'Friends' reunion: First teaser for James Burrows tribute on NBC released

A screenshot taken from the first promo of the NBC special honoring James Burrows featuring "Friends" stars Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, and Jennifer Aniston. Youtube screenshot/ file

Last month, fans of the hit series "Friends" got excited when it was announced that the cast members of the fan-favorite show will be reuniting on NBC for a two-hour special as a tribute to comedy director James Burrows. Burrows directed 15 episodes of "Friends," including the pilot, and he also helmed other shows such as "Taxi" and "Cheers."

This week, the first promo for the special was released by NBC, and it shows not only the "Friends" cast but also the stars of "Mike & Molly," "Frasier," "Will and Grace" and "The Big Bang Theory."

Towards the end of the promo clip, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc and Jennifer Aniston are seen seated together onstage. "Watch What Happens Live" host Andy Cohen asks them, "Did you all sign contracts saying that you wouldn't sleep with each other?"

"David, say something," said Kudrow, eliciting laughter from the audience.

It was previously reported that Matthew Perry won't be appearing on the special as he is currently rehearsing a play in London called "The End of Longing."

Speaking at "The Graham Norton Show," Perry was asked about the reunion and he clarified that "it's not the 'Friends' reunion that everyone is hoping for."

"The five of them are going to be on this special, and I'm going to introduce them from here because I'm doing the play here, so I can't," he added.

Fans of the series took to social media to express their disappointment over the fact that only five of the six main cast members will be around for the special, and Schwimmer told E! News that although he's "sad" that Perry won't be around, he's genuinely happy for him because he's doing a play in London.

"Sure I'm sad, but I'm happy for him," said the actor.

The TV special airs Sunday, Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. on NBC.

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