I’ve been having fun with ChatGPT, the text-generating artificial intelligence. I’m using ChatGPT-4, because I’m interested in the cutting edge capabilities.

This time, I asked it to fancast the sitcom Friends as if it was being made in different yearts (1939, 1966, & 1984). I’m guessing you might have made some different choices…I’ll give you a way to let me know after I give you our conversation. To make it easier to read, ChatGPT’s contributions will be in italics.

Bufo: Good afternoon! Let’s have some fun doing a fancast! Pretend the the sitcom Friends was being made in 1939. Who would you cast in each of the 6 main roles, and as Gunther? Please explain your reasoning in your list…thanks!

ChatGPT: Good afternoon! I love the idea of doing a fancast for a 1939 version of Friends. Here’s my list of actors and actresses for each role, along with the reasoning behind each choice:

  1. Ross Geller: James Stewart
    James Stewart’s natural charm, likability, and the way he could portray vulnerability would make him a great fit for the character of Ross. He has proven his acting range in various roles during the 1930s and could bring the right balance of humor and heart to the character.
  2. Monica Geller: Myrna Loy
    Myrna Loy’s elegance, wit, and comedic timing would work well for the role of Monica. She had a knack for playing strong, independent women who were also caring and nurturing, making her a perfect fit for Monica’s character.
  3. Chandler Bing: Cary Grant
    Cary Grant is known for his sharp wit, impeccable comic timing, and charismatic screen presence. He would effortlessly capture Chandler’s sarcastic humor and self-deprecating nature while also showcasing the character’s vulnerability and warmth.
  4. Phoebe Buffay: Carole Lombard
    Carole Lombard, with her quirky humor and eccentric charm, would be an ideal choice for the role of Phoebe. She was known for her

Bufo: I think you got cut off. Please continue from where you were…interesting choices so far!

ChatGPT: Apologies for the abrupt ending! Let me continue with the rest of the cast:

  1. Phoebe Buffay: Carole Lombard (continued)
    Carole Lombard was known for her comedic talent and ability to play quirky, offbeat characters, making her a great fit for the eccentric and lovable Phoebe Buffay. Lombard’s natural charisma and unique personality would shine through in this role.
  2. Rachel Green: Jean Arthur
    Jean Arthur was known for her girl-next-door charm and ability to play independent, determined women. Her talent for portraying characters that grow and transform throughout a story would suit Rachel’s journey from a sheltered, rich girl to a successful, independent woman.
  3. Joey Tribbiani: Clark Gable
    Clark Gable had the looks, charm, and charisma to play the loveable, if sometimes clueless, Joey. Gable’s magnetic screen presence and ability to play characters with a mix of naivete and confidence would make him a great choice for the role.
  4. Gunther: Fred Astaire
    Fred Astaire’s impeccable comedic timing and distinct screen presence make him an intriguing choice for the role of Gunther. Though primarily known for his dancing and musical roles, Astaire’s ability to deliver witty lines and showcase a subtle, unrequited love for Rachel would be a refreshing take on the character.

Bufo: Interesting! Astaire is a fascinating choice for Gunther. I can see it, even though I was first thinking of maybe more of a character actor, like Dwight Frye or even Peter Lorre. Please do the same thing if the series was being made in 1966 and then if it was being made in 1984. Provide a separate list for each, with each of those lists being similar to the one you did above. This is fun!

ChatGPT: I’m glad you’re enjoying this! Here are my fancasts for Friends if it were made in 1966 and 1984:

1966 Friends Fancast:

  1. Ross Geller: Dustin Hoffman
    Dustin Hoffman’s ability to portray both intellectual and emotionally vulnerable characters would make him a fitting choice for Ross. His screen presence and humor would work well for the character’s geeky charm.
  2. Monica Geller: Natalie Wood
    Natalie Wood’s warmth, elegance, and versatility as an actress would suit the role of Monica. Her talent for playing strong, yet caring characters makes her an ideal choice.
  3. Chandler Bing: Dick Van Dyke
    Dick Van Dyke’s impeccable comic timing and affable personality would be perfect for the role of Chandler. His natural wit and ability to deliver sarcastic lines would make him an excellent choice.
  4. Phoebe Buffay: Goldie Hawn
    Goldie Hawn’s eccentric and bubbly personality would be perfect for Phoebe. Her comedic skills and endearing charm would make her a great fit for the quirky character.
  5. Rachel Green: Mia Farrow
    Mia Farrow’s girl-next-door appeal and ability to portray independent, evolving characters make

Bufo: Love the choice of Goldie Hawn! Looks like you’ve gotten cut off again. Please continue from where you left off…looking forward to it!

ChatGPT: Apologies once again for the cutoff. Let’s continue with the 1966 Friends fancast and then move on to the 1984 version:

1966 Friends Fancast (continued):

  1. Rachel Green: Mia Farrow
    Mia Farrow’s girl-next-door appeal and ability to portray independent, evolving characters make her an ideal choice for Rachel. Her on-screen transformation from a naive girl to a strong, self-reliant woman would be captivating.
  2. Joey Tribbiani: Paul Newman
    Paul Newman’s magnetic charm, good looks, and natural charisma would make him an excellent choice for the role of Joey. His talent for portraying both confident and naive characters would fit Joey’s personality.
  3. Gunther: Don Knotts
    Don Knotts’ quirky demeanor and excellent comic timing would make him a perfect fit for the role of Gunther. His ability to portray characters with hidden desires and a sense of longing would add depth to the character.

1984 Friends Fancast:

  1. Ross Geller: Jeff Goldblum
    Jeff Goldblum’s unique charm, intelligence, and quirkiness would make him an ideal choice for Ross. His ability to bring depth and vulnerability to a character would suit Ross’s personality.
  2. Monica Geller: Sigourney Weaver
    Sigourney Weaver’s strong presence, versatility,

Bufo: Please continue from where you left off…thanks!

ChatGPT: Apologies for the interruption. Continuing with the 1984 Friends fancast:

1984 Friends Fancast (continued):

  1. Monica Geller: Sigourney Weaver
    Sigourney Weaver’s strong presence, versatility, and ability to portray independent and caring characters make her an excellent choice for Monica. Her talent for balancing comedic and dramatic moments would be a great fit for the role.
  2. Chandler Bing: Bill Murray
    Bill Murray’s wit, sarcasm, and natural comedic timing would make him perfect for the role of Chandler. His ability to convey vulnerability beneath a humorous exterior would be ideal for the character’s development.
  3. Phoebe Buffay: Shelley Long
    Shelley Long’s quirky humor and eccentric charm would make her a great choice for Phoebe. Her ability to portray offbeat and endearing characters, as demonstrated in her role as Diane Chambers in Cheers, would suit Phoebe’s personality.
  4. Rachel Green: Meg Ryan
    Meg Ryan’s girl-next-door charm and talent for portraying strong, independent women would make her a perfect fit for Rachel. Her on-screen transformation from a sheltered, rich girl to a successful, independent woman would be engaging and believable.
  5. Joey Tribbiani: Tom Hanks
    Tom Hanks’ charisma, charm, and natural ability to portray both confident and naive characters would make him an excellent

Bufo: Looking good so far! Please continue from where you left off.

ChatGPT: 1984 Friends Fancast (continued):

  1. Joey Tribbiani: Tom Hanks
    Tom Hanks’ charisma, charm, and natural ability to portray both confident and naive characters would make him an excellent choice for Joey. His comedic timing and likability would bring a unique, endearing quality to the role.
  2. Gunther: Rick Moranis
    Rick Moranis’ quirky personality and comic timing would make him an ideal choice for the role of Gunther. His talent for portraying characters with hidden desires and a sense of longing, as seen in his various roles throughout the 1980s, would add depth to the character.

I hope you enjoyed these fancasts for Friends set in 1966 and 1984! It’s always fun to reimagine iconic characters with different actors from various eras.

Well, I certainly found that interesting! I would have gone with some lesser-known actors…I think it does tend to pick pop culture that most people will know. I could ask it to re-do it with lesser-known people, of course.

What do you think, either about how it did or how you would fancast these years for Friends? Feel free to let me know, either by commenting on this post or, and this probably better, reaching out to me on Twitter:

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Bufo’s Alexa Skills

This post by Bufo Calvin originally appeared in the The Measured Circle blog. To support this or other organizations, begin your Amazon shopping from a link on their sites: Amazon.com (Smile.Amazon.com)