Friends somehow ‘isn’t the most bingeable sitcom of all time’ – but we demand a recount

Friends ended in 2004, over 20 years ago, yet affection for the legendary comedy has never dimmed. If anything, it is expanding.

Many of us devoted fans regularly find ourselves rewatching it, whether from beginning to end or selecting individual episodes based on our mood.

So it may come as a surprise that the sitcom, which starred Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc, is not even among the top five most bingeable shows of all time.

Furthermore, it hasn’t even been named the most bingeable sitcom ever… So, can you guess which other legendary comedy series came in second?

Ranker, which bills itself as the “worldwide leader in fan-powered rankings,” compiled a list titled “The 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time”… and there are several excellent contenders.

Despite widespread criticism for its last season in 2019, the legendary fantasy series Game of Thrones apparently got around 120,000 votes for the ranking.

Stranger Things finished in second, with the fifth and final season premiering in 2024, as the gang’s war against the evil forces afflicting Hawkins draws to an end.

Breaking Bad, starring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, came in third place after gaining critical acclaim and multiple awards, including Emmys, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards.

Then, at fourth place, the list’s first sitcom… Instead of Friends, as many fans may have assumed, it’s The Office in the United States.

Don’t get us wrong: The Office is a fantastic series that will always be rewatchable and make us laugh till we weep.

Nonetheless, Friends ranking sixth on the list, trailing Sherlock in fifth position, left us mildly surprised, SHOCKED! (As Phoebe would put it).

The Sopranos finished seventh, Supernatural eighth, The Big Bang Theory ninth, and House tenth.

Describing the expansive poll, Ranker wrote: ‘Our dynamic list expands across genres and eras, providing a universe of over 440 shows crafted to satiate your TV appetite, with more than 120K fans from around the world having cast their votes to form this extensive guide.’

They add: ‘Whether it’s the epic sagas of Game of Thrones, the mysterious happenings in Stranger Things, the compulsive saga of Breaking Bad, or the heart-warming narratives in My Name Is Earl, every show is a unique journey. Though each is binge-worthy, you’ll encounter detailed descriptions and related lists for each show to help you make your decision.’

Fans may still have their say by voting on the up or down arrows to indicate whether they agree with the sequence in which shows have been put.

We know where we’ll go to determine what to watch again this Christmas season.

Friends fans across the world were crushed earlier this year when Chandler Bing actor Perry died.

The beloved actor died at the age of 54, his death being deemed an accident due to the “acute effects of ketamine.”

Following the devastating news, Friends’ five other main characters issued a united statement expressing their grief over their loss.

‘We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,’ they said in the statement sent to People.

‘There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.

‘In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.’

Friends is available to stream on Netflix.