Almost two decades after the final episode of Friends aired, fresh behind-the-scenes details about the iconic sitcom continue to emerge, much to the joy of fans. The most recent such morsel to pique their interest? An odd remark from James Burrows, the show’s previous director.

Burrows, who directed 15 episodes of Friends (including the pivotal pilot), told the Guardian that he set out to encourage the ensemble to be the best they could be, even if it meant massaging the performers’ egos.

“I give confidence to them and say, ‘Let’s try to go as far as we can with this piece of business,'” he said. “I, too, am a psychologist.” If I want to include anything amusing, I’ll make it appear to be the idea of an actor.”

Burrows’ strategies were plainly effective. Friends, which aired for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004, was one of the most successful sitcoms in American television history, garnering 62 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and launching the careers of its main cast members: Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and Courteney Cox.

Burrows, who has also directed for Fraiser, Cheers, and Will & Grace, was previously credited with helping to forge the Friends cast’s off-screen relationship (a bond that, as viewers saw in Max’s 2021 reunion special, remains just as strong all these years later).

“Burrows was instrumental in creating the atmosphere of Friends,” Christina Pickles, who portrayed Monica and Ross’ mother, Judy Geller, on the show, told the Guardian in 2019. “He took the six leads to Vegas before they began working, and they all had a good time.” That was certainly extremely beneficial in reinforcing their sweetness.”