Local residents Michelle Keoghan and Suzanne Theune are the ultimate “Friends” fans, and now they’ve got the trophy to prove it. The dynamic duo was crowned the champions of HBO Max’s exciting new game show, “Fast Friends,” after competing in a four-episode special that aired this past December through early January.
The show, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the hit sitcom “Friends,” challenged fans to put their knowledge to the test while racing through iconic sets, solving puzzles, and reliving memorable moments from the beloved series. Keoghan and Theune, who own Shag Salon in Scottsdale, showed just how well they know the show, finishing strong as the winners of the high-energy finale on January 9.
"We're straight-up '90s girls," Keoghan said. "We grew up with ‘Friends’—it was like our real-life blueprint. When we heard about ‘Fast Friends,’ we knew we had to sign up."
The pair, known as Team The Rachel, competed against two other fan teams, Team Lobster and Team The Bamboozlers, for the grand prize: the iconic Geller Cup. And while the competition was fierce, it was Keoghan and Theune’s knowledge of “Friends”—and their own close friendship—that led them to victory.
The team name, Team The Rachel, was a no-brainer for the hairstylists. "We’ve cut that ‘Rachel’ haircut more times than we can count!" Keoghan laughed, referring to Jennifer Aniston's iconic look from the series.
The series, which debuted on Dec. 19, 2024, featured the best friends facing off in challenges set against the backdrop of The ‘Friends’ Experience: The One in New York City. Hosted by comedian Whitney Cummings, the game show had contestants battling it out with trivia and physical challenges in the very places where Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe made history.
“My favorite moment was walking into Central Perk for the first time,” said Theune. “We even got to enjoy a coffee there.”
Theune and Keoghan have been inseparable since meeting nine years ago while working together in a salon. After realizing they wanted to take on a bigger challenge, they took the leap to open their own business and have been close ever since, balancing each other out with their differing personalities—Keoghan’s high-energy spirit and Theune’s laid-back approach.
"We’re like yin and yang,” Keoghan said. “I’m Phoebe, and Suzanne’s definitely a Monica.”
The competition wasn't without its challenges. The pair spent six weeks rewatching all 236 episodes to prepare. “It was the most fun I’ve ever had preparing for a job,” said Theune. Despite the rigorous study, the duo had a few slip-ups on set, such as when Keoghan struggled with the timeline of the “Friends" characters' significant others.
The win came down to the wire, but when the confetti fell, Keoghan and Theune were on top. "Winning the show was such a thrill,” said Keoghan. “We had no idea how close it was until we saw the finale.”
To celebrate, the two hosted a viewing party at their salon, Shag Salon Scottsdale, where family, friends, and clients gathered to cheer them on as they watched the final episode together.
As for the future, fans of the pair can follow their continued adventures on social media @manemoms, where Keoghan and Theune share updates and fun moments.
For more information on “Fast Friends” and to watch the full series, visit max.com.
