Created by Davin Crane and Marta Kauffman, Friends, the beloved sitcom that graced our screens from 1994 to 2004, remains a staple in television history. While the humor and chemistry of its main cast earned it iconic status, some storylines and jokes from the show wouldn’t quite land the same way in 2024. Let’s take a closer look at some Friends episodes and story arcs that might make you cringe if you’re binge-watching the series on HBO Max or catching reruns on TBS.

Table of Contents

1. Joey’s Dating Habits

Joey Tribbiani, played by the talented Matt LeBlanc, was undeniably one of the standout characters in Friends. His humorous lines and dynamic with Chandler added much to the show’s charm. However, Joey’s dating habits, common among sitcom lotharios, feel out of sync with today’s standards. From treating women as disposable one-night stands to objectifying them, Joey’s behavior, though softened by his overall sweet nature, can be cringe-worthy by today’s more aware standards.

2. Monica’s Questionable Romance With Ethan

Monica’s romantic involvement with Ethan, a supposedly college senior who turns out to be a high school senior, raises eyebrows. The storyline, while resolved amicably, remains problematic due to its creepy undertones and the acknowledgment that Monica, unknowingly, committed a legal offense.

3. Phoebe’s Past

Despite Phoebe being the comedic heart of Friends, the show often uses her tragic past for laughs. Her friends’ reactions and snarky comments about her upbringing, including references to her time in porn, don’t offer the support she deserves. Phoebe’s traumatic experiences should be treated with more sensitivity rather than serving as punchlines.

4. Rachel and Tag’s Relationship

Rachel and Tag’s workplace romance, with Rachel being Tag’s boss, carries an uncomfortable power dynamic. Rachel’s inappropriate behavior before their relationship, including lies and invading his privacy, adds a creepy element that might not sit well with modern audiences.

5. Ross’ Behavior Towards His Cousin

Undoubtedly the worst storyline in Friends, Ross making a pass at his cousin Cassie is disturbing and reprehensible. This episode remains puzzling and gross, showcasing one of Ross’s most questionable moments in the series.

6. “I Married A Lesbian!”

The continuous jokes about Ross having married a lesbian, referring to his ex-wife Carol and her partner Susan, perpetuate homophobia. Friends, despite being one of the first shows with a major LGBTQ+ storyline, falls short in treating these characters with the respect they deserve.

7. Chandler’s Transphobia

Chandler’s parents’ divorce, especially the treatment of his transgender parent, contributes to the show’s transphobic undertones. The constant jokes and misgendering reveal a lack of sensitivity that wouldn’t be accepted in today’s more inclusive television landscape.

8. Fat-shaming

Monica’s past weight issues are consistently used as a source of humor, contributing to the problematic trend of fat-shaming prevalent in sitcoms. Friends often fails to handle this sensitive topic with the nuance it deserves.

9. The Male Nanny

“The One with the Male Nanny” perpetuates outdated gender stereotypes and tropes. Ross’s discomfort with a male nanny, along with questioning his sexual preferences, reflects an ignorance that wouldn’t be considered acceptable in contemporary storytelling.

10. Ugly Naked Guy

While Ugly Naked Guy is an off-screen character, the friends’ dismissive comments about his body, verging on fat-shaming, contribute to mean-spirited behavior. The use of the word “ugly” adds an unnecessary layer of negativity to the show.

11. The Immaturity Surrounding Breastfeeding

The immature reactions of Joey and Chandler to breastfeeding, reducing a natural act to a joke, reflect the narrow approach the show takes toward this topic. Their childish behavior wouldn’t be well-received in today’s world of breastfeeding advocacy.

12. Ben’s Dolls

Ross’s discomfort with his toddler son playing with Barbies highlights problematic masculinity issues. The show fails to portray this situation as an opportunity for growth and understanding, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

13. Workplace Sexual Assault

Phoebe’s experience of workplace sexual assault is played for laughs and used as a plot point in the Ross/Rachel dynamic. The lack of acknowledgment and seriousness regarding this issue showcases Friends’ failure to handle sensitive topics responsibly.

The Phenomenon That Was ‘Friends’: Cast, Pay, and the Show’s Success

Introduction

Friends, the iconic sitcom that aired from 1994 to 2004, stands as a testament to the power of friendship, humor, and unforgettable moments on television. As we delve into the show’s massive success, let’s take a closer look at the full cast, their impressive pay per episode, and the factors that contributed to Friends becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Full Friends Cast

1. Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green

2. Courteney Cox as Monica Geller

3. Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay

4. Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani

5. Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing

6. David Schwimmer as Ross Geller

This ensemble cast, known for their impeccable chemistry, brought the characters of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross to life, creating a bond that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Pay Per Episode

The financial aspects of Friends added an intriguing layer to its narrative. The main cast negotiated their salaries collectively, demonstrating the strength of their camaraderie.

1. Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green)

Pay: Started at $22,500 per episode and increased to $1 million per episode in later seasons.

2. Courteney Cox (Monica Geller)

Pay: Started at $22,500 per episode and increased to $1 million per episode in later seasons.

3. Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay)

Pay: Started at $22,500 per episode and increased to $1 million per episode in later seasons.

4. Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani)

Pay: Started at $22,500 per episode and increased to $1 million per episode in later seasons.

5. Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing)

Pay: Started at $22,500 per episode and increased to $1 million per episode in later seasons.

6. David Schwimmer (Ross Geller)

Pay: Started at $22,500 per episode and increased to $1 million per episode in later seasons.

The decision to negotiate salaries collectively showcased the solidarity of the cast, ensuring that all six main actors received equal pay.

The Recipe for Success

Friends’ unprecedented success can be attributed to several key factors.

1. Unmatched Chemistry

The camaraderie among the cast members translated into on-screen magic, creating a believable portrayal of lifelong friends navigating the ups and downs of life.

2. Relatable Storylines

Friends addressed universal themes such as love, friendship, career struggles, and family dynamics. Viewers resonated with the characters’ experiences, making the show highly relatable.

3. Impeccable Writing

The writing team, led by creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman, crafted witty and humorous scripts that stood the test of time. Memorable catchphrases and comedic moments became ingrained in popular culture.

4. Perfect Timing

Friends debuted in the mid-’90s, capturing the zeitgeist of the era. Its lighthearted humor provided a welcome escape for audiences during a time of change and uncertainty.

5. Innovative Marketing

NBC’s strategic marketing campaigns, including promotional events and tie-ins, contributed to building anticipation for each episode and season.

6. Streaming Revolution

Friends found a new generation of fans when it became available on streaming platforms. The binge-watching culture further solidified its status as a timeless classic.

Whether you’re watching reruns on television or streaming on platforms like HBO Max, Friends continues to bring joy and laughter to audiences worldwide, proving that the bonds of friendship are timeless.

As we revisit these Friends episodes, it’s essential to recognize the evolving standards of humor and storytelling in television. While the show has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on pop culture, some aspects may not align with the expectations and sensitivities of today’s audience. Streaming on HBO Max, Friends remains a nostalgic journey with moments that prompt reflection on the changing landscape of television.