25 Fun Facts About "Friends"

"Friends" is an unforgettable classic, a show that continues to bring joy to both longtime fans and new generations of viewers. Centered around a group of six friends navigating life, love, and work in New York City, this sitcom became a cultural phenomenon that still resonates decades after it first aired.

Whether you're someone who's watched all ten seasons multiple times or you've only caught a few episodes, here are 25 fascinating and entertaining facts about one of the most beloved TV series of all time:

1. The character of Ross Geller was created first.
   Before casting even began, the writers already had Ross in mind. In fact, David Schwimmer had worked with the show's executive producer before, making him the first actor cast.

2. Lisa Kudrow didn’t enjoy playing guitar.
   She initially disliked learning to play, so a guitar teacher was brought on set. Kudrow learned just a few chords and decided Phoebe Buffay would only be able to play that much – which became a quirky part of her character.

3. Each episode took around five hours to film.
   Live audiences of around 300 fans were present during filming. Actors welcomed the energy and laughter. Scenes were separated by 15–20 minute breaks to allow for set changes.

4. A baby kept ruining a key scene.
   In one episode, baby Ben was supposed to stay silent while Ross tried to get him to say “Dada.” Ironically, the baby kept saying “Dada” every single time, even though he wasn’t supposed to!

5. The doodles on Joey’s door were drawn by the head electrician.
   Paul Swain was responsible for every drawing on the Magna Doodle board on Joey’s apartment door – a small detail fans still speculate about today.

6. Lisa Kudrow thought Chandler was gay.
   After reading the pilot script, she assumed Chandler was written as a gay character. She wasn’t the only one – many fans agreed with her initial impression.

7. Gunther didn’t have a name until Season 2.
   The Central Perk barista wasn’t named until midway through the second season, even though he had already appeared in several episodes.

8. The original theme song was “Shiny Happy People.”
   Before choosing “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts, producers originally intended to use R.E.M.’s “Shiny Happy People” as the opening theme.

9. Only Chandler never changed jobs.
   Every main character changed careers at least once – except for Chandler Bing, whose mysterious job was a running joke throughout the series.

10. Courteney Cox was secretly pregnant.
    During the final months of filming, Cox was expecting, but this was kept under wraps because Monica couldn’t be portrayed as pregnant in the storyline.

11. Apartment numbers changed between seasons.
    Monica’s apartment originally had the number 5 on the door, but it was changed to 20 because the producers realized the apartment was supposed to be on a higher floor. Chandler’s apartment changed from 4 to 19.

12. Some cast members had issues filming with animals.
    Lisa Kudrow was notably uncomfortable filming scenes with the duck that appeared in Season 3.

13. Season 2 had no Thanksgiving episode.
    It’s the only season without a Thanksgiving-themed episode – a rare break from a long-running tradition in the series.

14. Cast members earned $1 million per episode in the final season.
    By the last season, all six leads were paid equally and handsomely for each episode.

15. Joey owed Chandler over $114,000.
    Across the series, it’s estimated that Joey racked up a $114,260 debt to Chandler – a testament to Chandler’s generous (and patient) nature.

16. Monica’s apartment had no actual bedrooms behind the doors.
    What you didn’t see: the other side of the wall was actually part of the Central Perk set.

17. The director took the cast to Vegas before the premiere.
    James Burrows wanted the six leads to bond and enjoy anonymity before becoming famous. He took them to Vegas with a warning: "Enjoy this trip – it might be the last time you’re not recognized."

18. The cast honored Courteney Cox’s marriage in the credits.
    When she married David Arquette, her name changed to Courteney Cox Arquette in the credits – and in a fun tribute, all the other cast members added "Arquette" to their names for that episode’s opening.

19. The final episode drew over 52 million viewers.
    Aired in 2004, the finale ranks as the fourth most-watched TV series finale in U.S. history.

20. Ross’s pet monkey was played by two animals.
    The famous monkey, Marcel, was actually played by two monkeys – Monkey and Kate. He was written out after Season 1 due to difficulties on set.

21. The yellow frame around Monica’s peephole was a broken mirror.
    Originally a mirror, it was accidentally broken on set. The crew decided the empty frame looked better – and it became an iconic set piece.

22. We only learn a few middle names.
    Chandler Muriel Bing, Ross Eustace Geller, Rachel Karen Green, and Joey’s full name – Joseph Francis Tribbiani Jr. Monica’s middle name starts with E, and Phoebe’s was never revealed because her sister Ursula sold her birth certificate.

23. Jennifer Aniston hated “The Rachel” haircut.
    Although it became a worldwide trend, Aniston once said she "absolutely hated" the haircut that made her character iconic.

24. There was no Central Perk in reality.
    The famous coffeehouse was a set built on Stage 24 of the Warner Bros. lot – but fans can visit a replica at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Los Angeles.

25. The chemistry was real.
    The cast became real-life friends, often hanging out off-set. Their natural connection contributed to the show’s enduring success and charm.