HBO Max won big on its Friends reunion, getting huge ratings and a lot of attention from the streaming audience over the last week. But despite all its star power — both in the six cast members and various appearances from Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and others — the special initially failed to capture the internet’s attention in a major way: it failed to spark a significant meme.
That changed this weekend, however, as a still image from the special and one of the former Friends got a lot of attention on social media. In a very, very specific way. The Friend in question is Joey, or more specifically Matt LeBlanc. Many online couldn’t help but notice a particular position he took while sitting on the couch in some scenes, including when the group was back in a recreation of the original set playing a trivia game.
For many, he seemed like an adult at a family party. More specifically for a large group, an Irish uncle at a family gathering. Which is why that image was soon used as a meme on social media, with people adding “Irish uncle” sayings and phrases to make a very specific meme format go viral.
https://twitter.com/lyonsteafan/status/1398573236909133824
“How *you* gettin on?” pic.twitter.com/eUtpLAurl8
— Peter McGann (@peterjmcgann) May 29, 2021
Ah nooo Bridie Ah gwan yeah
sure I’m only I’ll have just the
popping in for one cup now
a minute for c’mere did ya
a catch up no hear what
hassle like happened to- pic.twitter.com/z6xlrRK77J— Aoife💃 (@aoifedevirgo) May 29, 2021
‘And you paid for them jeans like that ya did, with all them holes already in them?’ pic.twitter.com/mpKFmuevfM
— spochadóir (@spochadoir) May 29, 2021
You might throw on another pint there Tommy when you're ready pic.twitter.com/NtvG26oSsW
— Conor Gallagher (@ConorGallaghe_r) May 29, 2021
You're joking! Sure I was only talking to him on Wednesday pic.twitter.com/9Fb9uEqUZq
— Minister for Spuds at the Dept of Bacon & Cabbage (@FCTwenteBenson) May 29, 2021
There were a lot of dads and uncles described here.
matt le blanc looks like a fella you’d end up having a deep conversation with in the residents bar after a wedding. ten pints deep and he’s giving you the best advice you’ll ever get. you’ll never meet him again but his sage wisdom sticks with you forever. a gentleman pic.twitter.com/KfXpHjFdsA
— Ian (@imgrandsure) May 29, 2021
Matt LeBlanc looking like he won the raffle at the quiz and he's after sending the grand-niece up with the ticket to collect the prize. pic.twitter.com/66ENcJHySc
— Ciarán 🇵🇸 (@Call_Me_Ciaran) May 29, 2021
https://twitter.com/spiceslag/status/1398550637026197504
The club man who is a good shout to ask for all Ireland tickets pic.twitter.com/WkWFo5hNH3
— Seána (@GrantSana) May 29, 2021
Matt LeBlanc looks like the Dad on Christmas that is happy to see you open your gifts even though he doesn’t know what any of them are cos your Mum got them all pic.twitter.com/h0lM3CEqPi
— Gems🧡 (@gemmlarh) May 29, 2021
I enjoyed Matt Le Blanc’s “Da’ sitting on the couch during a quick stop at your grans” performance pic.twitter.com/29v2NjKnm0
— Richie Morgan (@WretchedMorgan) May 28, 2021
Matt Le Blanc as a Late Late Audience member pic.twitter.com/VCOZVGLgZx
— Dave K (@PunLovinLad) May 29, 2021
Who wore it best, #mattleblanc or my Dad??!! 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/KAzHyA1waH
— Triona Wynne (@TeeCunningham) May 29, 2021
A lot of other people, many who do not have Irish uncles, also found the photo very relatable.
Me in class, enjoying being surprised by the case because I didn't read because I don't like spoilers pic.twitter.com/iHRdlbXyVd
— 🏃♀️⚖️ (@CanPanicNow) May 30, 2021
Old PE teacher supervising your free maths class pic.twitter.com/a2MxCCdIuO
— Aodh (@FollowTheLaoide) May 28, 2021
Me every time I open the app and see a new Matt LeBlanc tweet pic.twitter.com/8bIxitvMPz
— Ross Sayers (@Sayers33) May 30, 2021
It was a very loving meme, all things considered. And after watching him for years on TV, who wouldn’t want LeBlanc to be part of the family?
