"Friends" is an American sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which aired on NBC from September 22, 1994, to May 6, 2004. The series revolves around six friends—Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—living in Manhattan, New York City.
The show gained immense popularity for its humor, relatable characters, and depiction of friendship and love.
Key Achievements:
10
236
62
"The One After the Superbowl" (S2 E12/13)
"The Last One" (S10 E17/18)
"The One Where Rachel Has a Baby" (S8 E22/23)
Each season is summarized below, including key information about each episode, such as title, air date, runtime, writers, directors, special guest appearances, and viewer statistics.
Premiere: September 22, 1994
Finale: May 18, 1995
Number of Episodes: 24
Average Viewership: 24.3 million
Monica gets a new roommate, Rachel, who has just run away from her wedding.
Viewership: 21.5 million
Ross discovers his ex-wife is pregnant; Rachel returns her engagement ring to Barry.
Viewership: 20.2 million
Phoebe gets a large sum of money she doesn’t want, Monica’s new boyfriend becomes the group’s favorite, and Chandler starts smoking again.
Viewership: 19.7 million
The girls spy on George Stephanopoulos, while the guys attend a hockey game where Ross reminisces about his first time.
Viewership: 19.2 million
Ross and Rachel do laundry together, Monica struggles with a friend’s clingy ex, and Chandler breaks up with Janice.
Viewership: 20.1 million
Joey gets a film role as Al Pacino’s butt double, Chandler dates a woman who is married and has a boyfriend, and Monica obsesses over cleanliness.
Viewership: 20.5 million
A citywide blackout leaves Chandler trapped in an ATM vestibule with a model, while Ross attempts to confess his feelings to Rachel.
Viewership: 21.3 million
Ross and Monica deal with their grandmother’s passing, and Chandler’s coworkers think he’s gay.
Viewership: 20.6 million
The group’s Thanksgiving dinner plans go awry when the Underdog balloon breaks free.
Viewership: 21.1 million
Ross adopts a monkey named Marcel, and the group makes resolutions for the new year.
Viewership: 20.7 million
The group's income disparities lead to tension when Monica loses her job and the gang splits a dinner bill. Chandler gets a prank call from a woman named Jade.
Viewership: 19.8 million
Joey and Chandler babysit Ben but accidentally leave him on a bus. Meanwhile, Phoebe loses her spot at Central Perk to a professional singer.
Viewership: 29.7 million
Rachel drunk-dials Ross, confessing her feelings, leading to an awkward confrontation. Monica works as Chandler's personal trainer.
Viewership: 30.2 million
Ross makes a pros-and-cons list about dating Rachel, which backfires. Meanwhile, Monica creates recipes for a chocolate substitute.
Viewership: 30.5 million
Phoebe learns the truth about her biological father. Monica tries to impress her parents during Christmas.
Viewership: 29.9 million
Rachel starts dating Russ, who looks and acts eerily similar to Ross. Joey lands a role on *Days of Our Lives*.
Viewership: 30.4 million
Rachel is a bridesmaid at her ex-fiancé's wedding and ends up making a scene. Joey begins dating a fan of his soap opera character.
Viewership: 31.4 million
🏆 Highest Rated Episode of Season 1
Joey’s soap opera character is killed off after he makes negative comments in an interview. Chandler suspects Eddie has been spying on him.
Viewership: 30.2 million
Premiere: September 21, 1995
Finale: May 16, 1996
Number of Episodes: 24
Average Viewership: 30.0 million
Ross returns from China with a new girlfriend, leaving Rachel heartbroken. Meanwhile, Chandler gets an unfortunate haircut from Phoebe.
Viewership: 32.1 million
Ross struggles to deal with Carol's breastfeeding, while Joey and Chandler enjoy free samples at a baby store. Rachel becomes jealous of Julie and Ross's relationship.
Viewership: 30.7 million
Mr. Heckles dies and leaves all his possessions to Monica and Rachel, causing Chandler to reevaluate his own life choices.
Viewership: 30.4 million
The gang discovers that Phoebe married a Canadian ice dancer to help him get a green card. Meanwhile, Ross seeks advice on how to spice up his relationship with Julie.
Viewership: 30.2 million
The group's income disparities lead to tension when Monica loses her job and the gang splits a dinner bill. Chandler gets a prank call from a woman named Jade.
Viewership: 30.0 million
Joey and Chandler babysit Ben but accidentally leave him on a bus. Meanwhile, Phoebe loses her spot at Central Perk to a professional singer.
Viewership: 29.7 million
Rachel drunk-dials Ross, confessing her feelings, leading to an awkward confrontation. Monica works as Chandler's personal trainer.
Viewership: 30.2 million
Ross makes a pros-and-cons list about dating Rachel, which backfires. Meanwhile, Monica creates recipes for a chocolate substitute.
Viewership: 30.5 million
Phoebe learns the truth about her biological father. Monica tries to impress her parents during Christmas.
Viewership: 29.9 million
Rachel starts dating Russ, who looks and acts eerily similar to Ross. Joey lands a role on *Days of Our Lives*.
Viewership: 30.4 million
Carol and Susan prepare for their wedding, but Carol’s parents refuse to attend. Monica caters the wedding, and Phoebe believes her body is inhabited by the spirit of a deceased client.
Viewership: 31.6 million
Ross visits Marcel, who is working on a movie set. Joey meets a fan who thinks his *Days of Our Lives* character is real.
Viewership: 52.9 million
🏆 Highest Rated Episode of Series (Part 1)
Monica and Rachel fight over Jean-Claude Van Damme. Chandler reunites with Susie Moss, a former classmate, who has revenge on her mind.
Viewership: 52.9 million
🏆 Highest Rated Episode of Series (Part 2)
The gang watches a prom video from Monica and Rachel’s past, revealing Ross’s feelings for Rachel. Rachel kisses Ross, rekindling their romance.
Viewership: 32.9 million
Ross and Rachel finally sleep together. Joey buys a large TV and two recliners, and Monica dates a younger man.
Viewership: 32.4 million
Joey decides to move out after Chandler upsets him. Monica and Ross reveal childhood secrets about one another.
Viewership: 31.8 million
Chandler gets a new roommate, Eddie, who exhibits strange behavior. Phoebe records a music video for her song “Smelly Cat.”
Viewership: 30.5 million
Joey’s soap opera character is killed off after he makes negative comments in an interview. Chandler suspects Eddie has been spying on him.
Viewership: 30.2 million
Chandler tries to get Eddie to move out. Monica, Ross, and Rachel read a steamy novel.
Viewership: 30.4 million
Phoebe learns about tragic movie endings she missed as a child. Ross introduces Ben to his parents.
Viewership: 30.1 million
Chandler and Ross confront two bullies at Central Perk. Monica attempts to make money on the stock market.
Viewership: 29.9 million
The gang throws separate birthday parties for Rachel when her parents unexpectedly show up.
Viewership: 30.3 million
Phoebe reunites with an old flame who is in the Navy, but both come down with chicken pox. Monica obsesses over Richard’s habits.
Viewership: 30.2 million
Rachel is a bridesmaid at her ex-fiancé’s wedding and ends up making a scene. Joey begins dating a fan of his soap opera character.
Viewership: 31.4 million
Premiere: September 19, 1996
Finale: May 15, 1997
Number of Episodes: 25
Average Viewership: 24.9 million
Written By: Michael Curtis & Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Gail Mancuso
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross confesses his Princess Leia fantasy to Rachel, who accidentally reveals it to Phoebe and Monica. Chandler seeks advice on how to handle Janice's ex-husband.
Written By: Ira Ungerleider
Directed By: Gail Mancuso
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross becomes frustrated when none of the gang is ready for his important event at the museum. Joey and Chandler fight over a chair.
Written By: Wil Calhoun
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: David Arquette as Malcolm
Monica decides to make jam to take her mind off Richard. Joey develops a crush on his stalker. Ross and Rachel have a fight over Mark.
Written By: Alexa Junge
Directed By: Steve Zuckerman
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler fears commitment when Janice suggests they take things to the next level. Ross worries about Ben playing with a Barbie doll.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Steve Zuckerman
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Giovanni Ribisi as Frank Buffay Jr.
Phoebe’s half-brother, Frank Jr., visits her in New York. Ross creates a list of famous women he’d like to date. Joey builds an entertainment center.
Written By: David Crane & Marta Kauffman
Directed By: Peter Bonerz
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Christina Pickles as Judy Geller
The gang recalls events from three years earlier, showing how Monica and Chandler almost hooked up, and Joey joined the group.
Written By: Seth Kurland
Directed By: Gail Mancuso
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: James Michael Tyler as Gunther
Monica buys a bed from Janice’s ex-husband’s store, but it’s not what she ordered. Joey teaches an acting class, and Ross and Rachel argue about Mark.
Written By: Adam Chase
Directed By: Gail Mancuso
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey learns that Chandler kissed Kathy. Monica accidentally injures Ben with a homemade poking device.
Written By: Ira Ungerleider
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
The gang plays a game of touch football during Thanksgiving. Ross and Monica's sibling rivalry surfaces.
Written By: Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Terry Hughes
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Rachel quits her job at Central Perk to pursue a career in fashion. Joey sells Christmas trees.
Written By: Alexa Junge
Directed By: Terry Hughes
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler gets drunk at a party and kisses one of Joey’s sisters, but he can't remember which one. Rachel tries to set Ross up with her boss.
Written By: Doty Abrams
Directed By: Robby Benson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Melora Hardin as Celia
Ross becomes jealous of Mark, Rachel’s coworker. Monica dates a poet who turns out to be extremely critical.
Written By: Michael Curtis & Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Robby Benson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Tom Selleck as Richard Burke
Monica runs into Richard and tries to keep their relationship platonic. Joey reads *Little Women* while Rachel reads *The Shining*.
Written By: Wil Calhoun
Directed By: Robby Benson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Sherilyn Fenn as Ginger, Elizabeth Daily as Leslie
Phoebe reunites with her former singing partner, but tensions resurface. Chandler dates a woman with a prosthetic leg.
Written By: Michael Borkow
Directed By: James Burrows
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Cosimo Fusco as Paolo
Ross and Rachel have a fight, leading Rachel to suggest they take a break. Chandler and Joey have a wild night with two girls.
Written By: David Crane & Marta Kauffman
Directed By: James Burrows
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Angela Featherstone as Chloe
Ross struggles to hide the fact that he slept with another woman during his “break” with Rachel. The gang overhears the entire argument.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Sam Simon
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
The group splits their time between Ross and Rachel, leading to tension during a ski trip planned by Rachel.
Written By: Seth Kurland
Directed By: Robby Benson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler uses a hypnosis tape to quit smoking, but it has unintended consequences. Monica interviews for a job at a diner.
Written By: Adam Chase
Directed By: Terry Hughes
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Rachel dates Mark, which upsets Ross. Joey’s new girlfriend buys him a tiny t-shirt.
Written By: Wil Calhoun
Directed By: Terry Hughes
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica gets a dollhouse from her aunt but struggles to share it with Phoebe. Chandler starts dating Rachel’s boss.
Written By: Chris Brown
Directed By: Michael Lembeck
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey and Chandler adopt a baby chick and a duck. Ross is interviewed on a TV show about paleontology.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Peter Bonerz
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Ben Stiller as Tommy
Rachel dates Tommy, who has a bad temper. Joey’s play gets a bad review.
Written By: Wil Calhoun
Directed By: Shelley Jensen
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross discovers a mysterious growth on his body. Monica dates Pete, who wants to be a UFC fighter.
Written By: Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Robby Benson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Jon Favreau as Pete Becker
Monica struggles with Pete’s decision to become a UFC fighter. Chandler has a blind date with a woman from Joey’s building.
Written By: Adam Chase
Directed By: Pamela Fryman
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Teri Garr as Phoebe Sr.
The gang goes to the beach, where Phoebe meets her birth mother. Ross must choose between Rachel and Bonnie.
Viewership: 25.4 million
🎬 Season 3 Finale | 🏆 Highest Rated Episode of Season 3
Premiere: September 25, 1997
Finale: May 7, 1998
Number of Episodes: 24
Average Viewership: 24.0 million
Written By: Wil Calhoun
Directed By: Shelley Jensen
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Teri Garr as Phoebe Sr., Christine Taylor as Bonnie
Ross chooses between Rachel and Bonnie. Monica gets stung by a jellyfish, leading Joey and Chandler to an awkward solution.
Written By: Jill Condon & Amy Toomin
Directed By: Shelley Jensen
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Phoebe believes a stray cat is the reincarnation of her mother. Joey tries to sell encyclopedias door-to-door.
Written By: Seth Kurland
Directed By: Peter Bonerz
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: James Michael Tyler as Gunther
Chandler gets handcuffed in Rachel’s boss's office. Monica caters a party for her mother, who is critical of her efforts.
Written By: Ted Cohen & Andrew Reich
Directed By: Gail Mancuso
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: James Michael Tyler as Gunther
Joey takes ballroom dancing lessons to help Monica and Rachel avoid eviction. Chandler struggles with firing an employee he is attracted to.
Written By: Jill Condon & Amy Toomin
Directed By: Gail Mancuso
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Paget Brewster as Kathy
Chandler falls for Joey’s new girlfriend, Kathy. Ross discovers that Rachel is dating again.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Shelley Jensen
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Rebecca Romijn as Cheryl
Ross dates a beautiful woman whose apartment is shockingly dirty. Chandler struggles with his feelings for Kathy.
Written By: Adam Chase
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Paget Brewster as Kathy
Chandler kisses Kathy and feels guilty about betraying Joey. Ross debuts his musical “sound” on the keyboard.
Written By: Michael Curtis & Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Peter Bonerz
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Paget Brewster as Kathy
Chandler locks himself in a box to show Joey how sorry he is for kissing Kathy. Monica injures her eye, leading to a date with her doctor.
Written By: Ted Cohen & Andrew Reich
Directed By: Peter Bonerz
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler and Ross plan to party with a college friend, but their excitement fades when they realize he hasn’t changed. Monica gets a job designing menus.
Written By: Scott Silveri
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross dates a girl from Poughkeepsie but struggles with the long commute. Monica tries to assert her authority at work.
Written By: Seth Kurland
Directed By: David Steinberg
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Giovanni Ribisi as Frank Buffay Jr., Debra Jo Rupp as Alice Knight
Phoebe considers becoming a surrogate for her brother and his wife. Monica teaches Chandler how to satisfy Kathy.
Written By: Jill Condon & Amy Toomin
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Giovanni Ribisi as Frank Buffay Jr., Debra Jo Rupp as Alice Knight
Phoebe undergoes the procedure to implant embryos for Frank and Alice. Meanwhile, the gang competes in a trivia game about each other, leading to Monica and Rachel losing their apartment to Chandler and Joey.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Dana DeVally Piazza
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Tate Donovan as Joshua Burgin
Rachel develops a crush on her new client, Joshua. Chandler struggles with living arrangements after Joey sets strict apartment rules.
Written By: Wil Calhoun
Directed By: Michael Lembeck
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Charlton Heston as himself
Joey has an important movie role but struggles after showing up unshowered. Rachel sets Ross up on a blind date.
Written By: Ted Cohen & Andrew Reich, Teleplay by Wil Calhoun
Directed By: James Burrows
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Helen Baxendale as Emily
Ross plays rugby to impress Emily. Chandler runs into Janice and considers rekindling their relationship.
Written By: Seth Kurland
Directed By: Michael Lembeck
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Tate Donovan as Joshua Burgin
Rachel throws a fake party to spend time with Joshua. Monica’s pregnancy pants become a hit with Joey.
Written By: Richard Goodman
Directed By: Michael Lembeck
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler and Joey discover free porn on TV and refuse to turn it off. Monica meets Emily and helps Ross prepare for their date.
Written By: Jill Condon & Amy Toomin
Directed By: Gail Mancuso
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Tate Donovan as Joshua Burgin
Rachel wears a sexy outfit for Joshua but ends up in an awkward situation. Phoebe struggles to keep Monica and Ross from fighting.
Written By: Scott Silveri
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Helen Baxendale as Emily
Monica and Rachel try to win their apartment back. Ross proposes to Emily after only a short time of dating.
Written By: Adam Chase
Directed By: Gail Mancuso
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Tate Donovan as Joshua Burgin
Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe try on wedding dresses, leading to some hilarity. Ross and Emily’s engagement creates tension.
Written By: Seth Kurland
Directed By: Peter Bonerz
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Helen Baxendale as Emily
Ross sends out wedding invitations, causing Rachel to reflect on their relationship.
Written By: Seth Kurland
Directed By: Peter Bonerz
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Helen Baxendale as Emily
Ross struggles to choose a best man after a bachelor party goes awry. Phoebe worries about her pregnancy.
Written By: Michael Borkow
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Tom Conti as Stephen Waltham, Hugh Laurie as the annoyed passenger
The gang travels to London for Ross and Emily's wedding. Monica reflects on her single status.
Viewership: 31.6 million
🎬 Season 4 Finale (Part 1) | 🏆 Highest Rated Episode of Season (Part 1)
Written By: Michael Curtis & Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Helen Baxendale as Emily, Tom Conti as Stephen Waltham
Ross says Rachel's name during his vows, creating chaos. Monica and Chandler sleep together for the first time.
Viewership: 31.6 million
🎬 Season 4 Finale (Part 2) | 🏆 Highest Rated Episode of Season (Part 2)
Premiere: September 24, 1998
Finale: May 20, 1999
Number of Episodes: 24
Average Viewership: 23.5 million
Written By: Seth Kurland
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Helen Baxendale as Emily
Chaos ensues after Ross says Rachel's name during his wedding vows. Monica and Chandler try to keep their relationship a secret.
Viewership: 31.1 million
🏆 Highest Rated Episode of Season 5
Written By: Wil Calhoun
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler accidentally kisses Monica in front of the group. Ross tries to reconcile with Emily, who demands he cut Rachel out of his life.
Written By: David Crane & Marta Kauffman
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Giovanni Ribisi as Frank Buffay Jr., Debra Jo Rupp as Alice Knight
Phoebe gives birth to triplets for Frank and Alice. Joey experiences pain, fearing he has kidney stones.
Written By: Michael Curtis & Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Shelley Jensen
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Phoebe argues with Joey about whether truly selfless good deeds exist. Ross struggles with Emily’s demands.
Written By: Scott Silveri
Directed By: Dana DeVally Piazza
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler and Monica’s relationship becomes harder to hide, and Ross learns he must annul his marriage to Emily.
Written By: Alexa Junge
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Michael Rapaport as Gary
Rachel and Monica mistakenly attack their new neighbor, thinking he’s a yeti. Ross sells his furniture to help Emily feel comfortable moving to New York.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Michael Rapaport as Gary
Ross temporarily moves in with Chandler and Joey, causing tension. Rachel tries to cut ties with Danny.
Written By: Gregory S. Malins & Michael Curtis
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Elliott Gould as Jack Geller, Christina Pickles as Judy Geller
The gang recalls embarrassing Thanksgiving memories from the past, including Monica’s weight loss and Chandler’s toe incident.
Written By: Ted Cohen & Andrew Reich
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross becomes enraged after someone eats his Thanksgiving leftover sandwich at work. Monica and Chandler’s secret is nearly exposed.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Dana DeVally Piazza
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Michael Rapaport as Gary
Rachel dates Danny but grows uncomfortable with his close relationship with his sister. Phoebe becomes a bell ringer for charity.
Written By: Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Joe Regalbuto
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
The gang makes New Year’s resolutions. Ross vows to try something new every day, leading to a leather pants disaster.
Written By: Alexa Junge
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica gets upset when Chandler uses a fake laugh with his boss. Rachel sees her crush, Joshua, at a nightclub.
Written By: Seth Kurland
Directed By: Gail Mancuso
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey auditions for a play and shows off his new “man bag.” Phoebe learns surprising news about her deceased mother.
Written By: Alexa Junge
Directed By: Michael Lembeck
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Phoebe discovers Monica and Chandler’s relationship and tries to make them confess by flirting with Chandler.
Written By: Adam Chase
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Soleil Moon Frye as Katie
Joey dates a woman who playfully hits him, but her punches are harder than he expected. Ross tries to move into his new apartment.
Written By: Gigi McCreery & Perry Rein
Directed By: Andrew Tsao
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Michael Rapaport as Gary
Joey finds a police badge and uses it to impress people. Ross buys a couch, leading to the famous “pivot” moment.
Written By: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Shelley Jensen
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Tate Donovan as Joshua
Rachel accidentally kisses her job interviewer. Monica and Chandler have trouble finding alone time.
Written By: Michael Curtis & Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Todd Holland
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Rachel takes up smoking to bond with her coworkers. Joey auditions for a part opposite an actor he dislikes.
Written By: Doty Abrams
Directed By: Gail Mancuso
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Kristin Dattilo as Caitlin
Ross embarrasses himself trying to flirt with the pizza delivery woman. Chandler and Monica celebrate their 10-month anniversary.
Written By: Seth Kurland
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Michael Rapaport as Gary
Ross, Joey, and Chandler go on a ride-along with Gary the cop. Rachel accidentally deletes a voicemail from Emily.
Written By: Gregory S. Malins & Michael Curtis
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
The group gets caught up in a game of tossing a ball without dropping it. Rachel buys a sphynx cat but regrets it.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey gets a role in a movie and drives to Las Vegas with Chandler, but doubts arise about the legitimacy of the production.
Written By: Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
The gang heads to Las Vegas to support Joey. Monica and Chandler discuss taking their relationship to the next level.
Written By: Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross and Rachel get drunk and make an impulsive decision. Monica and Chandler gamble, deciding their future with a roll of the dice.
Premiere: October 12, 2000
Finale: May 17, 2001
Number of Episodes: 24
Average Viewership: 20.2 million
Written By: Story by Wil Calhoun, Teleplay by David Crane & Marta Kauffman
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica accuses Ross and Rachel of stealing her thunder after catching them kissing on the night of her engagement party. Chandler has bedroom performance issues, and Phoebe plans to perform at the wedding.
Written By: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Michael Lembeck
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica learns her parents spent her wedding fund but cheers up when Chandler offers his savings. Phoebe temporarily moves in with Ross, and Joey teases Rachel after discovering her erotic novel.
Written By: Sherry Bilsing & Ellen Plummer
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica tries to recreate Phoebe’s grandmother’s cookie recipe, which turns out to be Nestle Toll House. Rachel teaches Joey to sail and realizes she’s acting like her father. Chandler has an awkward encounter with Monica’s father in the steam room.
Written By: Brian Boyle
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Rachel hires a handsome young assistant named Tag. Joey auditions for his old Days of Our Lives role. The group shares embarrassing secrets about each other.
Written By: Story by Earl Davis, Teleplay by Patty Lin
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler struggles to smile for his engagement photo. Joey teaches Tag to flirt, annoying Rachel. Ross and Phoebe date a divorcing couple.
Written By: Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey and Ross bond over an accidental nap together. Rachel and Phoebe compete to be Monica’s maid of honor. Chandler reassures Monica about his commitment to their relationship.
Written By: Scott Silveri
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross learns his dissertation is kept in a library section where students hook up. Janice invites herself to Monica and Chandler’s wedding, leading them to awkwardly dissuade her.
Written By: Patty Lin
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler reveals he hates dogs, upsetting Phoebe. Ross obsessively tries to name all 50 states. Rachel invites Tag to Thanksgiving, grappling with her crush on him.
Written By: Wil Calhoun
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica’s attempt to win over her neighbors with homemade candy backfires. Ross teaches Phoebe to ride a bike. Rachel and Tag try to hide their workplace romance.
Written By: Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross introduces Ben to Hanukkah by dressing as the “Holiday Armadillo” when no Santa costumes are available. Phoebe schemes to get Rachel to move back in with her.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler and Rachel indulge in cheesecakes meant for another tenant. Phoebe is torn between spending time with Joey and a returning David.
Written By: Zack Rosenblatt
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
The gang spends a sleepless night due to various mishaps, including Joey and Ross getting locked on the roof and Monica falling asleep during sex with Chandler.
Written By: Story by Ellen Plummer & Sherry Bilsing, Teleplay by Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones
Directed By: Stephen Prime
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Denise Richards as Cassie
Rachel accidentally breaks Joey’s recliner, Rosita. Meanwhile, Monica discovers her childhood belongings were ruined to protect her dad’s Porsche. Phoebe helps a suicidal customer during her telemarketing job.
Written By: Story by Vanessa McCarthy, Teleplay by Ellen Plummer & Sherry Bilsing
Directed By: Ben Weiss
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
The gang reflects on their 30th birthdays as Rachel struggles with hers. She decides to break up with Tag due to his immaturity.
Written By: Story by Sherry Bilsing & Ellen Plummer, Teleplay by Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Susan Sarandon as Cecilia Monroe
Joey learns that his Days of Our Lives character will gain a new personality through a brain transplant. Monica freaks out about missing new relationship moments after marrying Chandler.
Written By: Story by Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones, Teleplay by Zachary Rosenblatt
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Winona Ryder as Melissa
Chandler discovers Monica planned to hook up with Joey the night they got together. Rachel teaches Ben practical jokes, annoying Ross. Joey becomes ordained to officiate Monica and Chandler’s wedding.
Written By: Story by Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones, Teleplay by Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica fights another bride for a discount wedding dress. Ross and Joey compete for the same woman.
Written By: Story by Sherry Bilsing & Ellen Plummer, Teleplay by Brian Boyle
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey is nominated for a Soapie award but struggles with losing. Ross deals with a student who pretends to love him for a better grade. Monica worries about missing out on new romance moments.
Written By: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Denise Richards as Cassie
Ross and Chandler are smitten with Ross’s and Monica’s beautiful cousin Cassie. Joey auditions for a part requiring him to fake being uncircumcised.
Written By: Scott Silveri & Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Winona Ryder as Melissa
Rachel reminisces about kissing her sorority sister Melissa, who denies it happened until Rachel recreates the kiss. Chandler is thrilled to rent a tux worn by Pierce Brosnan as James Bond.
Written By: Doty Abrams
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica and Chandler struggle to write their wedding vows. The gang reminisces about the couple’s relationship milestones in flashbacks.
Written By: Story by Gregory S. Malins, Teleplay by Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright & Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Kathleen Turner as Charles Bing
Chandler reconnects with his estranged father. Rachel drives Monica’s Porsche recklessly, terrifying Ross. Joey experiments with women’s underwear after Phoebe’s advice.
Written By: Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Gary Oldman as Richard Crosby
Joey struggles to balance his movie shoot with attending Monica and Chandler's wedding. Chandler panics and runs away. Phoebe finds a positive pregnancy test in Monica's trash.
Viewership: 30.05 million
🏆 Highest Rated Episode of Season 7 (Part 1)
Written By: Marta Kauffman & David Crane
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Gary Oldman as Richard Crosby, Kathleen Turner as Charles Bing
Monica and Chandler finally tie the knot. Chandler learns about Monica's assumed pregnancy, but it's revealed to be Rachel's test, leaving the audience with a cliffhanger.
Viewership: 30.05 million
🏆 Highest Rated Episode of Season 7 (Part 2)
Premiere: October 12, 2000
Finale: May 17, 2001
Number of Episodes: 24
Average Viewership: 20.2 million
Written By: David Crane & Marta Kauffman
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica feels overshadowed on the night of her engagement when Rachel kisses Ross. Chandler worries about his performance in bed.
Written By: Seth Kurland
Directed By: Michael Lembeck
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica is upset about the cost of her wedding, while Rachel tries to hide an erotic novel she’s reading. Joey reluctantly takes a role in a questionable play.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica tries to recreate Phoebe’s grandmother’s cookie recipe. Joey prepares to move back to Chandler’s apartment.
Written By: Brian Boyle
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Eddie Cahill as Tag Jones
Rachel hires a handsome assistant, Tag, based on his looks rather than his qualifications. Joey struggles with his new play director.
Written By: Story by Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen, Teleplay by Scott Silveri
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler can’t smile naturally for Monica and Chandler’s engagement photo. Ross discovers that Elizabeth has a secret admirer.
Written By: Brian Boyle
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey and Ross accidentally nap together and discover it’s the best nap they’ve ever had. Rachel and Phoebe plan Monica’s bridal shower.
Written By: Scott Silveri
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross is mortified to discover that people are hooking up next to his library book. Rachel’s feelings for Tag grow.
Written By: Patty Lin
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Phoebe brings a dog to Monica and Chandler’s apartment, but Chandler reveals he dislikes dogs. Rachel tries to find the courage to tell Tag how she feels.
Written By: Wil Calhoun
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica makes candy for the neighbors, but her generosity leads to chaos. Ross buys Phoebe a bike but has to teach her how to ride it.
Written By: Gregory S. Malins
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross tries to teach Ben about Hanukkah by dressing up as the “Holiday Armadillo.” Chandler steps in as Santa Claus.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler and Rachel steal cheesecakes that were delivered to the wrong address. Monica tries to exclude Ross from a cousin’s wedding.
Written By: Scott Silveri
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
The gang has a sleepless night. Monica and Chandler search for a light switch, Ross struggles with a phone call, and Joey and Rachel get stuck on the roof.
Written By: Ellen Plummer
Directed By: Stephen Prime
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey’s beloved recliner, Rosita, breaks. Rachel accidentally causes friction between Monica and Chandler while rearranging their furniture.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Ben Weiss
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
The gang reflects on their 30th birthdays. Rachel struggles with turning 30, and Ross recalls buying a sports car to deal with his.
Written By: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Susan Sarandon as Cecilia Monroe
Joey’s character on *Days of Our Lives* gets a new brain, sparking tension with the departing actress. Phoebe and Rachel fight over a cell phone guy.
Written By: Scott Silveri
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica reveals that her hookup with Chandler in London was initially intended to be with Joey. Rachel teaches Ben practical jokes.
Written By: Greg Malins
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica fights another bride over a discounted wedding dress. Rachel dates a man who competes with Ross.
Written By: Brian Boyle
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey gets nominated for a Soapie Award but doesn’t win. Rachel teaches Tag how to apologize to a woman.
Written By: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Denise Richards as Cassie Geller
Ross and Monica’s beautiful cousin Cassie stays with them, causing awkward situations. Joey auditions for a role that requires circumcision.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Winona Ryder as Melissa Warburton
Rachel reunites with a college friend and reminisces about their drunken kiss. Chandler tries to impress Monica’s dad.
Written By: Doty Abrams
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica and Chandler struggle to write their wedding vows, leading to flashbacks of their relationship.
Written By: Greg Malins
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Kathleen Turner as Charles Bing
Monica convinces Chandler to invite his estranged father to their wedding. Rachel and Ross race Joey to Las Vegas for an audition.
Written By: Greg Malins & Scott Silveri
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Kathleen Turner as Charles Bing, Gary Oldman as Richard Crosby
The wedding preparations are thrown into chaos when Chandler overhears Monica talking about babies and gets cold feet.
Written By: Greg Malins & Scott Silveri
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Kathleen Turner as Charles Bing, Gary Oldman as Richard Crosby
Monica and Chandler finally tie the knot, but the group is shocked to discover that Rachel is pregnant.
Premiere: September 27, 2001
Finale: May 16, 2002
Number of Episodes: 24
Average Viewership: 24.5 million
Written By: David Crane & Marta Kauffman
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Elliott Gould as Jack Geller
Monica’s wedding sparks pregnancy speculation, and Phoebe pretends she’s pregnant to cover for Rachel. Chandler’s dance lessons fail to impress, and Ross meets Mona at the reception.
Written By: Dana Klein Borkow
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Rachel’s baby’s father is revealed to be Ross when he retrieves his red sweater, left behind after their night together. Chandler tries to recreate wedding photos.
Written By: Sherry Bilsing & Ellen Plummer
Directed By: Sheldon Epps
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Rachel reveals her pregnancy to Ross. Meanwhile, Joey and Phoebe’s attempts to enter Monica and Chandler’s apartment result in chaos.
Written By: Scott Silveri
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross accidentally taped his and Rachel’s encounter and proves Rachel used Joey’s backpacking story as a pickup line. Monica and Chandler’s new friends ditch them.
Written By: Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Rachel dates Joey’s co-star, annoying Ross. Phoebe wants to break up with a man Monica plans to fire. Chandler’s coworker mistakenly calls him “Toby.”
Written By: Mark Kunerth
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Sean Penn as Eric
At Monica and Chandler’s Halloween party, Phoebe bonds with Ursula’s fiancé, Eric. Ross’s “Spudnik” costume fails, and Rachel hands out candy.
Written By: R. Lee Fleming Jr.
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Sean Penn as Eric
Monica suspects her maid is stealing clothes, Eric breaks up with Phoebe over Ursula’s influence, and Ross tries to secure Rachel’s new apartment.
Written By: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Rachel lies to her father about Ross being unsupportive, straining Ross’s romance with Mona. Monica unknowingly hires a stripper who turns out to be a prostitute for Chandler.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Brad Pitt as Will
Monica invites Will, a high school friend who hates Rachel, to Thanksgiving dinner. Ross and Will reveal an embarrassing high school rumor. Joey tries to eat an entire turkey.
Written By: Story by Robert Carlock, Teleplay by Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica buys expensive but painful boots. Phoebe pretends to be Ben’s mom to get Sting concert tickets. Rachel advises Joey’s pregnant sister, Deena.
Written By: Robert Carlock
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross hesitates when Mona wants to send joint Christmas cards and have “the talk.” Chandler tries to avoid spending time with his boss. Rachel deals with her pregnancy hormones, leaving her overly affectionate.
Written By: Sherry Bilsing-Graham & Ellen Plummer
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey takes Rachel on a date to cheer her up but develops feelings for her. Monica and Chandler receive a Ms. Pac-Man arcade machine as a wedding gift.
Written By: Vanessa McCarthy
Directed By: Ben Weiss
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica introduces Chandler to bubble baths, and he becomes addicted. Ross and Rachel debate baby names and learn the baby’s sex. Phoebe mistakenly believes Joey has a crush on her.
Written By: Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler becomes obsessed with finding out what Monica keeps in her locked closet. Phoebe feels betrayed by Monica’s choice of a different massage therapist. Joey suggests Rachel move in with Ross.
Written By: Dana Klein Borkow
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Phoebe gives Rachel a birthing video, horrifying Chandler when he mistakenly watches it. Ross struggles to tell Mona about Rachel moving in, which ends their relationship. Joey admits to Ross he has feelings for Rachel.
Written By: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Ben Weiss
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross convinces Joey to tell Rachel about his feelings. Joey confesses, but Rachel gently turns him down. Phoebe becomes convinced Monica’s soulmate is someone named Don.
Written By: Story by R. Lee Fleming Jr., Teleplay by Steven Rosenhaus
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Phoebe reads her tea leaves and goes on a series of bad dates before meeting someone charming. Rachel pretends to have a work crisis to ease tension with Joey. Ross retrieves his shirt from Mona’s apartment.
Written By: Story by Peter Tibbals, Teleplay by Mark Kunerth
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Alec Baldwin as Parker
At the Gellers’ 35th anniversary party, Monica’s speech flops, and Phoebe’s overly enthusiastic boyfriend annoys everyone. Ross and Rachel pretend to be married for the event.
Written By: Doty Abrams
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey prepares for a Soap Opera Digest interview but worries about saying something that could hurt his career. The episode includes flashbacks from previous seasons.
Written By: Sherry Bilsing-Graham & Ellen Plummer
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Marlo Thomas as Sandra Green
Monica and Phoebe forget to invite Rachel’s mom to her baby shower. Rachel worries about being unprepared for motherhood, and Joey auditions to host a nonsensical game show.
Written By: Story by Dana Klein Borkow, Teleplay by Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica joins a cooking class after a bad restaurant review. Rachel becomes jealous when Ross flirts with a woman at a baby store. Chandler prepares for a job interview with Phoebe’s help.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Rachel is frustrated about being overdue and tries everything to induce labor, including sex with Ross. Monica and Phoebe bet on when the baby will arrive. Rachel goes into labor.
Written By: Scott Silveri
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross and Rachel arrive at the hospital and meet several other couples during Rachel's prolonged labor. Monica and Chandler consider having a baby.
Viewership: 34.91 million
🏆 Highest Rated Episode of Season 8 (Part 1)
Written By: Marta Kauffman & David Crane
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Gary Oldman as Richard Crosby, Kathleen Turner as Charles Bing
Rachel gives birth to Emma. Ross hesitates to propose but leaves his grandmother's engagement ring in Rachel's room. Joey accidentally picks up the ring, and Rachel mistakenly accepts his "proposal."
Viewership: 34.91 million
🏆 Highest Rated Episode of Season 8 (Part 2)
Premiere: September 26, 2002
Finale: May 15, 2003
Number of Episodes: 24
Average Viewership: 21.6 million
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Christina Applegate as Amy Green
Rachel mistakenly thinks Joey proposed to her. Ross struggles to find the right time to clarify the misunderstanding.
Written By: Dana Klein Borkow
Directed By: Sheldon Epps
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Christina Applegate as Amy Green
Rachel and Ross struggle with Emma’s incessant crying. Chandler accidentally agrees to move to Tulsa for work.
Written By: Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones
Directed By: Roger Christiansen
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Christina Applegate as Amy Green
Rachel panics when Emma’s pediatrician “fires” them for over-calling. Ross reveals he used to see the same pediatrician as an adult.
Written By: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica worries that Chandler has a peculiar fetish after catching him watching shark videos. Ross tells Rachel he’s fine with her dating again.
Written By: Scott Silveri
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Phoebe’s birthday dinner is ruined when everyone shows up late. Chandler and Monica argue about his new job in Tulsa.
Written By: Marta Kauffman & David Crane
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Freddie Prinze Jr. as Sandy
Ross feels uncomfortable with Emma’s male nanny. Joey starts dating someone but finds himself falling for her roommate instead.
Written By: Robert Carlock
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross discovers that singing an inappropriate rap song makes Emma laugh. Rachel worries about balancing work and motherhood.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Christina Applegate as Amy Green
Rachel’s sister Amy visits for Thanksgiving and insults everyone. A fight breaks out over who should take care of Emma if Ross and Rachel die.
Written By: Mark Kunerth
Directed By: Ben Weiss
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Rachel gives her phone number to a man at a bar, but Ross is the one who takes the call. Chandler gets stuck in Tulsa on a work assignment.
Written By: Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Chandler spends Christmas in Tulsa but ultimately decides to quit his job and return home to Monica.
Written By: Sherry Bilsing & Ellen Plummer
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Dermot Mulroney as Gavin Mitchell
Rachel returns to work and is threatened by a new colleague, Gavin. Joey doesn’t react well when Chandler kisses Kathy during an audition.
Written By: Dana Klein Borkow
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Dermot Mulroney as Gavin Mitchell
Phoebe discovers that her boyfriend, Mike, dislikes her pet rat. Ross and Rachel clash over their living arrangement.
Written By: Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Dermot Mulroney as Gavin Mitchell
Monica performs karaoke, unaware the bar has a hidden camera broadcasting it. Rachel deals with Gavin’s advances.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey and Phoebe set Ross and Rachel up on terrible blind dates in an attempt to make them realize they belong together.
Written By: Peter Tibbals
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Jeff Goldblum as Leonard Hayes
Ross and Phoebe get mugged, and Ross learns Phoebe once mugged him as a teenager. Joey auditions for a role but has difficulty with the lines.
Written By: Robert Carlock
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Monica and Chandler argue over money after Chandler borrows from Joey. Rachel catches Ross checking out Emma’s nanny.
Written By: Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Dermot Mulroney as Gavin Mitchell
Ross and Chandler’s prank war escalates when they create a fake online memorial for Ross. Joey considers buying an apartment.
Written By: Dana Klein Borkow
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
The gang pools their money to buy lottery tickets but struggles to share when the stakes grow high. Chandler awaits news about a job interview.
Written By: Mark Kunerth
Directed By: Terry Hughes
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Rachel has a romantic dream about Joey, which leaves her confused. Monica gets a job singing at Mike’s piano bar.
Written By: Sherry Bilsing & Ellen Plummer
Directed By: Sheldon Epps
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Susan Sarandon as Cecilia Monroe
Joey hosts a party for his soap opera co-stars, but doesn’t invite Ross. Rachel struggles with her feelings for Joey.
Written By: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: John Stamos as Zack
Monica and Chandler consider using a sperm donor, but Chandler becomes uneasy when the donor turns out to be his old colleague.
Written By: Sherry Bilsing & Ellen Plummer
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Aisha Tyler as Charlie Wheeler
The gang travels to Barbados for Ross’s paleontology conference. Joey and Rachel grow closer.
Written By: Sherry Bilsing & Ellen Plummer
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Aisha Tyler as Charlie Wheeler
Joey and Rachel share a kiss, and Ross and Charlie’s relationship develops. Monica’s hair becomes a running joke due to the humidity.
Premiere: September 25, 2003
Finale: May 6, 2004
Number of Episodes: 18
Average Viewership: 22.8 million
Written By: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Aisha Tyler as Charlie Wheeler
Ross struggles to accept Joey and Rachel’s kiss. Monica and Chandler discover their inability to conceive naturally.
Written By: Sherry Bilsing-Graham & Ellen Plummer
Directed By: Ben Weiss
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Aisha Tyler as Charlie Wheeler
Ross insists he’s fine with Joey and Rachel’s relationship, but his erratic behavior says otherwise. Monica and Chandler meet a potential sperm donor.
Written By: Brian Buckner
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross tries out a spray tan and hilariously overdoes it. Joey and Rachel struggle with awkwardness in their budding relationship.
Written By: Robert Carlock
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Christina Applegate as Amy Green (photo cameo)
Emma’s first birthday party goes awry when the gang prioritizes their own plans. Rachel and Ross argue over a cake mishap.
Written By: Dana Klein Borkow
Directed By: Roger Christiansen
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Christina Applegate as Amy Green
Rachel’s sister Amy babysits Emma but proves to be a disaster. Joey tries to get his audition tape to a casting director.
Written By: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Directed By: Ben Weiss
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Greg Kinnear as Dr. Benjamin Hobart
Ross interviews for a grant from a scientist who used to date Charlie. Joey auditions for a commercial but faces unexpected challenges.
Written By: Mark Kunerth
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Anna Faris as Erica
Monica and Chandler undergo a home study to adopt a baby. Rachel and Phoebe conspire to distract a nervous Chandler.
Written By: Sherry Bilsing-Graham & Ellen Plummer
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Anna Faris as Erica
Monica and Chandler reluctantly host Thanksgiving, only to have the gang show up late. They receive a surprise call about their adoption.
Written By: Scott Silveri
Directed By: David Schwimmer
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Anna Faris as Erica
Monica and Chandler meet Erica, the birth mother of their future child. Joey gives Phoebe dating advice.
Written By: Dana Klein Borkow
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
The gang thinks Chandler is cheating on Monica when they spot him with another woman, but he’s actually house-hunting for them.
Written By: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Danny DeVito as Roy “Goodbody”
Monica and Rachel hire a stripper for Phoebe’s bachelorette party, but he’s past his prime. Joey appears on a game show.
Written By: Robert Carlock
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Paul Rudd as Mike Hannigan
Phoebe and Mike get married in a beautiful ceremony outside Central Perk. Monica stresses over her role as wedding planner.
Written By: Sherry Bilsing-Graham & Ellen Plummer
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Anna Faris as Erica
Phoebe tries to teach Joey French for an audition. Monica and Chandler learn surprising news about Erica’s pregnancy.
Written By: Scott Silveri
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Anna Faris as Erica
Phoebe legally changes her name to “Princess Consuela Banana Hammock.” Rachel interviews for a new job.
Written By: Mark Kunerth
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Joey struggles to cope with the death of his agent, Estelle. Monica and Chandler pack for their move.
Written By: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen
Directed By: Gary Halvorson
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Rachel says emotional goodbyes to each of her friends as she prepares to move to Paris. Ross struggles to let her go.
Written By: David Crane & Marta Kauffman
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: Anna Faris as Erica
Monica and Chandler welcome their twins. Ross realizes he can’t let Rachel leave for Paris.
Written By: David Crane & Marta Kauffman
Directed By: Kevin S. Bright
Runtime: 22 minutes
Guest Stars: None notable
Ross races to stop Rachel from leaving for Paris, leading to an emotional reunion. The gang says goodbye to the apartment.
In 2020, WarnerMedia secured exclusive U.S. streaming rights to *Friends* for its HBO Max platform in a landmark $425 million deal. This acquisition highlighted the enduring popularity of the series, making it a cornerstone for the platform's launch. *Friends* was previously available on Netflix, where it ranked as one of the most-streamed shows.
During its original run, *Friends* competed with:
Despite the competition, *Friends* maintained top viewership, with several seasons ranking in the top five of Nielsen ratings.
The series finale, titled "The Last One," garnered 52.5 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched television finales in history.
Air Date: February 15, 2001
Host: Conan O'Brien
Content: Outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews.
Release Date: May 27, 2021
Platform: HBO Max
Content: Unscripted special featuring cast reunions, guest stars, and reflections on the show.
Below is an estimated revenue breakdown for popular merchandise items sold throughout the show's run:
"It's like all of my life everyone has always told me, 'You're a shoe! You're a shoe! You're a shoe!' Well, what if I don't want to be a shoe? What if I want to be a purse, you know, or a hat!"
— Phoebe Buffay, "The One with the Flashback"