LEGO Ideas Review Results!

I honestly hope they'd use yellow minifigs for the Central Perk set, which would make it a more generic type of Cafe set.

Probably not, going by Big Bang Theory, but the original submission uses more yellow then flesh figures.

What an interesting choice... To be honest, I wouldn't have been surprised if they picked none. Then again, as others said, Steamboat Willy seems to make some sense, but why 'Friends'? Ok, building walls (of a building) is somewhat what you do with Lego bricks, but beyond that? [Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed watching Friends some 20 years ago...]

Steamboat Willie is surprising somehow. But apparently it's coming very soon given the leaks. I hope LEGO will do it bigger than the original, though.

Like most people, I'm surprised by the Friends set. I know it's a really popular show, but it's also from going on 20 years ago, and I don't know how many current Lego fans would be super interested in this set. Big Bag Theory was a bit more plausible.

I'm excited for the Steamboat Willie though, I enjoy Disney a lot.

@David1985, I haven't seen any data or even rumor to suggest that Big Bang Theory was a failure. Just because it's on sale doesn't mean it's a failure. Plenty of Lego goes on sale at various places, that doesn't mean it flopped.

Willie is cute - will enjoy seeing the official set. Friends, like Big Bang Theory, is a very easy pass. Thank goodness for the Flintstones set, shall pop it next to my Scooby Doo and Co. Van.

Friends? This 20 years old "comedy" for teenagers with unsophisticated sense of humour? No, thanks.

Willie - Yes! Classic, funny movie. And first (?) black & white Lego set!

I'll probably buy both of these :)

Steamboat Willie is classy looking - love the black and white palette - cute! I'm not personally a fan of Friends, so I don't even know what the second one is... but I do like detailed diorama style models, so I can see this working too. The existing design is a bit cluttery to my taste - maybe the designers will clean it up a bit.

Purchase? Steamboat Willy is a yes. Friends is a maybe at a deep discount

I really hope Central Perk will be just as big/very close to as big and detailed as the original submission. That's what will conclude my decision whether to buy it or not.

Awful. Mickey Mouse is okay but the Friends set is far too similar to the recent BBT set except less instantly recognisable.

Steamboat Willie is a must for my wife's Disney collection. Thought it would be the only one to pass reviews so when they announced the Friends set was completely shocked, will definitely pick up a copy if it's like the original submission.

*clap clap clap clap

Friends was more popular than TBBT ever was. Logically speaking, the set's gonna make a lot more.

I won't be getting either of these. Yawn.

I figured it wouldn't happen, but I would have loved to see the International Space Station pass. However, I am happy and surprised that Friends passed; I just watched it for the first time on Netflix and loved it!

Considering that a billion (or so) people have watched FRIENDS over the years, this may end up being the most popular LEGO Ideas set EVER.

@Jek, while many would say Friends was more popular than TBBT, I haven't seen anything to indicate as such. That also has nothing to do with whether this set will necessarily sell better than TBBT. Friends isn't a current show, and the demographic isn't necessarily the same. So just because you think Friends is more popular than TBBT doesn't mean it's set will sell better.

@lamby750, the problem is IDEAS keeps getting a bunch of decent but futile ideas. Half of the time they conflict with an existing IP, or they're far too detailed or big to ever get made. Sure, they could take a break and wait for "fresher" ideas, but then they'd likely never come back. Really you should blame the fans that keep voting for sets that won't ever get made.

Congrats to the two designers on having their Ideas sent through for production, I hope they are both successful!

I’m so so happy with the Friends set! Didn’t dare to hope it would pass. Friends is still very popular here, there are a lot of memes coming from the series. It’s one of my favourite shows, I imagine them making a smaller display than the original ideas project.
Steamboat is cool too!

Friends still aired on tv here and that show is nearly 25 years old(1994-2004) it stood the test of time of popularity.

Also Nostalgia can be strong with older things.

I think it also has a different generation audience of people that know it compared to Big Bang Theory which is more recent (2007-2018)

Very much surprised. As Huw said a few months back, there seems to be little appeal to the core market in an adult sitcom that ended 15 years ago.
Steamboat Willie.... yes, it's Mickey Mouse, but it's a movie few kids will have seen. What are they going to do with the design? Keep it as simple and crude as the submission?
I was hoping for the Fiat but wasn't expecting it to get through given the ties between Fiat and Ferrari and the fact Lego have produced Ferraris for a loooong time.

Personal Thoughs

Steamboat Willy, I cannot wait for this as I love Disney and to have another Mickey Mouse would be epic and hopefully LEGO do not leave Micky out cause that will be upsetting

Coffee Shop, I've never watched Friends and don't plan onto so couldn't really care bout this set and i wished the M&M dispenser was chosen over this but thats my opinion.

I would have liked to see one of the Falcon Heavy models go through, but its understandable with Lego Ideas having already produced like five (?) space exploration themed sets they probably had a hard pass on it, not wanting to repeat themselves to much. Still, Falcon Heavy would look sick next to the Saturn V.

Now Friends is a surprise "but a welcome one to be sure." My mother still religiously watches reruns all these years later, and I remember when I lived in Argentina the show had a massive bout of popularity while I was there thanks to reruns. Or my experience in the Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Hollywood were the Central Perk set is still a popular photo opportunity (the Big Bang set, several Batmobiles, superhero and Harry Potter costumes were there to adding too the Lego connections...). Despite having been off air for so many years, Friends mania is still strong with a lot of fans.

As a FYI... with Friends being able to be streamed, at least in my area we have seen a number of folks from middle school through about 30 that have watched it fairly recently, and has been fairly popular in that age bracket.

I'm full into the Steamboat Willy set!

The Friends one isn't for me, but given how super popular it still is (Netflix shelled out insane cash to keep it streaming on their service for another year after customer outcry), it seems like a sound choice.

I had hoped for one of the Space sets. Falcon Heavy. But i think it falls in line with the rule that no following up sets. Even if the rocket is new, it can been seen as a sort of following up to Saturn V.

Certainly interesting to see how LEGO would realize the ISS. What size and brick count it will be. But once available and not too rudimentary something for my collection. Steamboat Willie is a must have, at least for me, as soon as it is on shelves.

I wonder how many people would confuse the Ideas Friends set with the actual Lego Friends line.

I totally voted for steamboat Willy and am happy I did.

Slightly disappointed Mickey doesn’t have his Steamboat Willy sailor hat

Yes! They picked the two submissions I was cheering for. Looking forward to see the final versions :)

Weird, never thought Friends was a good fit for the brand.

As soon as I saw the projects that made it to the review, I had a feeling Steamboat Willy would make it. I am a bit disappointed that the candy dispenser didn’t make it because I myself loved building and sometimes even designing Lego candy machines. The Friends set is a nice choice. My parents and Aunt like that show and will probably each want to get one. Can’t wait for these and the beautiful treehouse to come out.

I do have a question for those who have been to or know a lot about the Lego House. I saw the Metalbeard Seacow in the announcement video, is that the movie set on display there or is the ship added just for fun?

im surprized steamboat willie is an ideas set not a licensed disney

Btw, apologies for the spam. My computer was having some issues.

Very surprised at the Friends set being chosen considering that Big Bang Theory set which shares many similarities in not just design but also the shows popularity failed to sell well. It has the shortest life of all Ideas sets. Only available for five months where most Ideas sets are available for a year plus.

Isn't there a Duplo steamboat willy set already? ;)

That’s alot of Ideas sets in one year isn’t it?
Flintstones, treehouse and these 2...

The only one that appeals is the treehouse

Odd choices. The Steamboat set is hardly inspirational, or particularly original, and to be quite frank, the design looks pretty simplistic.
As for the Friends set, why?! TBBT was a flop for a reason, and why approve a set from a designer that has already been approved. Give someone else a chance.
What with these exclusive t-shirts, odd augmented reality sets and continent specific sets, ther are some odd decisions being made at the moment.

@monkyby87 You're welcome to research it. Friends is the most successful sitcom of all time. It's true, it's older than most, but there are plenty of new fans and the show is still really popular today, which is why people are fighting so hard for Netflix to keep it.

My wallet is happy as I have no interest on both sets now on that wonderful Chemical Factory however.....

Man... I REALLY wanted the ISS. I’m super stoked on Steamboat Willie too, since it’s all black/white. It’ll be a stark contrast to basically all other LEGO sets. The Friends set I couldn’t care less about, and I think it’s a super weird choice.

Huh. I'm very surprised that Steamboat Willie got through; I thought Lego had a rule that they wouldn't approve Ideas sets based on an IP that they already had access to, and we know Lego's already licensed to make Disney stuff. That seems weird to me - I mean, unless they're counting each Disney movie as separate IPs in their own right.

That said... while I love Disney, I've never been the biggest fan of Mickey himself, so despite it being iconic I can't see myself ever picking it up. Still wish that brick-built Stitch from a few rounds ago had passed, though.

I can't claim surprise that none of the others made it; I feel like eating candy out of a Lego model isn't very hygienic, and most of the others seemed either too niche, or too close to things Lego have done before. I just wasn't expecting these to get through, either, for those same reasons.

Steamboat Willie is the first ideas set I've voted for that will be produced!

As a Disney fan,I've done a similar topic aboat Steamboat Willie .
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jiangyujie/albums/72157663578377718

Kinda disappointed, the Steamboat Willie is cool but its understandable why it would have been chosen seen the contract with Disney. I'm not so convinced with the friends set... would've preferred the T16, 500, Rolls Royce engine, or the ISS.

Weird to me that Friends coffee shop goes into production when the Gilmour Girls' Luke's Diner didn't — I see a lot more swag these days pertaining to the latter than the former.

But I expect Steamboat Willie should be able to have a lower price point than the Yellow Sub, and I think that should bode well.

Friends set needs to use Friends minidolls. :-P

My friend who works at Disney, and is not an avid LEGO fan but does appreciate the product, made an account on LEGO Ideas just to vote for Steamboat Willie. She is going to be thrilled to hear this news!!!

Thank god, no space sets. So tired of those.

LEGO F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is not a set I expected but I love location builds so I'm excited to see the new minifig prints, maybe recolors, as well as piece recolors! Hope it's not too expensive and they shrink it down.

From what I know Steamboat Willie is like $90 and if that's the case then nobody is gonna buy it but okay!!

Looking forward to the final designs!

Looks like my wife will be getting her first set ever - she's gonna flip when I show her the Friends set.

Steamboat Willie seems like a easy buy for me. I'll wait for the finally design though. Friends is a hard pass. I rather watch a whole season of the Big Bang Theory than a single episode of Friends. I hated that show. It seems like very limited appeal and not really a core group of Lego fans.

As a hardcore Disney fan, I'm SUPER excited for the Steamboat Willie set! I do hope Lego improves upon it significantly for the final model, however, and includes a few additional minifigures.

The Friends set is going to be my first Ideas purchase, but only if it’s no more that $70 or if I can’t get the figures cheap. I can already assume Gunther won’t be included.

Awesome! I love both the choosen ideas and both are obvious buys at day one.
We REALLY don't need ANY more SpaceX-ish ideas. EVER!

Thank you.

Any of the other sets would have been better choices to me.

Steamboat Willie would be neat if it was a set you could buy at a Disney park or store. It's just so 'meh' I couldn't really see myself, or any big LEGO fans, buying it for the sake of the set unless they were huge Disney fans or impulse buying in a gift shop. Friends just seems way out of place for a Lego set.

I think the sets are well done, just not my cup of tea.

I love Friends. I think it's one of the funniest sitcoms ever. And you above, yours is only one opinion. Lol. And it is popular. The users here on Brickset seem to think that it's not. I know plenty of teenagers who watch the show even now. So LEGO will be able to sell the set. And LEGO already has a relationship with Warner Brothers. I just don't know how it's going to translate into a set. The original submission is pretty busy--too much detail, lol.

Steamboat Willy could be interesting based on what Lego themselves make of it. Friends is a weird and unneeded choice. A more dynamic entry like the rally car would have been far more interesting.

Man, I don't get it. Friends was a fine show, but who on Earth is going to buy a lego set based on it? I'm glad steamboat won, though. That's a clever idea and well implemented.

Beyond excited for the Friends set!

willie is okay, but don't get the "friends" one. will likely be too overpriced for the non-AFoL market, too.

i was hoping for the rolls royce turbine, but didn't think it would pass

Sad to see no more space themed Lego Ideas sets. That last rocket was beautiful and would have loved more space themed sets to go with it.

I see no appeal to either of these. Friends is slightly, and only slightly, better than TBBT.

When can we assume these hit the shelves?

I'm excited to see what they do with both of those ideas and certainly know people who'd be very interested in them! I'm a little disappointed over the Space Station though- I'd love a larger, more detailed model as an upgrade on the Discovery Channel set.

Odd choice with the Friends set. Wasn't the Big Bang set a flop? And this looks even bigger and likely more expensive. Well, at least it will go on sale and I can use the furniture bits for something else.

I guess the Friends set is going to be reduced in size because you can certainly keep most important details in a more compact setup which would result in a cheaper set. I do hope however that they add the sidewalk, since its featured pretty regularly in the show.

Edit : Also, maybe include accessories that tell a little something about each friend. I see Pheobe's guitar (altough it's an electric guitar) so that's good. All in all, I feel this set might be redesigned more than other Ideas sets.

the friends set looks awsome as does steamboat willie, but why release a set based on a unknown show

@Luke the Lego nerd, I'm confused by your comment. Which is the "unknown show" you are talking about? It can't be Friends. And Steamboat Willie is an old cartoon, but it's very well-known.

I do like the steamboat willie set, but would love to have seen one of the space sets. I got into Lego, in my late 50s, because of the Saturn 5 ideas set and the only other vaguely “real space” set I’ve seen since then has been the creator 3in1 Shuttle - not sure where people get the idea there’s been a glut of space sets?

Very disappointed. The two Falcon sets were virtually identical which means a set based on the Falcon or Falcon heavy actually got 20,000 votes and yet no set? It is even more surprising after the huge reception of the Saturn V. I wonder if Lego had trouble getting the rights from SpaceX? Anyone have other thoughts as to why the SpaceX Falcon was passed over? Maybe Lego is already in the works to make one of their own, or perhaps too similar to the upcoming City space sets?

Also--I watched Friends religiously when they originally aired, and then have watched them in syndication forever . . . and yet I have no desire to have a set based on the show. I also don't think equating the Friends popularity (even it's newfound resurgence on Netflix) with sales for a Friends Lego set. I just can't see the Friends fans shelling out for a Lego . . . oh well, I could be wrong.

@ jiam0507 -
In my opinion, you've created a much nicer rendition of the ship! I'm on the fence about your brick-built Mickey, but the photo of your model in the foreground with the fountain in the background shows that it's accurate to the source material. Great job.

I'm not wowed but that's okay, there will be a set that demands that I surrender my wallet soon enough I'm sure. In fact I see at the end of LEGO's blog post about the prospective sets in the next review. I'm hoping there's going to be a must have come out of those.

I liked the first few seasons of Friends in its original run. Rewatched some of it recently. Now it feels like the major theme of the show is who is and who isn't sleeping with who. Which seems way off brand.

Really disappointed at no ISS as this is not the first time an ISS model has hit 10K.

Wouldn't have been my favorite choices but this entire review didn't spark any interest for me.

It seems like most (obviously not all) of the positive feedback is coming from the US and the "I don't get it" responses from the international community where the show might not have been nearly as popular or even aired at the time.

I can see the friends set being way overpriced due to having 6 minifigs or cut down in size significantly, but like Jsworpin holds zero interest for me, just like TBBT. SBW maybe but until I see the final product will keep the $ in the pocket

I'm super excited about both of these!! They were far and away my two favorite from the final 10. Both will definitely be going on my Must Have list!!

Hmpf, wrote an elaborate comment, pressed "post comment", and it was gone. Anyway, short: both a bit of a surprise for me, not sure I'll buy either. Friends seems the strongest contender, dependent on the final design, as the submitted one seems a bit unfinished. Not for the connection with the show, though, but for a nice diorama of a cafe-scene.

I did vote for the two cars, would probably have bought both, but, well...

I’m not very interested in these two, however I can see why the Friends set got approved. Also keep in mind that Lego Ideas is a way to get exposure for unconventional or new Lego sets, not just a voting vehicle for space/rocket fans.

I’m personally so excited for both, steamboat willie especially!! Surprised about friends but as a fan of the show I’m intrigued

@SinKiller Nick, my personal opinion about the space sets is that we've already had a good handful of space sets come out from IDEAS, more than any "theme" for sure. Like @B_Space_Man said, IDEAS is more than just space sets. I love the space themed sets, don't get me wrong. But we've been spoiled with some really great ones. Too many and people would get tired of seeing space stuff. In some cases we already are, as it seems almost every round there's at least one space that makes it to the final round.

Saturn V is still being sold, unlike a few Ideas sets that came AFTER it.

Also the 2019 City Space line actually has a space rocket and not just shuttles this time around.

Oh crap! They had to go and pick one of the only sets in the lot I said I'd buy! My LEGO budget is already stretched so thin... now I'm going to have to buy Central Perk, and probably a million more bricks to make it a proper building. Ugh. Just so I can say "how you doin?" In Joey's voice as I play with my LEGO. Wait, forget that, I don't play w/them, I just "collect" them... it's too late, I've said too much. Delete!

I suppose my thoughts on the Ideas theme can be said of many Lego themes, i.e. can the production of a large and ever increasing range of sets be sustained? I think if the sets in question are well designed, have playability and are visually appealing then the answer is probably yes. It also gives us fans the ability to pick and choose sets that suit our particular tastes, which is obviously a good thing. However, if the marketing strategy is just playing to fan bases/collectors of particular tv shows, nostalgia toys, films etc. then I think the set quality will not be as important to TLG and will therefore diminish. Market saturation of these types of products is likely to occur and can't be good for the long term health of TLG.

I'm disappointed that so many Ideas sets are just licensed products of existing IP. It's not really an "idea" if someone else thought it up already. Zero of the ten finalists were original ideas.

At least my favorite of the bunch and hopefully cheap Steamboat Willie made the cut. It's cute. It's small. And I love that it isn't afraid to let you know it's actually a Lego with its visible studs.

AAAAAAAAND that's a pass on the friends set!

I love Steam Boat Willie! Cant wait to see the official set.

@Iriz so many own it because it went on sale so much. I wouldnt have gotten it at normal retail price otherwise

I’m excited to get both!

I love steamboat willie, but wish that the ISS had made it instead of the friends cafe

Steamboat Willie should be very cool. Friends... eh I could take it or leave it. With BBT and Friends both getting diorama-style sets though, I think Jerry's apartment from Seinfeld NEEDS to happen. THAT is a set I'd get for sure.

Netflix paid $100 million for the rights to show Friends for one year. I think it would be better to think of Friends as a show that is currently very popular, as opposed to a 20 year old has-been.

As others I kinda expected Steamboat Willie, I just hope the final set will include more characters, animals and more substantial boat - preferably with wheels underneath so you can push it along and have the paddle wheels spin and the chimneys move up and down.

Rather "meh" about Friends though - while I enjoyed the show (which despite the extremely cliche "pretty teenagers sharing an apartment they can't possibly afford" premise was rather well written) it eventually overstayed its welcome and I didn't watch the later seasons (Which is more than I can say about TBBT, I never cared about that as it felt just like a Friends re-run with a light sprinkling of geek/science references). Not sure about the choice of the cafe either, I'd think the girls' apartment would be more instantly recognizable.

The other projects didn't seem to have much chance - we've already had a lot of space sets, the cars and Mexico City overlaps existing themes, the jet engine is too big and the candy machine probably "too unhealthy" or somesuch.

I'm sure Steamboat Willie will be cleaned up somewhat, it looks rough around the edges a bit. I was a fan of Friends but I don't find the series iconic to buy this set. Finally, I hope Lego releases the Peugot Rally car in Speed Champions because it looks very good.

Steamboat Willie is pretty neat. But let's be honest, the Friends set is just an expensive minifig pack, kinda over the AFOL minifig obsession to be honest! Would have preferred the 500F...

I'm sure Steamboat Willie will be cleaned up somewhat, it looks rough around the edges a bit. I was a fan of Friends but I don't find the series iconic to buy this set. Finally, I hope Lego releases the Peugot Rally car in Speed Champions because it looks very good.

Congratulations to the designers and I hope it sells well but it has become clear that Ideas is not for me. I have no interest in licensed sets, no interest in NASA display models, and no interest expensive buildings which seems to be the three things Ideas makes these days. I love the Exo Suit and wish they did more like that. Oh well.

Whaaaaaaaattt ? No release for this awesome Peugeot 205 Rally Edition ?
I am french, and very disapointed :p.

Sadly the two selected sets are not as impressive as this legendary car, jumping off the dirt hill...

@Legorides It's ok for youngsters chuckling at us "old folk" : one must admit that too many sets in this Lego Ideas wave are obviously led by nostalgia :D.

So, it is another Disney Set for the LEGO Disney Stores ...
When you go into a Brand Store, you will see the Disney Castle, a lot of Disney Star Wars, The Disney Princess Series (Friends style and DUPLO) an the Marvel Super Heroes (by Disney).
And wasn't "Tron" by Disney as well?!?
I like the DUPLO version of Steamboat Willie, but I think there is no need for an Ideas Set.

I don't no "Friends", but I heard that is was very popular and LEGO seems to hope that the people who grow up with it now have the money to buy it (compare with BBT).

In the end: when the price is fine - people will buy, if not not.

I'm thinking if they didn't do the Fiat they already have plans for it either in Speed Champions or Creator Expert. The same for the Peugot. The project was essentially a Speed Champions set. Something along those lines is likely already on the To Do list.

Perhaps someone has already adressed this: why is the Steamboat Willie picture photoshopped? I'd guess to make the rougher edges more appealing to look at? It's Lego. It's not supposed to be smooth...

Ugh, the two poorest sets made the cut. Atrocious. i would've been happy with literally any other two picks from that batch. It just had to be these two huh?

Sorry to sound starchy but I feel that Friends is not suitable for a kids toy.
Fantasy conflict? Yes.
Real world conflict? No.
Real world adult references? No.

For example would Red Dwarf or get through with fantasy based adult references?

I can totally see why both of these passed. Having said that, I probably won't buy either.
Most of all, I'm glad that the M&M dispenser didn't pass. The designers engaged in a very distasteful 'I've voted for you, now vote for me' campaign to reach 10,000 votes. Mind you, TLG were never gig to approve a project linked to 'unhealthy' food.

I was never much of a fan of Friends, I get that it's hugely popular, but I'll pass on this one. SteamBoat Willie is a big maybe. It must be small and affordable like the fan model, otherwise I'll likely pass.

I'm really interested to see what Friends is like and Steamboat Willie looks good as well.