NBC/Photofest; CBS/Photofest; NBC/Photofest
In addition to 'Friends,' cast members from 'Cheers,' 'Taxi,' 'Will & Grace,' 'Two and a Half Men' and 'Frasier' will appear on the special, which is set for Feb. 21.
The stars of Friends aren't the only ones who will be on hand for James Burrows' upcoming NBC special.
Cast members from other vintage series, including Cheers, Frasier, Taxi, Will & Grace, Two and a Half Men and Wings, as well as current series such as The Big Bang Theory and Mike & Molly, have been confirmed for the Feb. 21 two-hour special.
Must See TV: A Tribute to James Burrows is timed to celebrate Burrows' 1000th episode, which he reached on the forthcoming NBC family comedy Crowded, which he also exec produces. The cast of the series, which includes Patrick Warburton and Carrie Preston, will also be on hand.
Among the many casts, notable reunions include Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer – the first the two have appeared on-screen together since Sheen's abrupt exit from the series in 2011. This also marks one of the first times the majority of the Friends cast has appeared together since the 2004 series finale, as previously reported at the Television Critics Association winter press tour. However, Matthew Perry will be appearing via a pre-taped segment because of a prior work commitment in London.
Sean Hayes, who will appear with his Will & Grace co-stars, is also exec producing with Todd Milliner and John Irwin. The special hails from Universal Television, Hayes' Hazy Mills and Irwin Entertainment.
“There is nobody with better TV comedy instincts than Jimmy Burrows, and because of his guiding hand these remarkable shows will be forever celebrated and stand the test of time,” said Paul Telegdy, NBC Entertainment's president, alternative and late night programming. “The caliber of talent joining us to celebrate Jimmy’s accomplishments is a testament to his imprint in television history.”
Burrows' career spans back to 1974 when he got his start directing on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Below are the confirmed participants for the special:
Cheers — Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Bebe Neuwirth, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt (Kirstie Alley, Woody Harrelson in pre-taped segments)
Friends — Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer (Matthew Perry in pre-taped segment)
Frasier — Peri Gilpin, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce (Kelsey Grammer in pre-taped segment)
Will & Grace — Sean Hayes, Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally
Taxi — Tony Danza, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, Judd Hirsch, Carol Kane, Christopher Lloyd
The Big Bang Theory — Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Jim Parsons
Wings — Tony Shalhoub, Steven Weber
Mike & Molly — Billy Gardell, Melissa McCarthy, Katy Mixon, Nyambi Nyambi, Reno Wilson
Two and a Half Men — Jon Cryer, Charlie Sheen
Crowded — Carlease Burke, Stacy Keach, Carrie Preston, Mia Serafino, Patrick Warburton
Other guests will include JB Smoove, Jason Bateman, Valerie Bertinelli, Kate Flannery, Will Arnett, and Bob Newhart, who will appear in a pre-taped segment.
Must See TV: A Tribute to James Burrows airs Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. on NBC.
