10 fun and interesting Friends facts

1. "Friends" Cast Too Dynamic to Be Supporting Roles

Originally, the show "Friends" was going to focus on four main characters: Monica, Ross, Rachel, and Joey. However, the creators soon realized that Phoebe and Chandler were too integral to the show's dynamic to be relegated to supporting roles, and so they were promoted to main characters. This decision proved to be a wise one, as the chemistry between the six friends is now one of the most iconic elements of the show.

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2. "Friends": Ross & Rachel's Relationship Key to Success

Originally, the creators of the hit show "Friends" had planned for Monica and Joey to be the main couple. However, as the show progressed, the writers decided to focus more on the relationship between Ross and Rachel, which eventually became the show's most iconic couple. This decision proved to be a success, as the show's fans were captivated by the on-again-off-again relationship between Ross and Rachel, and the show went on to become one of the most popular sitcoms of all time.

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3. "Friends Could Have Been the First Show to Feature a Gay Character"

When the hit show "Friends" was first being developed, the writers seriously considered making one of the main characters, Chandler, gay. This would have been a groundbreaking move for a sitcom at the time, and could have changed the course of television history. Ultimately, the writers decided against it, but it's still an interesting piece of trivia for fans of the show.

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4. The Show That Changed TV

When the creators of the iconic show "Friends" were deciding on a title, they had a few options. The pilot was even called "Friends Like Us", but they eventually settled on the name we all know and love. Other titles they considered were "Six of One", "Once Upon a Time in the West Village", "Insomnia Café" and "Across the Hall".

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5. Ellen DeGeneres turned down "Friends" role

Ellen DeGeneres was offered the role of Phoebe on the hit show "Friends" but ultimately decided to turn it down. The role was eventually filled by Lisa Kudrow, who went on to become a fan favorite for her quirky and lovable portrayal of the character. DeGeneres has since gone on to become a successful talk show host, winning numerous awards for her work.

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6. "Iconic 'Friends' Couch Found in Unusual Place"

The iconic orange couch from the beloved sitcom "Friends" was discovered in an unlikely place - the basement of the Warner Bros. Studios. This couch, which was featured in almost every episode of the show, has become a symbol of the show and a beloved piece of furniture for fans of the show. It was found in the basement of the studio, and was then moved to the set of Central Perk, where it has remained ever since.

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7. Courteney Cox overlooked for Emmy nomination

Despite the immense success of the hit sitcom "Friends", Courteney Cox was the only cast member not to receive an Emmy nomination for her performance. Despite her iconic role as Monica Geller, Cox was overlooked for the prestigious award, while her co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer all received nominations.

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8. Bruce Willis Makes a Special Guest Appearance on "Friends" for Free

On the hit show "Friends", Bruce Willis made a special guest appearance - and he did it for free! The iconic actor, who is known for his roles in films such as Die Hard and The Sixth Sense, was so eager to be part of the show that he waived his usual fee. His appearance was a huge hit with fans, and it's a moment that will be remembered for years to come.

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9. "Friends" Cast Earns 4,400% Salary Increase by Series End

When the hit show "Friends" first aired in 1994, each of the six main cast members earned a modest $22,500 per episode. However, by the end of the show's 10-year run, their salaries had skyrocketed to an impressive $1 million per episode - a staggering 4,400% increase! This made them some of the highest-paid television actors of all time.

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10. 52.46 million viewers watched the "Friends" finale

The finale of the beloved sitcom "Friends" was watched by an astonishing 52.46 million viewers, making it the fourth most-watched television series finale in U.S. history. This impressive feat is a testament to the show's enduring popularity and its ability to captivate audiences for over a decade. The finale was a fitting end to the show's 10-season run, and it's no surprise that so many viewers tuned in to say goodbye to the beloved characters.