The Surprising Truth Behind Rachel and Chandler's Secret Romance on Friends

Summary

The writers of Friends originally planned for Rachel and Chandler to have a romance, which could have worked due to their shared characteristics and solid friendship.

Choosing not to pursue a romantic relationship between Rachel and Chandler was ultimately a wise decision, as it could have further strained Ross and Rachel's already toxic dynamic and potentially hindered the development of Monica and Chandler's relationship.

Friends had two main couples that defined the show - Ross and Rachel, and Monica and Chandler. However, the writers initially considered a romance between Rachel and Chandler, which could have changed the dynamic completely. Even though the show ended years ago, there are still behind-the-scenes details that continue to emerge, sparking conversations among fans. Some of these revelations give rise to "what if" scenarios, where certain ideas could have drastically altered the course of Friends, sometimes for the worse.

There were several elements in Friends that contributed to its popularity and distinct identity. The show's setting in New York City, the characters' frequent visits to the same coffee shop, recurring jokes, and, of course, the tumultuous love story between Ross and Rachel all played a crucial role. While the spotlight was shared among the six main characters, the ups and downs of Ross and Rachel's relationship took center stage, while Monica and Chandler's romance offered something different and more stable. However, had the writers pursued their original plan, Rachel and Chandler might have become a couple, and the dynamics among the characters would have been completely transformed.

Why A Rachel/Chandler Romance Could Have Worked

The writers of Friends had entertained the idea of a romantic relationship between Rachel and Chandler, but ultimately it never came to fruition. They even tested the waters with an episode called "The One with the Flashback," set prior to the show's pilot episode. In this episode, Central Perk was portrayed as a bar and Rachel, accompanied by her friends, came to celebrate her engagement. Chandler attempted to flirt with Rachel, but was swiftly rejected.

However, towards the end of the episode, Rachel was shown daydreaming in the car with her friends about returning to the bar and having a sexual encounter with Chandler. This was the closest the show ever got to exploring a romantic connection between Rachel and Chandler. Although the idea did not resonate with the audience, it could have actually worked. Rachel and Chandler shared more similarities than initially apparent, such as their corporate jobs (the only ones in the group) and their constant struggles with romantic relationships. These commonalities could have potentially deepened their bond. Despite having limited on-screen time together, Chandler and Rachel showcased a strong and underrated friendship whenever they did interact.

Rachel and Chandler not only shared laughter but also demonstrated genuine care and remarkable honesty, establishing a solid basis for a romantic connection. Their compatibility and ability to have a delightful relationship were evident in one particularly unforgettable moment when they indulged in a cheesecake together, to the extent that they ended up devouring one slice directly from the hallway floor.

Rachel & Chandler's Relationship Would Have Completely Changed The Show

If Rachel and Chandler had ended up together in Friends, it would have had a significant impact on the series. Their romance would have undoubtedly worsened Ross and Rachel's already toxic relationship. Considering that Chandler is Ross' best friend, he would have reacted poorly to their connection, especially given the messy situation with Ross and Rachel's infamous "we were on a break" debacle. Additionally, depending on how long Rachel and Chandler's relationship lasted, it could have altered the course of Monica and Chandler's romance, robbing Friends fans of one of the most beloved and enduring couples on the show.

Rachel and Chandler being in a romantic relationship could have significantly altered the dynamics within the entire group. Moreover, their potential breakup would have delivered yet another blow to the group, following the already tumultuous split between Ross and Rachel. Despite the potential synergy between Rachel and Chandler, the decision made by the writers of Friends not to pursue this storyline was ultimately for the best.