Beginner's Guide To Friends: 5 Episodes To Get Anyone Obsessed In No Time
These are so good, you’ll want to rewatch them right away.
This month marks exactly two decades since the finale of Friends. Even after all these years, David Crane and Marta Kauffman's sitcom continues to reign supreme on various streaming platforms. So popular, in fact, that Netflix once paid a whopping $100 million to keep the show on board for another year to satisfy the insatiable demand of fans old and new.
Speaking of new fans, that is not such a rare occurrence in the Friends fandom. While seasoned enthusiasts continue to indulge in endless re-watches, a new wave of viewers are drawn to the timeless story of six friends navigating life in 1990s New York.
If you adore Friends and want to introduce a friend or loved one to its charms, here's a curated list of five standout episodes guaranteed to ignite any newcomer's passion.
The One Where Monica Gets a Roommate (S1E1)
Of course, kicking off our list is the pilot episode, which serves as the cornerstone of the series. Here we meet the beloved ensemble cast and see ground zero for their future storylines. Ross and Rachel go through pivotal moments in their personal lives, paving the way for one of television's most iconic love stories.
The One with the Blackout (S1E7)
The unforgettable blackout episode is a true gem in the Friends canon and an ideal starting point that doesn't give away too much of the plot. Amidst the chaos of New York City's sudden power outage, we're treated to numerous hysterically funny moments that showcase each character's wit and charm.
From Chandler's hilarious attempts to impress a Victoria's Secret model while trapped in an ATM vestibule to Ross' chucklesome encounter with a stray cat just as he's about to bare his heart to Rachel, this episode is brimming with laughter and lightheartedness.
The One With All the Poker (S1E18)
The poker games in this episode are a source of endless hilarity. Plus, amidst the laughter, we're treated to an extremely heartwarming gesture from Ross that, hands down, stands out as one of the series' most touching moments. During one of the games, the older Geller puts aside his competitive nature and gives Rachel the win when she needs it most. No wonder people are rooting for these two.
The One Where No One's Ready (S3E2)
The favorite episode for many fans is the one where the gang struggles to get ready for Ross' museum event. Chaos reigns, the clock ticks, tensions rise, and viewers are treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, from sympathy for Ross's predicament to uproarious laughter at the group's antics.
The One with the Ball (S5E21)
The episode in which Ross, Joey, Chandler and Monica engage in the epic game of not dropping the ball is pure comedy gold and one of the most atmospheric stories in the entire series. It perfectly showcases each character's quirks and idiosyncrasies, and if a new viewer isn't hooked after this episode, it's safe to say that Friends might not be their cup of tea.
And let's not forget the hilarious subplot involving Rachel's inside-out cat and the numerous gags surrounding it.