Many say "Reply 1994" shares the format of the 2012 drama, "Reply 1997."

Although this may be true, the sentiments of "Reply 1994" resemble those of the American TV show "Friends" more than "Reply 1997."

Both "Friends" and "Reply 1994" are based on metropolitan cities of the United States and Korea, New York City and Shin Chon, Seoul, respectively. Monica's house, where the six friends gathered together and hung out, is overlapped with the Shin Chon boarding house. In addition, as Ross and Monica lead the stories of "Friends" as siblings, Sung Na Jung and Sseureki, as non-blood related siblings, lead the stories of the Shin Chon boarding house.