Rebooting nostalgia: 'Friends Like These' and the rise of friendship vacations in South Africa

A while back, there was a popular show on SABC1 called "Friends Like These".

It captivated audiences for 14 seasons by giving groups of friends a chance to compete in quizzes and various challenges, all for the ultimate prize: a vacation.

The show featured two teams, one of five guys and one of five girls, often culminating in exciting rewards like vacations and cruises.

Its fast-paced format and "battle of the sexes" theme made it a staple among viewers.

For countless fans, winning a spot on the show and emerging victorious felt like striking the vacation jackpot.

Because of its success, "Friends Like These" played a unique role in popularising friendship group holidays in South Africa.

Today, years after its final airing, nostalgia has sparked calls for a revival.

One user on X, @Nkulunkulu_God, recently tweeted: “SABC1 needs to bring back 'Friends Like These'. We are grown up, and we also want the opportunity to go to Mauritius.”

This tweet quickly gained traction, and even radio presenter and TV personality Sizwe Dhlomo chimed in, reminiscing about his own time on the show.

“Guys! I’m here to solve a big mystery for anyone who doesn’t believe that the 'Friends Like These' cruises really happened. I just found my itinerary from 2009!” he shared, eliciting waves of support from fellow users.

Many responded to Dhlomo's tweet with fond memories.

@Ms_Makhathini confirmed, “We can definitely confirm that. In 2008, we also went on the 'Friends Like These' cruise with the girls.”

Another user, @MandlelaZungu, said: “We were on the same cruise with you and your friends. Lira was also there with her friends and others from the show. I can testify for you Sizwe😀. I'm sure I still have one or two memorabilia of that cruise somewhere.”

@Vutivi_M said: “I wanted to go to this show so bad and not even for the cruise because I didn’t think it mattered to me then. I was still young but I wanted to be in 'Friends Like These' so bad.”

While @MoagiTheBuilder said: “The fact that i couldn’t wait to be older to go only for the show to be cancelled 😭✋🏽.”

From going on cruises to Mozambique to local stays in places like Durban, its clear that the show inspired a long lasting appetite for travel and adventure with friends. 

Today, friendship vacations continue to be popular as people seek to strengthen bonds and create shared memories with their closest friends.

Data also highlights that travellers are prioritising connection and adventure with the people who’ve been there for them.

According to Tripadvisor, these types of adventures spiked by 39% this year.

These trips offer a chance to reconnect, explore new places and enjoy unique experiences together, often with the added benefit of shared costs and responsibilities.

The trend is also fuelled by a desire for deeper connections, a break from the stresses of daily life, and the opportunity to discover new things through shared adventures.

As netizens expressed their longing for a chance to travel, it is clear that a reboot of "Friends Like These" could tap into this desire for exploration and camaraderie.