Unveiling the Top 10 Shocking Moments That Nearly Tore the Friends Group Apart!

Summary

"Friends" continues to be regarded as one of the greatest TV shows ever, with a legacy that has been expanded through streaming.

The show's recent years have exposed flaws, featuring problematic details and moments that may have strained the friendships within the group. Instances include Phoebe's secretive departure from Monica's apartment, tumultuous breakups between Ross and Rachel, and Rachel stealing Monica's date with Jean Claude Van Damme.

The main characters of Friends formed a close-knit group with exceptionally strong friendships portrayed on television. However, there were several instances throughout the series that nearly shattered these bonds. Despite many years passing since the show's conclusion, Friends remains highly regarded as one of the greatest TV shows ever, leaving a lasting impact and legacy. With its availability on streaming platforms, the series has gained new viewers and allowed for multiple rewatchings. This increased exposure not only broadened its audience but also shed light on some of the show's flaws.

Undeniably, despite its enduring legacy, Friends has not aged well due to certain problematic details. If the show were produced today, these aspects would undoubtedly face severe consequences. Additionally, recent criticisms have highlighted other weaknesses within Friends. The main characters were not always the epitome of friendship, as they engaged in hurtful actions towards one another that had the potential to sever their relationships. Whether it was the manipulation of crucial information, stealing each other's romantic interests, tumultuous break-ups, or a lack of empathy, there were ten moments that nearly fractured the friendships within the group.

10 Phoebe Secretly Moving Out Monica's Apartment

9 Ross & Rachel's Messy Breakups

Prior to the events depicted in the series, it was disclosed that Phoebe had been sharing an apartment with Monica. However, there came a point when Monica's excessive fixation on cleanliness and tidiness became too much for her to handle. Instead of having a conversation with Monica about her decision to move out, Phoebe gradually relocated her belongings to her grandmother's apartment, sneaking out every night and returning every morning to maintain the illusion that she was still residing there. When Monica eventually discovered the truth, Phoebe conveyed her love for her and expressed a desire to remain friends, but acknowledged that living together would hinder that possibility.

Although the main focus of the show Friends was on the six friends and their various ups and downs, it primarily revolved around the tumultuous relationship between Ross and Rachel. The initial breakup they experienced following their infamous "break" left the rest of the group uncertain about how to navigate their presence together. As a result, they attempted to divide their time between spending it with Ross and Rachel. Their second breakup, though less chaotic, still threatened their friendship and later on, Ross's hesitation to get a divorce following their impulsive Vegas wedding could have also shattered their bond.

8 Rachel Stealing Monica’s Date With Jean Claude Van Damme

Rachel and Monica were best friends; however, Rachel demonstrated multiple times that she was not a reliable friend to Monica. One instance, in particular, had the potential to shatter their friendship. It occurred during the episode titled "The One After the Superbowl, Part 2," where Monica felt too timid to approach Jean-Claude Van Damme. In a daring move, Monica asked Rachel to initiate a conversation with him, resulting in Rachel securing a date with Van Damme. Despite their subsequent argument, Rachel ultimately relinquished her date and allowed Monica to go out with him. However, Rachel deceitfully informed Van Damme that Monica desired a threesome with him and Drew Barrymore. Rachel not only stole Monica's opportunity to date her celebrity crush but also fabricated a falsehood to disparage Monica's reputation.

7 Chandler Kissing Kathy

Joey had a string of relationships throughout the 10 seasons of Friends, but there was one woman who caught Chandler's eye: Kathy. Despite her being in a relationship with Joey, Chandler and Kathy shared a kiss. However, soon after, Kathy ended things with Joey. When Joey discovered that Chandler was the "other guy," his anger towards Chandler was so intense that he contemplated moving out of their apartment. Nonetheless, Joey being Joey, after Chandler pleaded for forgiveness countless times, he settled on an unconventional punishment for Chandler - locking him inside a huge wooden box to reflect on his actions. Eventually, Kathy confessed her inability to be with Chandler as she didn't want to jeopardize their friendship. Joey, in the end, agreed to forgive Chandler and allowed them to be together.

6 Joey Moving Out of Chandler's Apartment

5 Arriving Late At Monica’s Thanksgiving Dinner (& Lying To Her)

Joey eventually relocated from the apartment on a completely separate occasion. The catalyst for his departure stemmed from a dispute with Chandler regarding Joey's repulsive habits, such as the unsanitary act of licking spoons and returning them to the drawer. Subsequently, a colleague extended a generous offer for Joey to inhabit a luxurious apartment. Following another heated argument with Chandler, Joey made the decision to move out. The bond between Joey and Chandler was then put to the ultimate test when Chandler introduced his new roommate, Eddie, and Joey experienced profound feelings of loneliness in his new dwelling. However, the resilient group of Friends swiftly remedied the situation, successfully rekindling the cherished friendship between Joey and Chandler.

Monica, being a skilled chef, had always taken on the role of hosting Thanksgiving dinner for their close-knit group of friends. However, in Friends season 10, Monica and Chandler made an unconventional decision to not prepare the customary feast. This decision was quickly challenged when Phoebe mentioned that the previous year's Thanksgiving meal had been underwhelming. Motivated by a personal challenge, Monica agreed to take charge of the dinner once again.

Unfortunately, the evening took an unexpected turn as everyone else made plans without informing Monica, leaving her unaware of their absence. Phoebe and Rachel, for instance, decided to enter baby Emma into a baby beauty contest, which she remarkably won. On the other hand, Ross and Joey opted to attend a thrilling New York Rangers game. Amidst the excitement and absence of the others, Monica persevered in her efforts to create a memorable Thanksgiving dinner.

Not only were they tardy in their arrival, but in their attempt to release Joey from his mishap of getting his head caught in the doorway, they managed to spoil the food. Fortunately, Monica and Chandler received an unexpected call from the adoption agency, notifying them of their selection to adopt a baby from a woman. As a result, their concern for their friends' deceit diminished

4 Rachel Stealing Monica's Thunder At Her Engagement Party

In season 7's episode "The One With Monica's Thunder," Rachel's lack of friendship towards Monica becomes apparent. The tension reaches its peak when the entire group prepares to celebrate Monica and Chandler's engagement. Feeling unhappy and isolated, Rachel approaches Ross for a "bonus night," resulting in a passionate kiss in the hallway, witnessed by Monica. Monica's anger ignites as Rachel steals her thunder, reminding her that this isn't the first time Rachel has done so. A heated argument ensues, but Monica eventually forgives Rachel when she reveals her sadness over not being close to marriage and apologizes for stealing and ruining Monica's special night.

3 Monica & Chandler's Thanksgiving Flashback

Monica and Chandler quickly captured the hearts of viewers as a beloved couple, but their relationship faced a major trial in its early months when their friends remained unaware of their romantic connection. The turning point occurred during Thanksgiving dinner when the group decided to share their most unpleasant Thanksgiving memories. Monica revealed her own distressing recollection from years ago when she inadvertently overheard Chandler cruelly referring to her as "fat". The following year, in a misguided attempt to seek retribution, a slimmer Monica agreed to Rachel's suggestion to get back at Chandler. Unfortunately, their plan took an unexpected turn for the worse, resulting in Chandler accidentally losing a toe. Despite Chandler's deep disappointment upon hearing the story, Monica managed to salvage their relationship by donning a turkey on her head and performing a light-hearted dance to make amends.

2 Ross & Emily's Post-Wedding Mess

Ross and Emily from Friends are widely regarded as one of the most disliked couples on the show. Their relationship felt forced, and Emily's actions further worsened their dynamic. The trouble started when Ross accidentally said Rachel's name instead of Emily's at the altar, leading to confusion and tension among their friends. Emily became determined to keep Ross away from Rachel, despite Rachel being one of Ross's closest friends. Eventually, the only solution was for Ross to end his marriage to Emily, and Emily disappeared from the show thereafter.

1 Monica, Chandler, & Ross Not Caring About Rachel, Phoebe, & Joey’s Lower Income

In Friends season 2, the group planned a birthday dinner for Monica while Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey struggled financially. Despite Chandler, Monica, and Ross having more stable and higher-paying jobs, they did not consider this when organizing the dinner. Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey discussed their financial situation during the dinner, but things worsened the following day when Ross, Monica, and Chandler purchased concert tickets for everyone. The friends never resolved this issue, as it became overshadowed by Monica's firing.