It has been more than two decades since ‘Friends‘ aired for the first time. Yet, the show continues to reveal surprises long after its finale. We get to know about many such behind-the-scenes facts almost every day, and it never stops fascinating us.
We have listed down some such surprising facts about the hit sitcom you probably had no idea about.
1. ‘Friends’ Coined The Term “Friend Zone”
The phrase “friend zone” is used almost everywhere today, but most people don’t know it started on ‘Friends‘. In season one, Joey tells Ross that he waited too long to ask out Rachel and was now stuck in the “friend zone.” Most of us didn’t even realize that the phrase would become a part of pop culture, just like the show.
Related: Top 15 ‘Friends’ Episodes, Ranked
2. The Central Perk Couch Came From A Basement
The orange couch in Central Perk is one of the show’s most famous props, and we are ready to spend big bucks to get that in our living room. But it wasn’t bought from a store. A set decorator found it in the basement of the Warner Bros. studio. It was old, worn out, and needed fixing, but once cleaned up, it fit perfectly. Who knew it would turn out to be so iconic?
3. Ross And Rachel’s First Time Had A Special Title
When Ross and Rachel finally spent the night together in season two, the episode title was, “The One Where Ross and Rachel… You Know.” It was also the only time in the whole series that two character names were included in the title. Of course, they became a beloved on-and-off couple, and storylines were scrapped to keep these lobsters going.
4. Matthew Perry Had A Crush On Jennifer Aniston
Before the show started, Matthew Perry admitted that he had a crush on Jennifer Aniston. He said he quickly realised she wasn’t interested, so he let it go. Later, when she married Brad Pitt, he joked that he definitely didn’t have a chance. Even though it never went anywhere, Perry always admired her.
5. The Cast Didn’t Enjoy Working With Marcel
Ross’s pet monkey Marcel might have been fun for us, but the cast didn’t feel the same way. David Schwimmer explained that while he loved animals, the monkey often missed cues and ruined takes. That meant they had to reshoot scenes over and over, which became frustrating.
In case you missed it: ‘Joey’: Why ‘Friends’ Spinoff Was Doomed From The Beginning
6. The Thanksgiving Turkey Was Fake
In the Thanksgiving episode where Joey and later Monica put a turkey on their heads, we thought it was real. But it wasn’t. Turns out, the props team made a fake one out of foam. The writers explained that no turkey was actually big enough to fit on someone’s head, and even if there were, it wouldn’t have been safe.
7. Courteney Cox Was First Considered for Rachel
During ‘Friends: The Reunion‘, the creators revealed they originally pictured Courteney Cox as Rachel. According to them, she had the right charm and style, but Cox herself didn’t agree. The actress insisted that she identified more with Monica and explained why she wasn’t a good fit for Rachel. Meanwhile, Jennifer Aniston became Rachel, and it’s hard to picture it any other way now.
8. Live Audiences Had To Be Replaced Sometimes
We all know how ‘Friends‘ episodes were filmed in front of live audiences, and the writers often changed jokes based on how the audience reacted. However, shoots sometimes ran very late, and if the crowd became too tired, producers would bring in fresh people. Even Marta Kauffman once said that fans were so tuned in to the show that they sometimes laughed before the punchline even came.
9. Lisa Kudrow Didn’t Enjoy Playing Ursula
Phoebe’s twin sister, Ursula, was a recurring character in the show. But guess what, Kudrow didn’t enjoy filming those episodes. Director Kevin Bright revealed that she disliked acting opposite a double, even though her real sister stood in as Ursula’s body double. It just wasn’t fun for her!
10. Gunther’s Hair Was an Accident
Gunther’s bright blonde hair wasn’t planned. James Michael Tyler, who played him, had let a friend practise hair bleaching on him the night before his first day on set. The producers liked the look, so he kept it for 10 years. Tyler said he bleached it himself every week to keep it the same shade.
It’s because of these details, and the knowledge of how much the writers pondered over the plot and the dedication of actors, that make ‘Friends‘ fans like us love the show even more!
