Top Fan Plot Twists From TV series ‘Friends’

If you ask anyone to name a TV show that they can watch over and over again, it is FRIENDS

From a great cast to witty writing, they’d probably rave about classics like Breaking Bad and The Sopranos. By any chance, would a sitcom about six New Yorkers make the cut? While the beloved series Friends thrives on outstanding humor and a powerhouse cast, there’s no denying that the quality of its screenplay—episode after episode, season after season—is topnotch.

The friends cast were Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green), Courteney Cox (Monica Geller), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay), Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani), Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing) and David Schwimmer (Ross Geller)

Here’s one strong piece of evidence: in its decade-long run, Friends has pulled off some excellent plot twists. Through exceptionally written set-ups and bombshell moments, the series has generated its fair share of mesmerized “ooohs” from its fanbase. Ten particular twists (or “pivots,” if you happen to be Ross Gellar) still have us reeling to this day.

It Was Janice All Along

Chandler’s bad luck with the women was established early on in the series. In season 1, he breaks up with Janice (Maggie Wheeler) twice, the second time happening on no less than Valentine’s Day. Apparently, there was no hope for Mr. Bing in the romantic department.

However, it seemed as though Chandler’s fortunes were turning in the season 2 finale. Thanks to the innovation known as Internet chat rooms, Chandler found himself going back and forth with what sounded like an awesome woman to be with. Towards the end of the episode, Chandler paces nervously inside the Central Perk, when the woman finally arrives for their first-ever encounter in the flesh. This was no first, though: Chandler’s Internet fling turned out to be none other than Janice.

The Original Phoebe?

Throughout the series, Phoebe pieces together the key components of her past in order to establish a firm sense of self. It was no easy feat, though, as her encounter with Phoebe Abbott demonstrated.

In the season 3 finale, Phoebe was counting on Ms. Abbott to shed light on the identity and whereabouts of her father. However, when the elder Phoebe backs out of a dinner date that was intended for this purpose, the younger Phoebe breaks into her house and a confrontation ensues. Abbott finally relents, and drops a Darth Vader-esque reveal: she is actually Pheebs’ birth mother.What Happens In China…

Along

The premise of Friends‘ pilot episode was Ross’ rediscovery of his feelings for his high school crush Rachel. Throughout season 1, Ross could never muster the will to fully admit his emotions for Rachel, who simply views him as a good friend.

But, after Chandler unintentionally reveals the extent of Ross’ feelings, Rachel eventually realizes that she would be willing to reciprocate his love. During the closing moments of the season finale, she goes to the airport and eagerly awaits his return from China. Little did she know that Ross wouldn’t be returning alone; Dr. Gellar was now basking in the company of his new girlfriend, Julie.

…And Then There’s Vegas

The season 5 finale was a pretty eventful one. Between Phoebe’s fierce feud with a slot machine lurker and Joey’s stint as a costumed character at Caesar’s palace, the episode was packed with shenanigans worthy of Las Vegas. For a moment, too, it seemed that Monica and Chandler were poised to become a lawfully wedded couple.

When the two lovers arrived at a chapel to tie the knot, they find that a certain couple has beaten them to the punch. The doors swing open, and the identity of the just married couple is revealed: the highly intoxicated tandem of Ross and Rachel.

The Test In The Trash

Monica and Chandler did get around to planning their own wedding, which would become the focal point of the series’ seventh season. However, in the season finale, Chandler disappears after getting cold feet at the prospect of long-time commitment. This stresses out Rachel and Phoebe, who promptly decide not to tell Monica about this crucial detail.

While the girls (well, mostly Rachel) try to pull themselves together in Monica’s bathroom, Phoebe discovers a pregnancy test in the trash, and concludes that the bride-to-be is carrying a baby. However, after Chandler and Monica exchange their vows, Monica denies having taken any pregnancy test. The camera then zooms in on the face of Rachel—the friend who was truly (and surprisingly) expecting a child.

This Isn’t What It Looks Like

In season 8, Joey found himself caught in the middle of the never-ending saga between Ross and Rachel. Still, in his interactions with both friends, Joey’s sincerity shone through. He confessed his feelings for Rachel, and he boldly told Ross about these very feelings (Ross’ anger notwithstanding).RELATED: Joey Tribbiani’s Best Acting Roles, From Dr. Drake Ramoray To Mario With VD.

All well and good, except for one gesture that Joey did not intend to do at all. As the season finale reached its end, Rachel (who was still recovering from childbirth) asks Joey to look for some tissues. As he does so, he causes an heirloom ring to fall off Ross’ jacket. As Joey turns back to Rachel—holding the very ring that Ross wanted to slip on her finger—she quickly says yes to Joey’s unintended proposal.

“Hey, My Sweater!”