The FRIENDS™ Experience Brings TV Nostalgia to Life in New York City and Las Vegas
Few television shows have maintained cultural relevance quite like FRIENDS™, and decades after the finale, fans are still eager to step inside its world. The FRIENDS™ Experience took that spirit and devotion. It turned it into a truly immersive experience, with permanent locations in New York City (aptly titled The One in New York) and at MGM Grand in Las Vegas (The One in Vegas), inviting visitors to walk through meticulously recreated sets, snap iconic photos, and relive moments that defined a generation of television. We were invited in to check out the Las Vegas location and had a chance to compare the space to the NYC location we visited a few years back. The result? Two equally energetic spaces featuring our favorite iconic spots with different feels. Even if you’ve visited in NYC, the Vegas location is a different experience.
Why The FRIENDS™ Experience Feels So Emotional for Fans
For the show’s biggest fans, the appeal goes far beyond novelty into something more profound. According to Stacy Moscatelli, CEO of Original X Productions, the emotional response is immediate and deeply personal. “Walking into The FRIENDS™ Experience is like stepping inside the world of the show,” Moscatelli explains. “For fans who grew up watching FRIENDS™, it’s both nostalgic and emotional. The sets feel so familiar that people often react as if they’re seeing one of their favorite episodes again.”
You’ll find some of the most notable sets from Monica’s apartment to Central Perk; the experience taps into shared memories. Guests can stand in Monica’s kitchen, relax on the famous orange couch, or recreate the legendary “PIVOT!” moment, turning passive fandom into something tangible and participatory. As Moscatelli notes, it is not just about remembering the series, but feeling part of it.
Our best tip? Don’t be shy about asking the team members to snap shots for you. They know the best angles and shots to make your visit extra fun!
New York City vs. Las Vegas: Two Cities, One Iconic Show
While the core experience remains consistent, each location brings its own personality. The New York City installation carries special resonance given the show’s setting and its long-standing association with the city. “In New York, the experience feels like coming home,” says Moscatelli. “There’s a strong connection to the city’s character and history.”
In contrast, the Las Vegas location at the MGM Grand leans into the energy of the Strip while staying true to the show’s roots. “In Las Vegas, it’s about creating something that fits the excitement and spectacle of the Strip while still feeling personal and true to the show,” Moscatelli adds. Subtle local touches at each site reflect how fans in different cities engage with FRIENDS™, without compromising authenticity.
The Most Popular Interactive Moments
With so many recognizable sets, choosing a fan favorite is no easy task. Still, Moscatelli points to a few clear standouts. “Monica’s kitchen definitely tops the list,” she says. “People light up the moment they walk in because it feels like stepping right into the apartment.” The purple door with its yellow frame remains a close second, while Central Perk consistently delivers emotional reactions as fans take their turn on the iconic couch.
Our best tip? Linger in the rooms whenever possible—the attention to detail is highly strategic, and you’ll notice little things you may not have paid attention to in the show!
Recreating the Details That Fans Expect
Accuracy is essential when dealing with a franchise this beloved. The sets showcase the locations where most of the shows took place, and fans will easily notice anything that doesn’t look quite right. Moscatelli credits close collaboration with the Warner Bros. archives team and experienced prop stylists for achieving that level of detail. While no single prop proved impossible, the challenge in creating the spaces lay in accounting for subtle changes across seasons. One standout logistical feat was transporting Phoebe’s taxi into the New York location, a detail that has become a highlight for guests.
Retail, Refreshes, and Keeping the Experience Current
Beyond the sets, the exclusive retail shop plays a key role in extending the visit. The merchandise strategy blends fan favorites with harder-to-find items, ensuring guests leave with something meaningful rather than generic. Apparel, iconic props, and character-driven items are designed to feel authentic to the FRIENDS™ universe.
To keep fans coming back, The FRIENDS™ Experience continues to evolve. Seasonal updates, including a popular holiday overlay currently featured in New York, add variety while staying true to the source material. Guest feedback heavily influences these updates, helping the team refine and expand what resonates most.
Measuring Success Through Fan Reactions
For Moscatelli and her team, success is measured less by numbers and more by emotional impact. “We look closely at guest feedback and in-person reactions,” she explains. “Seeing people light up as they walk through the experience says a lot.” Milestone moments, like proposals and celebrations held within the attraction, underscore how deeply the experience connects with fans.
With its blend of nostalgia, precision, and city-specific character, The FRIENDS™ Experience continues to prove that some shows never truly leave the spotlight.
Read more about what to expect here!
