Friendsis one of the most popular shows in TV history, but there’s only so many times that one can rewatch it. The good news is thatCBS has a similar, critically-acclaimed sitcom that will appeal toFriendsfans(especially those looking for something new, but not too new). Plus, said series is still airing as of the writing of this article.
TheFriendsseries finale garnered 52.5 million viewers, making it the fifth most-watched series finale in TV history, afterMAS*H,Cheers,The Fugitive, andSeinfeld.
After its premiere in 1994,Friendsran for 10 seasonsand 236 episodes. It came to an end in 2004, and more than two decades later, the NBC sitcom remains as popular and relevant as ever.Friends' influence knows no bounds,having served as inspiration for numerous TV shows that followed in its wake, including one currently airing on CBS.
Ghosts Captures The Spirit Of Friends' Quirky Ensemble Cast & Wacky Romances
Ghosts Is A Perfect Friends Replacement
If you’re looking for something to fill theFriends-shaped hole in your heart (and aretired of watchingFriends),Ghostsis the answer. The newer CBS sitcom shares a lot in common with the older NBC sitcom. For starters,they both have ensemble casts full of witty, quirky characterswho live in close proximity and invade each other’s living spaces.
Additionally, thecharacters ofFriendsandGhostsoften find themselves in complicated (and sometimes hilarious) romantic, familial, and platonic entanglements. The relationships simply serve as the core of each respective TV series. It also helps thatGhostsencapsulates the same humor asFriends,but still manages to carve a path of its own regarding its comedic tone.
Ghosts' 4 Seasons & Counting Are The Perfect Length To Jump In
Season 5 Premieres In The Fall Of 2025
Ghostsdebuted in 2021, and heading into the 2025–2026 network TV season, the show is set to enter its fifth season. As such,Ghostshas the perfect length for those wanting to watch and catch up before season 5 premieres.The CBS sitcom doesn’t have too many seasons or episodes (72 to be exact), making it less intimidating to jump in.
The CBS comedy TV show is evidently a huge success for the network, meaningGhostscould become a long-running, ideal binge-watching sitcom just likeFriends.
So, beforetheGhostsseason 5 premiereisthe perfect time forFriendsfans to start the series.That way, one has enough time to binge the first four seasons and prepare themselves for what’s to come in season 5. Then, they can watch along in real time with the rest of the audience.
Asher Grodman
Trevor Lefkowitz
In even better news,CBS has already renewedGhostsfor a sixth season. Fans don’t have to worry about it getting canceled anytime soon. The CBS comedy TV show is evidently a huge success for the network, meaningGhostscould become a long-running, ideal binge-watching sitcom just likeFriends.
Ghostsseason 5 premieres on Thursday, June 14, 2025, at 8:30 pm ET on CBS (perTV Insider).
