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Everyone who’s alive today probably knows about Friends, one of the most iconic TV shows ever. There are three groups of people when this sitcom is brought up…
- The super fans who can quote most lines and remember many scenes
- The regular viewers who find it entertaining but aren’t too crazy about it
- The ones who always have to announce “aM i tHe OnLy oNE wHo HaS nEvEr WaTcHeD FriEnDs?”
Editor’s Note: Clearly group 3 has no taste 😤
As much as everyone loves the show, there are a handful of scenes which are totally underrated and deserves more love and attention too!
#1 The first time Ross ever asked Rachel out on a date
In episode 1 of the first season, we all know of the iconic moment Rachel walks into Central Perk looking for Monica after she ran away from her wedding to Barry.
She realised she wasn’t in love with Barry and left him just 30 minutes before walking down the altar. Everyone knows this scene but not many people remember that at the end of the episode, Ross asks Rachel if he can bring her out on dates.
Though it isn’t an official invitation to a date, Rachel basically agreed to it!
#2 Phoebe creates the song “He Must Decide” on a whim!
In Season 2, episode 7, Ross finds out that Rachel has had a crush on him for a long time. Confused by her (unintended) confession, he was unsure of how to handle the news and was also conflicted as he was still dating Julie.
However, later that day he rushes to see Rachel at Central Perk and ends up kissing her. As everyone had gathered there in episode 8 and already know about the situation, Ross feels awkward that both Rachel and Julie are in the same room as he has yet to make a decision.
He forces Phoebe to perform a song to break the tension but pressured by the sudden request, she sings about the love triangle using made up names. Hence, one of her many epic songs ‘He Must Decide’ was created.
#3 Carol giving birth to Ben
The entire episode 23 of season 1 was absolutely chaotic but it should reach peak iconic status over the simple fact that childbirth is truly a miracle. From the moment Carol found out she was pregnant, she, Susan and Ross constantly disagreed.
They were upset about the whole arrangement of things and they couldn’t agree with the baby’s name. Susan, Ross and Phoebe even got stuck in the janitor’s closet and were about to miss the baby’s birth!
However, during the time in the closet, Phoebe helped Susan and Ross see that they love the baby and didn’t need to fight about it. Later, they decided to name the baby Ben after the janitor’s outfit in the closet.
#4 The one where Chandler finally quits the job he hates
Being good at what you do doesn’t always mean you’re passionate about it. From the earlier seasons up until episode 10 of season 9, Chandler has always showed that he wasn’t the happiest with his career despite being a pro at it.
He’s very well paid and climbed up the corporate ranks up to the point where he had to move all the way to Tulsa from New York for a very high position. Just FYI, it’s a 4-hour flight or 20-hour drive.
As much as he didn’t enjoy his work, he felt worse having to be separated from Monica. He decided to quit and instead pursue his passions which, in later episodes, we find out it’s in marketing.
#5 Joey sacrifices his own happiness for Chandler’s sake
Prior to Monica, Chandler’s dating history was pretty… tragic. He had several issues such as being unable to breakup properly or just not being able to find 'the one'.
However, in season 4, episode 8, he finds himself falling in love with Joey’s girlfriend, Kathy. Disappointed by the betrayal, Joey punishes Chandler by putting him in a box and making him stay quiet.
Kathy drops by to see Chandler and tells him that she didn’t want to come between their friendship, says her goodbye to him who couldn’t reply and left for Chicago. Joey couldn’t stand seeing them apart and decides to forgive Chandler by letting him out and tells him to chase after Kathy.
#FriendshipGoals
#6 Monica refuses the restaurant offer from billionaire Pete
Monica is the epitome of ‘I’m a strong independent woman’. She has always been very driven in her career and never expected any shortcuts or handouts, even from her own parents. So, what more when billionaire Pete wants to buy her a restaurant.
In season 3 when she lost her job at a nice restaurant and was working as a waitress in a diner, she met Pete who gave her a USD20,000 tip in cheque. She returned the cheque to Pete and turned him down.
Later in episode 21 of the same season, Pete comes back and offers her an entire restaurant. Not wanting to take advantage of his feelings for her, she turns down the offer but falls for him anyways for a totally different reason.
Goes to show, she’s clearly not a gold digger and would rather work her way up.
Catch Friends: The Reunion to see how the cast has changed!
There are so many more underrated moments on Friends that are shadowed by other iconic ones but find out what are some of the cast’s favourite moments and throwbacks in Friends: The Reunion!
Cuddle up with your loved ones (or bantal busuk) and stream on demand. It’s available for all Astro Movie Pack subscribers via Ultra Box, Astro GO or HBO GO.
Head over to Astro GO for more information. Make sure you prepare tissues too because you’re gonna cry 😭