‘Producers Come to Us’: Friends inspired by Ellen and the boys!

In 2019, producer Jean-Luc Azoulay dropped a small bombshell and confirmed that the sitcom “The Miracle of Love” spawned Friends. But today the French goes further and declares From Europe 1 at the microphone of our colleagues That the cult NBC series more accurately portrayed its concept… Helen and the boys!

But how did Friends, with its iconic credits that you absolutely have to stop after nine seconds, become inspired by the sentimental adventures of Helen, Nicolas, Lally, Cri-Cri d’amour & Co. between 1992 and 1994?

According to Jean-Luc Azoulay, it all started at the Marché de l’Audiovisuel when he was trying to sell an international version of his sitcom, which was very aptly named. Helen and the boys.

If Helen and the boys Never finding broadcasters overseas, and following the international success of the original Hélène and the acquisition of subtitles or voiceovers by the boys, this American version attracted the attention of producers from Friends!

“So that gave them the idea of ​​making friends”says Ellen Roles, who is also on the set of Europe 1. Jean-Luc Azoulay’s opportunity takes us behind the scenes of a surprising negotiation.

The producers of ‘Friends’ came to us to buy the rights to Ellen and the boys and the ‘Miracle of Love’ we were creating.”The producer explains.

And Azulai concludes: “They negotiated with Claude Berda, who finally told them, ‘Here, I give you the right, but you give me friends to distribute in France.’ That’s why AB was the one who distributed Friends for years and for free.

The TV series Elena and Boys and The Miracle of Love ended in 1994 and 1996, respectively. But the world created by the inexhaustible Jean-Luc Azoulay is still on the air, and more than ever: the sitcom Secrets of Love, broadcast on TMC, is currently in its 33rd season!

Friends: iconic scenes!