Friends: It Took Time to Become a Pop Culture Phenomenon
You know what they say about good things? It takes time. That definitely goes for our favorite hangout crew at Central Perk. While everyone loves "Friends" these days, even getting nominated for Emmys as one of the best comedies of all time, remember those early days? Turns out those first few seasons weren't always chef's kiss worthy. We're talking about those seasons when Monica and Chandler were still trying to figure things out, and when Rachel's hair hadn't even been transformed from "spoiled rich girl" to "totally-awesome waitress!"
A big reason for the slow burn was Ross and Rachel. It's like the entire first season is just watching those two walk in circles, unable to figure out their feelings. It was like their "Will they? Won't they?" dance wasn't cute yet. But it was all these ups and downs, their messed-up relationship, and the rest of the gang just figuring their stuff out. This slow, sweet build-up is what laid the foundation for that mega-famous, lovable "Friends" you know.
Why the Best Episodes Came Later: How 'Friends' Season 1 Missed the Top Spot
Listen, there were some pretty memorable moments back in those early seasons. Monica and Chandler met, Joey had a little thing with Phoebe’s sister Ursula. You even met Janice! And that legendary, hilarious laugh? It's iconic and happened all in those early days! However, none of these made the cut for the list of top 10 Episodes of "Friends" ever!
But as time moved on, Monica and Chandler really blossomed, and "Friends" had so much more to play with. Those top ten Episodes, almost all from those later seasons, got to the heart of "Friends": Those classic "will they? won't they?" moments, all the big romantic gestures, the heart-breaking moments... you name it, all these happened once the writers, directors, and the entire cast were ready to truly let those Iconic scenes unfold.
"Friends" Transformed: Season 1 vs The Big Transformation
Think of Phoebe. Initially, Phoebe was that wacky massage therapist girl with her crazy songs, but she was definitely a supporting role in the first season. You had all that focus on Monica, Rachel, and Ross.
But things changed drastically, man. Suddenly Phoebe was a fully-fledged part of the show, with the “Lobster Theory” (which you totally love, don't you?) In those later seasons, her weirdness (with an extra dash of sweetness, naturally) just shines through. Then, there's Joey. In Season 1, he was just the kind of goofball you expect a character in a sit-com to be. You loved it, I get it, it was charming! But later, in a great episode like "The One With Monica and Chandler’s Wedding," Joey goes from a lovable idiot to a wise old sage with actual feelings! Who’da thought it would happen?!
Why We Should Remember “Friends’ Season 1: An Unexpected Classic
Hey, even though we think "Friends" Season 1 is the baby steps before the giant leaps, let's remember some of those classic, cringey-but-great moments that we remember and love. Who hasn’t watched and laughed when Monica had to deal with Janice, a girl with a killer laugh? Or what about when Ross met Carol, a totally "out there" girlfriend with a wife?! All of that happened in Season 1.
And speaking of Phoebe? Who can forget Ursula, her slightly evil twin?! Those two, with Joey going between their lives as if there’s nothing strange about two women being so much alike, were part of “Friends’ golden moments, too. It's those earlier episodes that gave “Friends” a lot of that special spice, you know?
Looking Back at Friends’ Iconic Relationship
"Friends" lasted ten seasons and got us laughing for decades! We’ll always remember Monica and Chandler, Ross and Rachel (because even though they were all crazy about one another, that was also totally the problem!), the friendships and the heartwarming moments, but also, those moments of mayhem.
But, to be fair, "Friends" got to a spot of excellence because of those seasons after the first. Yeah, it was still “Friends,” but, as much as those Characters changed over time, it seems so did our appreciation for their antics! That is why "Friends" continues to make us chuckle over all of those unforgettable moments, you know?
