‘Friends‘, the iconic sitcom was chiefly about the friendship and love that the six lead characters had for each other. However, it was also laced with some complicated romantic angles that made the story dramatic. Across its impressive run of ten seasons, the most successful couple on the show was Monica and Chandler, who also got married and later adopted twins.
However, Rachel and Ross’ relationship had terrible back-and-forth dynamics. But for a brief time in the season, fans also witnessed another pair trying to ignite romance — Rachel and Joey. However, it did not turn out well for Joey, who actually ended up falling in love with Rachel. But it wasn’t just Joey who was disappointed. Many fans shared his feelings — but for slightly different reasons.
Rachel And Joey’s Romance Was Built To Fail
Rachel and Joey’s relationship was not meant to last, and fans perhaps knew it from the moment it started. In season 8, Joey, played by Matt LeBlanc, realized his feelings were more than platonic for Rachel Green, played by Jennifer Aniston. At the same time, Rachel was also pregnant with Ross’ child. The couple still gave the relationship a try, which made things weird, to say the least.
For the fans, something did not quite sit well. Besides, the cast also didn’t approve much of the relationship, even claiming that the storyline felt “incestuous.” Rachel and Joey were good friends for years and accidentally developed crushes on each other. Fans were used to seeing them share this loving but platonic relationship. So this sudden shift in dynamics did indeed feel unnatural.
Related: ‘Friends’: What Would’ve Happened Had Ross Stayed Married To Emily?
As the story moves forward, the characters realize they are incompatible. Interestingly, the show makers also created the relationship with the intent of being short-lived.
What Went Wrong With Rachel And Joey’s Relationship?
Joey and Rachel continued to date but couldn’t make it past the kissing stage. Every time Joey would slide his hand across Rachel’s thigh, she would slap it away and Joey could not manage to get intimate with Rachel.
Rachel herself notes that she was unable to stop herself from thinking about the fact that Joey was trying to get intimate with her, making her uncomfortable with the thought. After several attempts at romantic intimacy, the two decide that they are not compatible with each other, and are rather too good friends to pursue a romantic relationship.
In case you missed it: “I’m Sure He’d Seen Breasts Before”: ‘Friends’ Star Jane Sibbett Recalls Matthew Perry’s Hilarious Reaction To Her Breastfeeding Scene
The couple finally broke up in season 10 episode 3, ‘The One With Ross’ Tan’. By the end of the show, Rachel ends up with Ross after several dramatic ups and downs, whereas Joey ends up alone striving through his successful career as an actor. However, the attempted romance between Rachel and Joey remains one of the most awkward plotlines in the history of sitcoms.
