10 times Friends proved it has one of the best sitcom scripts

Friends exclusive streaming on Netflix | Image via Netflix
Friends exclusive streaming on Netflix | Image via Netflix

Friends is an American television sitcom developed by David Crane and Marta Kauffman that aired on NBC for 10 seasons, from September 22, 1994, to May 6, 2004. This TV show is widely regarded as one of the best sitcoms of all time. Many people loved the show due to its charming heroes, hilarious stories, and sharp dialogue. It convincingly established that its plot was intelligent, emotive, and will last for years.

The authors managed to add humor and emotion to real-life situations. The following moments explain why the series is still beloved today. Simple principles were brought to life and made really amusing due to excellent writing.

**Please note: This article is solely the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.**


Here is the list of the 10 times Friends proved it has one of the best sitcom scripts.

10. "Pivot!" - Ross's Couch Debacle

Ross moves his new couch into his apartment | Image via Netflix
Ross moves his new couch into his apartment | Image via Netflix

In S05E16, Ross moves his new couch into his apartment by himself with the help of Rachel and Chandler to save money. Ross frequently yells

"Pivot!"

to combine their stance as they try to move the couch up the stairway. The most bizarre aspect of the scene is when the couch catches on the pool jet and threatens to tear it down in the middle.

It is noted for its bright slapstick and excellent sense of humor. The idea of "pivoting" becomes so important to Ross that it becomes overly ridiculous. The scene reveals the characters’ relationships and the show’s talent for turning anything into a funny scene. The catchphrase has gained notoriety and is a prime example of the show's ability to produce realistic yet hysterically exaggerated situations.


9. "We were on a break!" - Ross's Refrain

Ross's and Rachel's breakup moment | Image via Netflix
Ross's and Rachel's breakup moment | Image via Netflix

In season 3, episode 15, tensions grow between Ross and Rachel because Ross becomes jealous of Rachel’s coworker, Mark. When feelings run high, Rachel feels it’s time for a break from their relationship. Ross decides to break up and, disappointed, goes out with Chloe for the night. Rachel tries to hash things out the next day, but Ross tells her that he was with someone else. Ross replies,

"We were taking a break!"

This line is renowned for emphasizing strained relationships and how people miscommunicate with one another. They harmoniously use humor to bring out the emotional elements and create conversations about love and understanding.


8. "He's her lobster" - Phoebe's Romantic Insight

Before the dialogue "He's Her Lobster" | Image via Friends
Before the dialogue "He's Her Lobster" | Image via Friends

In the fourteenth episode of Season 2, the friends see an old video of Ross preparing to take Rachel to the prom when her intended date failed to show. Before Ross could speak, Rachel’s date came, making Ross feel disappointed. Rachel gives Ross a kiss out of flattery, reigniting their romance. Phoebe then comments.

"See? He's her lobster!"

People remember this scene for its sweet and funny moments. Although humorous, Phoebe's belief that lobsters mate for life effectively captures the intensity of Ross and Rachel's bond. The episode uses humor and real emotions to craft moments that we remember.


7. "Could I be any more....?" - Chandler's Sarcasm

Chandler in Friends | Image via Netflix
Chandler in Friends | Image via Netflix

Ross is thrilled to plan a museum event in season 3, episode 2. Most of their day is disrupted. Monica keeps playing her ex's voicemail, Rachel frequently changes her clothes, and Joey and Chandler have a small argument over a seat. As a response to Joey’s retreat with his underwear, Chandler takes all his garments and appears in them before laughing at him.

"Look at me, I'm Chandler! Could I be wearing any more clothes?"

The episode is praised for how it weaves the story and its sharp dialogue. Joey perfectly copying Chandler’s silly sense of humor makes the show all the more hilarious. The writers proved genius by building an entire episode out of a simple idea and filling it with humorous situations.


6. "How you doin'?" - Joey's Catchphrase

Joey in Friends | Image via Netflix
Joey in Friends | Image via Netflix

This script quickly became one of Friends’ most well-known lines. Joey Tribbiani said this line. He used it regularly to attract women, doing so with an expression of confidence. The line

"How you doin'?"

attracted notice when Joey brought up his flirtatious use of it. Joey is a good man with a little inexperience with women, as evidenced by his straightforward and amusing demeanor. People outside the TV show also started quoting this famous line.

The timing and delivery of the comedy highlight the characters' humor and longevity. Joey's line exemplifies how the sitcom creates basic but amusing moments that resonate with viewers.


5. "They don’t know that we know they know we know" - Layers of Deception

Scene from Season 5, Episode 14 | Image via Netflix
Scene from Season 5, Episode 14 | Image via Netflix

In Season 5, Episode 14, Phoebe finds that Monica and Chandler are a couple. She and Rachel ended up faking that Phoebe likes Chandler just for fun. After discovering what Phoebe and Rachel were planning, Monica and Chandler devised a scheme to stop them. As a result, they end up in an awkward competition and finally take part in what seems like a date, although neither is interested.

The show’s plot becomes especially fun to watch because of all the secrets and counter-secrets exchanged, as shown by Phoebe’s line.

"They don't know that we know they know we know."

The witty phrase well reflects the lies and deception going on among them. Many praise this episode for its clever writing, good timing, and how it grows the relationships amid funny scenes.


4. "My Sandwich!" - Ross's Meltdown

Someone ate Ross' Sandwich | Image via TBS
Someone ate Ross' Sandwich | Image via TBS

Ross is upset when he realizes someone at work has eaten his Thanksgiving leftover sandwich in Season 5, Episode 9. She cooked Chandler a sandwich with a layer of bread in the middle that was covered in gravy. His sudden exclamation

"My sandwich!"

was quite surprising. Others are concerned about his mental health at work. So, he is required to take time off.

This scene is renowned for its ability to combine humor with character development. His dramatic overreaction to the incident indicates that he is getting more and more stressed from his second divorce and eviction. The writers' handling of the sequence causes Ross's ineptitude to blow up into comedic mayhem in seconds. The line is now famous and represents the program’s ability to make us smile at small annoyances.


3. "Unagi" - Ross's Misguided Vigilance

Ross explains Unagi | Image via TBS
Ross explains Unagi | Image via TBS

During Season 6, Episode 17, Rachel and Phoebe decide to take a self-defense course, and Ross explains what "unagi" means. According to them, "unagi" is a kind of sushi, and people continue to joke about their mistake. Ross tries to surprise the women to check their alertness, but his ambushes go wrong, and he ends up attacking people he thinks are Rachel and Phoebe.

People praise this episode for its sharp writing and fun interaction between the characters. Ross's funny but flawed attempts to introduce unagi illustrate both his character and how they interact. The differences in understanding between the characters help turn this show into a chain of humorous events. Ross’s actions in this episode were such that "unagi" is now associated with his strange ways.


2. "I got off the plane" - Rachel's Decision

Rachel Getting Off The Plane In The Friends Finale | Image via Netflix
Rachel Getting Off The Plane In The Friends Finale | Image via Netflix

In the last episode, Ross realizes he is still in love with Rachel and travels to the airport to persuade her not to fly to Paris. Despite understanding his genuine sentiments, she boards the plane. When Ross returns home, he hears Rachel's voicemail, in which she expresses her love for him and her regret. She unexpectedly arrives at his door and informs him that she has just gotten off the plane.

Many people like this scene the most since it neatly concludes Ross and Rachel's relationship. It turned out to be a symbol of commitment and love. The authors use a unique balance of heart and humor to give the reader a heartwarming ending to the tale.


1. "Not just health department clean, Monica clean!" - Monica's Obsession

Monica in Friends | Image via Netflix
Monica in Friends | Image via Netflix

Monica and Chandler hire a male nanny, Sandy, in Season 9, Episode 6, who very much impresses Monica because he cares. It is also mentioned that her passion for cleanliness is serious, as she speaks about cleaning the apartment after Sandy and says she wants it

“Monica, clean”

instead of only “health department clean.” This clip demonstrates Monica's obsession with cleanliness, which becomes funny. They make amazing use of this ability to bring humor and also develop the characters. The show regularly draws laughs from how obsessed Monica is with her standards.


It is concluded that these scenes helped make Friends one of the most influential shows on TV. These qualities of the show made it enjoyable for all to watch. Laughter and meaty moments, among other things, make the show so likable.

Each example above represents the mix of affection, friendship, and fun that was so special about the show. Many people still quote the lines and smile when they remember the show.

Edited by Debanjana