The iconic sitcom Friends featured classic storylines that fans are still referencing today. The groundbreaking show captivated audiences with compelling storylines about falling in love, dealing with heartbreak, and true friendship. Friends became a cultural phenomenon and often included a cliffhanger that would create a massive buzz for months.
However, the series didn’t execute every storyline flawlessly. The writers frequently dropped storylines and characters without a payoff, and the stars often protested storylines they felt wouldn’t work for their characters and had them changed. Alternatively, the writers would also propose a story but quickly drop the idea.
Moving To Minnesota
The six best friends spent their days living in New York City. Indeed, the series is synonymous with New York and its surrounding locations. However, the writers considered making a significant change and moving the series to Minnesota in season 5. Chandler would move there for a new job, and his friends would follow him.
Phoebe & Her Father
At one point, Phoebe discovers that her grandmother lied to her about her father’s identity. She quickly starts to search for him but faces many obstacles. Phoebe meeting her father was a significant part of her storyline for the first few seasons.
Money Divides Them
In the season 2 episode “The One With Five Steaks And An Eggplant,” the six friends have a heated argument that divides them. Joey, Rachel, and Phoebe point out they don’t make as much money as the other three. Eventually, they confront Ross, Chandler, and Monica, which leads to an argument.
Gunther & Rachel Become Roommates
For a few years, Gunther worked as the manager at Central Perk and had a massive crush on Rachel. Of course, Rachel worked at Central Perk for a while. Later, she spent most of her time at the coffee shop hanging out with her friends. At one point, Rachel needed a place to live, and Gunther offered his home.
Phoebe’s Submarine Guy
The season 2 episode, “The One With The Chicken Pox,” featured Phoebe’s friend with benefits Ryan, the submarine guy visiting her. According to Phoebe, Ryan only sees her every two years due to his commitments with the navy.
Rachel & Chandler’s Romance
Rachel and Ross will go down in history as one of TV’s most extraordinary couples. However, the writers considered making Chandler another love interest for Rachel. In the season 3 episode “The One With The Flashback,” Rachel fantasizes about Chandler after meeting him at a bar earlier. She was having second thoughts about marrying Barry at the time.
Elizabeth Has A Baby
Ross had several memorable relationships throughout the series. During season 6, Ross began dating his much younger student, Elizabeth. The relationship soon fell apart. Eventually, Ross breaks up with Elizabeth because of the age difference, and she hits him with a water balloon.
Airport Security Arrests Monica & Chandler
In the season 8 episode “The One Where Rachel Tells…” Chandler and Monica prepare to board a plane for their honeymoon. While at the airport, they end up competing with another newlywed couple. However, that wasn’t the original storyline for the episode.
Ben Disappears
Ross’s son, Ben, played a significant role in the series for the first few seasons. Many of Ross’s storylines revolved around his son and having a child with his ex-wife, Carol. However, Ben suddenly disappears from the series. Ben doesn’t attend Ross’s wedding in London, nor does he ever meet his sister Emma.
Rachel & Joey’s Relationship
There were many love stories in the series that are unforgettable. However, Joey and Rachel do not fall into that category. During season 8, Joey develops intense feelings for Rachel. Of course, Rachel turns him down only to develop feelings for him later. They eventually start dating in season 10, although it’s very short-lived.
I graduated in Mass and Communication with 4 years of experience in content writing.