This article is from the Friends FAQ, by Andy J. Williams AndyJW@dartmouth.edu with numerous contributions by others.
AJ: "Last year, the show benefited enormously from following both 'Mad About
You' and 'Seinfeld' [at 9:30PM on Thursdays]. Once 'Friends' was a hit, the
move [to 8PM on Thursdays] was a terrific compliment since now we could
actually help 'anchor' the night's prime-time lineup. As for the ratings,
they've been fantastic. If you all keep watching, we should be okay..."
 
Continue to: