'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' trivia that'll blow your 90s-loving mind
What's the story
F.R.I.E.N.D.S is a beloved sitcom that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. While many fans can quote lines and recall episodes by heart, there are still some lesser-known facts about the show that might surprise even the most dedicated followers. From casting choices to behind-the-scenes decisions, these insights offer a deeper look into what made F.R.I.E.N.D.S such an enduring success.
Casting twist
Ross's original love interest was different
Initially, Ross's love interest was not supposed to be Rachel. The creators had envisioned a different character for him to fall in love with. However, as the chemistry between David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston became apparent during auditions and early episodes, the storyline was adjusted to focus on Ross and Rachel's iconic relationship.
Set design shift
Monica's apartment color change
Monica's apartment is iconic for its bright purple walls, although that wasn't the initial idea. Initially, the set designers thought of more neutral colors. But they ultimately went with purple since it popped on camera and gave Monica's character a unique flair. It worked wonders for the show's visuals!
Character evolution
Joey's character was almost very different
Did you know Joey Tribbiani was originally imagined as a much more intelligent character? Early drafts of the script showed him to be an intellectual actor, instead of the lovable dimwit fans fell in love with. The change in his character added a whole new level of comedy and made way for some of the show's funniest storylines.
Music choice dilemma
The iconic theme song almost didn't happen
The theme song I'll Be There for You by The Rembrandts, is synonymous with F.R.I.E.N.D.S, but it almost didn't make the cut at all. Producers had considered several other songs before settling on this one after realizing how perfectly it encapsulated the spirit of friendship central to the show's narrative.
Plot development surprise
Phoebe's twin sister was a last-minute addition
Believe it or not, Phoebe Buffay having a twin sister named Ursula was never part of the initial plans for her character arc. The twist was introduced later, when Lisa Kudrow had already been playing Ursula in another show called Mad About You. To make this crossover opportunity work, writers cleverly integrated Ursula into F.R.I.E.N.D.S, adding layers to Phoebe's backstory without disrupting continuity.