Friends is an iconic TV series, and, like any classic series, there have been plenty of opinions about it that time is proving true. The high-and-lows of a tight-knit group of twenty-somethings living in New York City has kept viewers enthralled and entertained since its 1994 premiere. However, in the 31 years since its initial release, even die-hard fans have been noticing some cracks in the long-beloved sitcom.
Both time and retrospect have lent credibility to some unpopular opinions. Modern sensibilities affect the formally unquestioned likability of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey. Numerous video essays, opinion pieces, and fan discussions continue to fixate on the more unpleasant aspects of the core cast. Likewise, characters that were once despised by the audience at large have become fan favorites. Friends story-lines that were once universally loathed are seen as unfairly maligned in the modern day.
10 Gunther (The Unofficial 7th ‘Friend’) Was Mistreated
He wasn’t as bad as the show made him out to be.
Portrayed by the late Micheal James Tyler, Central Perk manager, Gunter is widely regarded as the unofficial seventh ‘friend.’ However, despite appearing in nearly 200 episodes of the classic sitcom, much about the beloved character is unknown. Though it was widely regarded as a joke, several off-handed lines – his love for Rachel, his failed acting career, his Chandler-esque insecurity, and more – suggest that Gunther would’ve been a welcome addition to the core cast had they been more open.
9 Janice Wasn’t as Annoying as She Seemed
She had a really good heart.
Maggie Wheeler’s portrayal of Chandler’s on-again-off-again girlfriend was certainly a memorable one. Despite appearing in only 19 episodes of Friends, the character’s boisterous laugh, off-beat personality, and the strange coincidences that repeatedly drew her into the main casts’ orbit have made her a recent fan favorite. Despite the show’s every attempt to paint the character as an unlikable oddball, Janice managed to find a special place in the hearts of modern viewers.
8 Ross’ Trauma Was Never Properly Acknowledged
He went through a lot in his life.
While the unbelievable wildness of Phoebe’s backstory, as well as its dark tone, is often noted by fans of the series, the depressing events of Ross’ life are often barely acknowledged. The character is often described as being least favored in the main cast, and while his jealous and possessive tendencies are undesirable, they are not without serious traumatic cause. Ross was cheated on by his first wife – and first love – Carol yet, despite full awareness of this, Ross’ marital woes, and the very real insecurities behind them, are treated as little more than jokes.
7 Susan Bunch Was A Terrible Person
Carol’s wife was actually pretty awful.
Appearing in 13 episodes, Susan Bunch was the affair partner – and eventual wife – of Ross’ ex, Carol. Given these circumstances, Ross treated Susan with a tremendous amount of kindness and civility, especially in the face of several rude remarks lobbed at him. While past viewers saw this as evidence of Ross’ character growth, modern audiences feel his kindness was neither deserved nor properly earned.
6 Emily Did Nothing Wrong
Emily was wrongly made the villain.
Naming a character more universally despised than Emily Waltham is a difficult task. In retrospect, the only mistake Emily made in her brief 14-episode appearance was attempting to keep her doomed marriage together. Ross and Emily’s whirlwind affair, and animosity-filled nuptials were almost entirely Ross’ fault: from his proposal after a mere 6-week relationship to his saying Rachel’s name at the altar.
5 The Monica-Richard Romance Was Creepy
The age gap and uncomfortable circumstances were never truly acknowledged.
The ultimately doomed love affair between Monica and Richard remains a fan favorite among some, frequently topping discussions involving who each Friends lead should’ve ended up with. However, many more fans find the romance repulsive. If the painfully obvious 21-year age gap wasn’t enough to put viewers off, Richard was established as her father’s best friend, and it’s implied many times that he watched her grow up.
4 Rachel and Joey Weren’t Terrible Together
They actually made a pretty good couple.
The brief fling between Rachel and Joey was one of the most universally loathed story-lines in Friends’ decade-long run. Fans despised it for a perceived lack of chemistry, the actors despised it for the drama it created, and even the writers would later regret their decision, splitting the pair up after 2 to 3 episodes. However, fans have been far kinder to the multi-season arc, stating that the two had a far healthier and better established dynamic than Rachel and Ross.
3 Paolo Didn’t Just Hurt Rachel
He also hurt Phoebe in a really gross way.
A product of the late ‘90s, many, many elements of Friends have not aged well. However, one unsavory moment in particular is too often overlooked. Early in the series, when Rachel’s hot Italian fling touches Phoebe inappropriately, the group rallies around Rachel to give her comfort, with the moment framed as a brutal breakup. Unfortunately, Phoebe’s feelings on the matter are never even referenced; in fact, the show even implies that she liked the attention.
2 Rachel Gave Up Everything For Ross
Ross didn’t do nearly as much for Rachel.
By Friends’ tenth season, Rachel Green had gone from spoiled, lazy, and ill-prepared for the world to independent, self-assured, and confident. While the inevitability of Ross and Rachel’s romance couldn’t be avoided any longer, Rachel made a solid case as to why she was designed for a high-powered career in Paris. After all this time, fans can’t help but wonder what became of her life after remaining in New York – with Ross having made no sacrifices.
1 Ross & Rachel Shouldn’t Have Ended Up Together
That they were off more than they were on was a red flag.
There are several points throughout the series where a Ross and Rachel ending would’ve been better suited. Instead of getting together following the birth of their daughter, the opportunity was wasted on an ultimately awkward tryst between Joey and Rachel that, for most, ended either much too soon or much too quickly. By the end of Friends’ 10 seasons, many fans felt fatigued by the endless will-they-won’t-they dynamic, so much so that many would’ve preferred to see the two apart.
