How a Canceled Friends Storyline Would Have Completely Changed (& Ruined) Ross & Rachel's Ending

The Complicated Journey of Ross and Rachel

For 10 seasons, Friends captivated audiences with the complex and often tumultuous relationship between Ross and Rachel, portrayed by David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston. Their journey from unrequited love to a series-long 'will they or won't they' scenario kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Ross and Rachel in Friends

Despite dating other people throughout the show, Ross and Rachel's feelings for each other persisted, leading to an on-again-off-again relationship filled with memorable moments such as the infamous 'we were on a break' incident, a drunken Vegas marriage, and the birth of their daughter, Emma. Ultimately, their love for each other prevailed, culminating in a heartfelt confession and a life-changing decision in the series finale.

Ross and Rachel at the hospital with a newborn Emma in Friends

However, the trajectory of Ross and Rachel's relationship could have been drastically different if a canceled storyline involving Ross and Elizabeth's baby had come to fruition.

Friends Ross and Elizabeth

The Canceled Baby Story In Friends

Before Rachel had Emma, Ross had already experienced fatherhood with his son, Ben, born to his ex-wife Carol. Interestingly, Friends toyed with the idea of introducing another child into Ross's life through his relationship with Elizabeth, his student-turned-girlfriend. The plan was for the season 6 finale to end with Elizabeth revealing she was pregnant, setting the stage for a season-long arc centered on Ross's new responsibilities as a father.

Friends Ross and pregnant Rachel

However, the Elizabeth pregnancy storyline was ultimately scrapped due to concerns of repetition, as a pregnancy plan for Rachel was already in place for the following season. The decision to focus on Ross and Elizabeth's baby would have altered the course of Ross and Rachel's relationship, potentially overshadowing their enduring love story.

Ross pulling away as Rachel tries to kiss him in Friends.

The Impact of the Canceled Storyline

The consideration of an alternate ending for Ross and Rachel reflects the creative challenges faced by the writers of Friends. While the ultimate fate of the iconic couple was a favorable option, the introduction of an Elizabeth baby storyline could have disrupted the carefully crafted narrative of Ross and Rachel's love story.

The Impact of the Canceled Storyline

The potential inclusion of Elizabeth's baby would have complicated Ross's romantic history, adding further layers to his already tumultuous relationships. Additionally, devoting an entire season to the Ross and Elizabeth storyline would have detracted from the emotional buildup and resolution of Ross and Rachel's lingering feelings, potentially undermining the significance of their enduring connection.

Ultimately, the decision to abandon the Elizabeth baby storyline preserved the integrity of Ross and Rachel's arc, ensuring that their series-ending reunion remained a poignant and satisfying conclusion for fans of Friends.