The LEGO Friends theme is a popular, current product line that was launched in 2012 and is centered on the lives and adventures of a group of friends in the fictional town of Heartlake City. The theme is known for introducing the mini-doll figure (which is more detailed and realistic than the traditional minifigure) and a vibrant color palette.
Overview
The Friends theme was developed after extensive research to appeal to a female audience and became one of the LEGO Group's most successful franchises, significantly expanding its customer base in the girls' sector. The sets depict realistic scenarios based on the characters' hobbies, houses, shops, and favorite hangouts, encouraging role-play and creative building.
Characters
The theme began with five main characters and was relaunched in January 2023 with eight new, diverse friends to promote inclusivity.
Original Characters (2012-2022)
Andrea: A confident singer.
Emma: A creative artist and fashion enthusiast.
Mia: An animal lover who enjoys the outdoors.
Olivia: A curious character with a passion for science and technology.
Stephanie: A sporty and organized character.
Current Characters (2023-Present)
Aliya: Enjoys homework and volunteering at the animal shelter.
Autumn: An adventurer with a limb difference, who is Mia's daughter.
Leo: A talented cook.
Liann: A creative comic book illustrator.
Nova: A mega influencer and gamer.
Olly: A fashion designer and extreme sports enthusiast.
Paisley: A singer with stage fright.
Zac: A jokester who enjoys motocross and martial arts.
Set Examples LEGO Friends sets cover a variety of suburban and city life scenarios. While some examples like "The Mystery Machine" (Scooby-Doo), "Mighty Dinosaurs" (Creator 3-in-1), and The Simpsons House ( The Simpsons) are not from the Friends theme, the Friends line offers many popular sets focusing on buildings and vehicles, including:
Heartlake City Shopping Mall (41058/41450): A large set with multiple stores.
Friendship Tree House (41703): A feature-rich anniversary set from 2022.
Heartlake International School (41748): A detailed set from the 2023 relaunch featuring diverse characters and classrooms.