for You’ by The Rembrandts, and you’ll even know when to clap in time with the music and for how long.
We famously saw the lead characters re-shoot versions of the intro before each season, but there’s one version you won’t have seen.
Read more: ‘Friends’ fans, here are the 11 glaringly obvious mistakes you never noticed
The Friends Twitter account has shared an 8-bit version of the intro to the show, in conjunction with the release of Steven Spielberg film Ready Player One.
In doing so, it has managed to blend the ‘80s nostalgia of 8-bit gaming with the ‘90s and 2000s nostalgia of Friends itself.
And yes, before you ask, the image of Chandler spitting a perfect arc of water is accurately reproduced and may be even better in this format.
Ready Player One is packed full of cultural references (albeit none that relate to Star Wars), so it’s only fitting to see a reproduction of one of the most iconic elements of one of the most iconic shows of the last 20 years.
It has already more than recouped its $175m budget within a week of release, while Ernest Cline – who wrote the book on which it is based – has spoken tentatively of a sequel.
You can read our interview with Ready Player One star Tye Sheridan here.
(Images: Friends/Ready Player One/Getty)
