I've been wondering about this myself. Some (including David Lambert I believe) predicted that the announcement for season 8 would've happened on or shortly after the release of the finale DVD. I personally thought we would've heard something by now, as a July release would've been perfect. But it doesn't look like that'll be the case. I hope it isn't too far off. We're so close to completing this series, it would be pretty disheartening if Warner decided to prolong the release of the remaining 3 seasons. I guess time will tell.
That would make sense to me. Then we could get Season 9 in time for Christmas and then time Season 10 for the finale of Joey, assuming that it goes to 22 episodes.
I wonder if they're bumping up against syndication commitments with the later seasons. Something like the eps have to have a certain period to air in syndication before they can release the DVD? Just a guess.
I just read on TVSHOWSONDVD.com that season 8 will be out in November. That's really disappointing, especially since seasons 3-7 were released at a rapid fire pace, and now that the series is near completion, they're slowing right down again. Oh well, better than not getting it at all. I look forward to it.
I kind of had a feeling that we'd slow it down a bit given what was stated in the Warner chat a few months ago. I was hoping for season 10 by the end of the year, which would've been possible at the old rate...but it is not to be now. Of course, season 8 in november just makes that a more expensive month than it already is.
Warner Bros is releasing more and more of their shows. They don't have a massive department working on these things, so the same people that are working on Friends are also working on a few other projects.
I'm a little disappointed too, especially because I'm seeing these episodes for the first time as they come out. But there is plenty else to get until then, so it's okay.
I remember reading somewhere that they've already taped a reunion show of "Friends" to be aired next Thanksgiving/Super Bowl. They already taped it because they knew it would be impossible to gather all the cast members again. However, I can't find anything about it now. Did I dream this?
Anyway, the airing of this special could have something to do with the the release of season 8. I was hoping for a July release as well, but I guess November is ok.
Casey, what was stated in the chat?
Gord, they should finish Friends before starting on the new shows. There's only three seasons left. I thought it was in Warner's best interest to get them out as soon as possible while the show is still fresh on people's minds. I figured that was the reason for the quick releases of the previous seasons.