the TV play 《FRIENDS》

There is no such play called 'Friends'. What are you talking about?

He means the TV show Friends.

Personally, no idea why it was popular. I've never watched a full episode, must bits and pieces in the media. It seemed pretty awful.

I guess many people liked it because it let them imagine a life where they always had someone around them, were never alone, and were able to get into all kinds off zany situations.

Perhaps you meant the TV show called Friends? That TV program series started over 20 yrs ago, running from 1994-2004. As reflected upon by today's standards, it is quite dated.

My opinion is that it's rather boring. In its day, mid- to late- '90s, it had a new approach that made a splash in the American public TV viewing. The actors were attractive and trendy. I watched it for the first season and then got tired of it.

If you're looking for more details on the series, click on the following link:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108778/combined