The beloved Central Perk coffeehouse, where much of the show’s action takes place, is instantly recognizable to any Friends fan. But did you know that the set design almost looked completely different? Initially, the show’s creators had envisioned a more modern, sleek café for the group to hang out in. However, set designer Greg Grande fought for a more comfortable and cozy look, which would allow for more natural interaction among the characters.
Why It Worked: The Warmth of Central Perk
The cozy, homey feel of Central Perk is part of what makes it so endearing. The mismatched furniture, the oversized armchairs, and the signature orange couch all contributed to the idea that this was a place where you could relax, be yourself, and feel at home. The design helped set the tone for the friendships that were the backbone of the show.
2. Jennifer Aniston Almost Didn’t Play Rachel Green
While Jennifer Aniston’s portrayal of Rachel Green is now one of the most iconic characters in TV history, she was initially unsure about taking the role. At the time, Jennifer had already been in a couple of failed sitcoms, and she was hesitant to commit to another one. However, her eventual casting as Rachel Green turned out to be a game-changer for her career.
The Rachel Cut: A Hairstyle That Became a Trend
In fact, Jennifer Aniston became so synonymous with Rachel that her iconic “Rachel” haircut became a worldwide phenomenon. This particular style, with its layered look, is still considered one of the most famous haircuts in TV history. Ironically, Aniston herself didn’t like it and even referred to it as “the ugliest haircut I’ve ever seen.”
3. The Show’s Famous Theme Song Was Almost Very Different
“Smelly Cat” may be the most famous song on the show, but Friends’ theme song, “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts, almost didn’t happen. The producers originally wanted a more rock-and-roll-inspired tune but couldn’t find anything that felt right.
How “I’ll Be There for You” Became Iconic
After a few iterations, the song was written by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, the creators of Friends, and later performed by The Rembrandts. The song’s upbeat tempo and relatable lyrics made it an instant hit. To this day, it’s one of the most recognizable TV theme songs of all time.
4. The Cast Wasn’t Paid the Same in the First Season
Though Friends became a cultural and financial juggernaut, the cast wasn’t paid equally at the beginning. During the first season, the six main actors received $22,500 per episode. However, as the show gained in popularity, the cast demanded equal pay.
The Negotiation That Changed Their Salaries
By the third season, the six actors—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer—negotiated together for $100,000 per episode, a figure that was then unheard of for TV actors. By the end of the series, each of them was earning $1 million per episode, making them among the highest-paid TV actors in history.
5. Lisa Kudrow Was Almost Fired After Season 1
Lisa Kudrow, who played the eccentric and lovable Phoebe Buffay, almost didn’t make it past the first season of Friends. Originally, her character was intended to be a sidekick, with less screen time and fewer jokes. However, Lisa’s portrayal of Phoebe was so unique, endearing, and hilarious that the producers quickly realized they had a gem on their hands.
Phoebe’s Transformation
By the second season, Phoebe became a much more integral part of the group, contributing not only her quirky humor but also some of the show’s most heartfelt moments. Her songs, especially “Smelly Cat,” have since become fan favorites, and her character remains one of the most beloved on the show.
6. The Famous Fountain Scene Wasn’t Shot on Location
That iconic opening sequence where the six friends dance in the fountain is one of the most memorable moments of the show, but it wasn’t filmed on location at all. Instead, it was shot on a soundstage in Burbank, California.
The Reality Behind the Iconic Fountain Moment
The water in the fountain was turned on intermittently, creating splashes that made the scene look more lively. The cast and crew had a great time filming this, but what fans don’t realize is that it took several attempts to get just the right shot. The sequence was later enhanced with music, adding to its charm and making it an unforgettable moment in TV history.
7. Courteney Cox’s ‘Monica’ Character Was Originally Meant to Be Rachel
Before Friends hit the airwaves, Courteney Cox was offered the role of Rachel Green, but she felt she was more suited for the role of Monica Geller. Monica, the neurotic chef with a compulsive need for order, was initially written as more of a traditional “straight-laced” character.
Courteney Cox’s Perfect Fit as Monica
Once Cox accepted the role of Monica, the character’s depth and quirks began to evolve, and Monica became one of the most beloved characters on the show. Cox’s portrayal of Monica, with her obsessively clean habits, her competitiveness, and her emotional vulnerability, added depth to the ensemble cast.
8. The Set Design Was Based on Real New York Apartments
Many fans of the show have marveled at the spacious, charming apartments of Monica and Rachel, and Joey and Chandler. However, these apartments were much larger than any real New York apartment could ever be, especially on a sitcom budget.
The Real Inspiration Behind the Set
To make the apartments look as realistic as possible, the show’s designers used elements of real New York apartment designs but amplified them for dramatic effect. The sets were incredibly detailed, from the furniture to the wallpaper, making each apartment feel like a lived-in space. The goal was to reflect the characters’ personalities, and it worked—Friends’ sets became just as iconic as the characters themselves.
9. Matthew Perry’s Struggles with Addiction
Matthew Perry, who played the sarcastic and lovable Chandler Bing, later revealed that he struggled with addiction during the show’s run. He battled issues with alcohol and prescription pills, especially during the early years of the show’s success.
Chandler Bing’s Real-Life Struggles
Perry has spoken openly about how his addiction affected his life and his performance on the show. Despite his personal struggles, Perry continued to work and delivered some of the most memorable lines and moments from the show. His openness about addiction has led to greater awareness and empathy for others facing similar challenges.
10. The Cast Still Has a Special Bond Today
Although the show wrapped up in 2004, the cast of Friends remains incredibly close. They have often spoken about how much they still care for each other and the special bond they share. The actors have been seen reuniting for various events, including the much-anticipated Friends reunion special on HBO Max.
How the Cast’s Bond Lasts Beyond the Show
Despite having gone on to pursue other projects, the Friends cast continues to support each other. In fact, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow regularly hang out, and their behind-the-scenes camaraderie is a big reason why the on-screen friendship feels so genuine.
Conclusion: Friends Is More Than Just a Show – It’s a Cultural Phenomenon
Friends was not just a sitcom—it was a cultural phenomenon that left a lasting legacy on television. From behind-the-scenes secrets to the real-life struggles of the cast, the making of Friends is as rich and interesting as the episodes themselves. The show continues to be loved by fans worldwide, and these behind-the-scenes facts only deepen our appreciation for what went into creating such a timeless classic.
