“Friends” is one of the best TV shows of all time. With cast members like Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Matthew Perry, the show defined a generation. Everyone could see parts of themselves in at least one of the characters. Whether it was Rachel’s love for shopping, Monica’s obsessive cleaning or Ross’s neurotic tendencies. Perhaps Chandler’s sarcasm, Phoebe’s outlook on life, or Joey’s deep love of food.
It was easy to love and root for the “Friends” characters, and because of this, the show became a huge hit with fans around the globe. The NBC series ran for 10 seasons, and each one offered up some amazing and memorable episodes. Let’s break down all of the best episodes from each season as we take a look back at one of the most iconic TV shows of all time.
The best Friends episodes in each season offers up the laughs
There are so many hilarious moments from “Friends,” and it’s nearly impossible to include them all. However, some episodes stand out more than others, and in each season there seems to be a breakout moment or two that really defines what the characters are going through and pushes the storyline forward in a fresh way.
Those who have watched “Friends” over the years know that there are simply some episodes that fans gravitate toward and tend to quote a bit more often than others. This is what makes those episodes great, and keeps people running back to watch the series time and time again.
The most memorable episodes from Season 1
Season 1 of “Friends” is what made many viewers fall in love with the show. Introducing the characters and figuring out their familial and friendship ties, as well as their histories and character traits. During this season the relationship between Ross and Rachel — one of the best TV couples of all time — is teased and fans instantly had a couple to root for.
During the episode “The One With The Blackout” viewers saw just how much Ross felt for Rachel when he tried to work up the nerve to get close to her. Sadly, his plan was foiled when Rachel met Palo, a man from their apartment building who barely spoke English, and was a handsome physical specimen. Of course, Ross was devastated when Rachel began dating the new man, and one particularly funny moment happened when a cat jumped on Ross’ back and began attacking him while he and Rachel were trying to have a serious conversation on the balcony.
“The One Where Rachel Finds Out” is also a great episode of “Friends,” as fans finally get to see Rachel learn that Ross is head over heels in love with her. Rachel tries to come to terms with the news, and it’s revealed that she is interested in starting up a romance with Ross, who had just left town for work.
Friends Season 2 is all about Ross and Rachel’s love story
In Season 2 of “Friends,” Ross and Rachel are at the forefront. Rachel knows that Ross had feelings for her, but he returned to NYC with a new girlfriend named Julie. The two danced around their feelings for each, and finally, Ross learned that Rachel was interested in him. After breaking up with Julie, Ross and Rachel give it a try but things don’t work out. That is, until a resurfaced video tape of Rachela nd Monica going to prom reveals that Ross loved Rachel so much back then that he planned on taking her to her prom when he thought her date had stood her up.
Rachel was so moved by the video and Ross’ deep feelings for her that she crossed the apartment, looked Ross in the eyes and grabbed his face to lock him into a passionate kiss. From that moment on, Ross and Rachel were the couple that everyone wanted to see each week, even when they weren’t dating.
Friends Season 3 ramped up the comedy
During “Friends” Season 3, Ross and Rachel were going strong, but they still had their ups and downs. In “The One Where No One’s Ready,” Rachel is seen annoying Ross when she can’t decide on an outfit to accompany him to an important work event. The entire gang is set to go to the event. However, everyone is very distracted by what’s going on in their own lives and they begin running late. This sends Ross over the edge. He yells at Rachel, who then refuses to go with him. Eventually, he apologizes and hilariously offers to drink a glass of fat to prove he’s sorry.
Season 3 also brought another flashback episode, and this one was a doozy. The episode revealed that Ross and Pheobe almost slept together, and that Monica had a big crush on Joey when she first met him. Chandler also happened to meet Rachel before she was a member of their friend group, and hit on her, but of course, he failed.
Friends Season 4 is one of the greatest in the show’s history
There is so much going on during “Friends” Season 4. It’s definitely one of the best in the series. In a highly memorable episode titled “The One With The Embryos,” Chandler and Joey bet Rachel and Monica that they know them better. Ross ends up creating a trivia game to prove who knows who better. Of course, things get heated. Chandler and Monica bet Monica’s apartment on the game. The guys end up winning, leading to Monica and Rachel having to swap apartments with them. In addition, Phoebe agrees to be a surrogate for her brother Frank and sister-in-law Alice. She finds out she’s pregnant with what will eventually be discovered as triplets.
In “The One With All The Wedding Dresses,” Monica tries on her future sister-in-law Emily’s wedding dress. She loves the way she looks and feels in it. This inspires Rachel to put on her old wedding dress from her failed ceremony to Barry. The two then begin to lounge in the gowns. A heavily pregnant Pheobe also buys her own wedding dress. The three women have fun wearing the dresses and doing things such as watching TV, eating snacks, and catching a fake bouquet.
Friends Season 5 focuses more on Monica and Chandler’s relationship
During Season 5 of “Friends” Monica and Chandler’s romance begins to heat up. After having an affair in London, the two return to NYC and can’t seem to stay away from each other. They begin dating secretly, but only Joey knows about their romance. Eventually, Rachel and Phoebe catch them. The pair then begin to pull a prank on them in hopes of getting the couple to admit they’re sleeping together.
Chandler finally admits to the women that he’s in love with Monica. Ross is then the only person who doesn’t know the secret. However, he eventually sees Chandler and Monica getting intimated. Ross freaks outs before revealing that he’s happy for his best friend and his sister.
“Friends” Season 6 brought a huge moment for the series
During “Friends” Season 6, Monica and Chandler’s relationship is very serious. They’ve moved in together and are living happily together. Chandler decides that he wants to propose, but wants to throw Monica off the scent. So he starts to talk about how much he hates marriage and all things related to it. Monica finds herself upset by Chandler’s words and bumps into her ex-boyfriend Richard. Richard tells her that he still loves her and wants to get back together.
Chandler learns what’s going on, and immediately tries to fix his mistake. However, he’s heartbroken when he feels like he may have lost Monica. He returns home to their apartment to find Monica had lit candles. She gets down on one knee and attempts to propose through tears. Chandler then takes over and the two get engaged.
Friends Season 7 ended with a shocking revelation
Season 7 of “Friends” featured an episode that revealed what really happened when Monica and Chandler were in London. Chandler was hurt when he found out that Monica originally wanted to hookup with Joey. However, she found Chandler instead, and hilarity ensues.
The season also brought Monica and Chandler’s wedding day. The episode was full of emotion and laughs because of the couple’s big day . However, Rachel stole the show when it was revealed that she was pregnant. Fans were stunned by the revelation, and it was later revealed that Ross was the father of the baby.
Season 8 of Friends featured an A-list guest star
During Season 8 of “Friends,” Ross and Rachel were getting used to the idea of a baby. During the show’s annual Thanksgiving episode, Ross revealed that he was bringing an old high school friend to dinner. The man named Will was played by Hollywood royalty Brad Pitt. It was later announced to the group that Ross and Will founded the “I hate Rachel Green” club as teens. They even started a rumor that Rachel was really a boy. The episode was so funny, and fans got to see spouses, Aniston and Pitt work together.
Season 9 of Friends offered up many funny moments
During “Friends” Season 9, there were a lot of funny episodes that had nothing to do with furthering the storyline. Episodes like Joey’s big “Days of Our Lives” party on the roof and Rachel hiring a male nanny that Ross was uncomfortable with. However, the episode with Rache’s other sister, played by guest star Christina Applegate, offered up memorable moments. The character tried to bond with Rachel’s daughter Emma and even got the baby’s ears pierced without permission.
Season 10 ended Friends for good
Season 10 of “Friends” was sad for many viewers as it was the last. Of course, the show’s series finale was action packed and one of the most beloved episodes of all time. Joey is seen dealing with Chandler and Monica moving out of the city. Meanwhile, Phoebe and her husband Mike decide to start a family.
Meanwhile, Rachel is set to move to Paris and take Emma with her. However, Ross is heartbroken and realizes that he still loves Rachel. The two spend the night together, and eventually, Rachel decides not to move. She and Ross officially get back together to end the series.
In addition, after dealing with infertility, Monica and Chandler decide to adopt a baby. Their adoptive mother, Erica (played by Anna Farris) goes into labor. The couple are stunned when Erica gives birth to twins, a boy and a girl. They name their daughter Erica after her biological mother and their son Jack after Ross and Monica’s father. The show ends with the gang headed to Central Perk one last time.
Currently, fans can watch all ten seasons of “Friends” streaming on HBO Max, and relive all of the amazing moments from the iconic series.
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