Chandler and Joey were anything but typical roommates in the iconic television series F.R.I.E.N.D.S. What could possibly come to your mind when you are talking about roommates, splitting rent, or dividing responsibilities equally, right?
But these two will definitely change your mind. They have shown us how two roommates can be the best allies. The friendship between these two is incomparable, they didn’t even need to communicate sometimes, as they knew what the other person might think.
They have quite contrasting personalities, though their unwavering loyalty towards each other was commendable. Through thick and thin, they’ve always had each other's backs, be it Joey failing in auditions or Chandler’s breakup.
The cozy chaos of mixed-up furniture and the famous foosball table was more than just a backdrop, it’s the place where every fight over pizza, sandwich, or their pets, chick and duck drama, offers a blend of comedy and coziness. Their flat wasn’t just a place to stay, it was like a comedy hub, the ultimate bro zone.
They weren’t simply roommates, they shone as the top team in the realm of sitcoms, packed with unconventional pairs. Joey and Chandler are a living proof that the best roommates share much more than a roof; they create a shared chapter of their lives.
Somewhere in our lives, we all crave someone like Joey or Chandler by our side. So, let’s find out 5 reasons why these two are the best roommates we see on the TV show.
Joey bought a TV and Recliners for a pair with his paycheck

This is one of the countless reasons that these two characters top the roommate charts. Most people cash out their first paycheck and treat themselves with a shopping spree or a five-star feast. But Joey, being an amazing friend and the best roommate, chose to share his first paycheck from his soap opera with Chandler. He bought a TV and two super comfy leather finish recliners for both of them to enjoy their favorite TV show together. Though it was one of the funniest episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S., it was heartwarming as well. It was a hilarious moment when they first sat on those recliners and felt the comfort; they spent a whole day in them, and didn't even use the washrooms. They ordered food to Monika’s apartment so that they didn’t have to get up to receive those. It wasn’t just the couch time with the remote, it was more about being there for every moment. Through this gesture, Joey was actually showing his gratitude towards Chandler for the countless financial and emotional supports he got from him. Which proved, without a doubt, that these two are truly the ultimate roommates. The best kind of roommates aren’t measured by chores and contribution, they make each win feel like a shared moment. That’s why Joey bought two recliners so that he can enjoy this moment with his best friend. It’s not fun for them unless they are having fun together, and that’s what real friends do. Their bond went beyond jokes and games, it overflowed with camaraderie, kindness, and matching comfy chairs. And that, folks, is what perfect roommates look like.
Chandler used to cover Joey’s expenses

Chandler covering up for Joey, it was a warm and familiar pattern of the series F.R.I.E.N.D.S. These two were more like chosen family than roommates. Chandler consistently suppressed the typical duties of a roommate, whether it was helping Joey with his rent, paying for his acting classes, his medical bills, and what’s more, in silence, he was ensuring Joey’s credit card bill was paid. Balancing a stable corporate job with a never-ending stream of sarcasm, Chandler was a humble hero who was holding their NYC life together. Let’s face it, roommates often pool their food and occasionally lend each other clothes, but Chandler chose to provide financial security. There are hardly any roommates who think like that. There was an episode where Chandler was moving out of their apartment as he was moving in with Monica, but he was more anxious about how Joey would now handle all the bills, since for so many days, Chandler was the one who used to take care of these things. So, he tricked Joey with a so-called game “Cups”, and gave him the money it was a very funny moment, but it was one of the sweetest gestures by Chandler. Do you really think that typical roommates behave like this? It was true friendship, no bells and whistles, just heart. He was like a cushion behind Joey, when things fell apart, he always stood there beside him as a steady backup. And Joey, who never overlooked, held it close to his heart. Joey's unwavering loyalty, his constant presence through it all, be it Chandler’s heartbreak or awkward moments, kept things equal in their own way. The best roommates are those who have your back when life falls apart and treat your struggles with kindness. That’s the gold standard of roommates.
Joey sacrificed Kathy cause Chandler loved her in F.R.I.E.N.D.S

In F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Joey Tribbiani had a dating resume longer than his acting one. Most of his relationships lasted about as long as a meatball sandwich in his hands. But when it came to Kathy, things were different. Kathy wasn’t just another date, she had substance, wit, and actual conversations that didn’t involve “How you doin’?” And just when you thought it was all smooth sailing, Chandler fell in love with Kathy. Now, most roommates might have sparked a cold war of sarcasm or at least a silent war over the remote. But not Joey and Chandler. Because when Joey found out that his best friend had real feelings for Kathy, he didn’t fight it; he stepped aside. Yes, the same Joey who once tried to claim fries as a personal asset gave up a girl for his best friend. That’s not just mature, it's roommate gold. Joey was hurt, confused, and definitely betrayed at first. But once Chandler owned up and apologized like the awkward legend he is, Joey forgave him. Not because it was easy, but because their friendship was worth more than a few romantic sparks. This moment right here? That’s why Joey and Chandler top the chart as the best roommates in TV history. Their friendship was about choosing each other over everything else, even love. That’s real loyalty, with a side of sitcom magic.
Chandler couldn't live with Eddie after Joey moved out

Eddie was the roommate Chandler had to painfully endure when Joey moved out. He used to stare at Chandler while he slept, and had a mysterious goldfish that may or may not have existed. Basically, if sitcom roommates had red flags, Eddie's character in F.R.I.E.N.D.S. was a walking parade. Joey moved out when he got his first soap opera. Chandler thought he could handle living solo, or he could find a new roommate. What he didn’t expect was, his new roommate would be a psychopath. At first, Chandler tried to keep calm. But the strange conversations, the imaginary fish, and Eddie’s unpredictable mood swings were making Chandler crazy. Meanwhile, Joey was living large, but not exactly loving life without his best friend and their recliner showdowns and foosball fun. Turns out, his big fancy apartment wasn’t fun at all without his best friend. Eventually, Chandler reached his limit. and came up with a perfect plan, gaslighted Eddie right out the door. With Joey moving back in with him like a hero, they convinced Eddie he never lived there at all. Honestly, it wasn’t even that hard for them. This moment isn’t just hilarious, it proves exactly why Joey and Chandler are the best roommates in TV history. Because when you find a roommate who drives you just the right amount of crazy, who finishes your jokes and steals your fries, you don’t let a weirdo get in the way. You bring back your best friend, kick out the weirdness, and go back to being the ultimate roommate duo we all know and love.
Chandler and Joey couldn’t tolerate Ross taking up their space as their third roommate

One of the funniest episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S is when Ross moved in with Joey and Chandler as he was kicked out by Emily’s cousin from his apartment. When Ross moved in with Chandler and Joey, he tried to excavate every last bit of fun from their apartment. From the moment he showed up with a mountain of boxes, a laptop, and a deeply committed relationship with his air purifier, it was clear this wasn’t going to be the fun with the new trio as everyone hoped for. And Ross being Ross, he wasted no time making himself at home and making everything a little less cool. He changed their answering machine message right after he moved in and started controlling their volume like he was managing a library. Chandler and Joey tried to be good hosts. But trading foosball tournaments for “Shhh, I’m working on my laptop” wasn’t their scene at all. They missed their chaos, their dumb jokes, and their freedom to yell across the room about sandwiches without being told to keep it down. These moments prove exactly what makes them the best. They didn’t just live together, they had a rhythm, a shared language of ridiculousness and warmth. With Ross in the mix, the chemistry was off. Because sometimes, the perfect roommates aren’t just the ones you can live with, they’re the ones you can’t live without.