Even though Friends went off the air over 20 years ago, its influence and charm continue to captivate audiences. While certain aspects of the show may feel dated, its iconic episodes, unforgettable cast, and lasting impact on television are undeniable. Among the many reasons fans still celebrate the series, the romances stand out the most.
From Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) and Mike’s (Paul Rudd) sweet, late-stage love story to Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel’s (Jennifer Aniston) famously drawn-out saga, the show offered a variety of relationships. And, of course, Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler’s (Matthew Perry) pairing became one of television’s most iconic couples. But surprisingly, Monica wasn’t always destined to end up with Chandler — early plans had her paired with Chandler’s roommate and best friend, Joey (Matt LeBlanc).
Monica and Joey Were Originally Planned as a Couple
From the earliest seasons, Monica and Joey’s dynamic hinted at potential romance. According to People, the original idea was for them to eventually be together. In hindsight, this may seem shocking, but the writers had already sown the seeds. Episodes like Season 3’s “The One with the Flashback” highlight their immediate chemistry, particularly in Joey’s awkward but memorable full-body reveal.
However, when the show went to London for Ross’ wedding, plans began to shift. Entertainment Weekly reports that Monica and Chandler’s first intimate encounter there was originally intended as a one-off joke. Producer David Crane explained, “The initial thought was, ‘It’s just a big, quick, funny mistake — how are they going to get out of it?’ But the more we explored it, the more stories it provided, and it really reinvigorated the show.” The audience’s enthusiastic reaction ultimately changed the trajectory of the series, giving rise to one of the greatest sitcom couples ever.
Why Monica and Joey Would Have Been a Problematic Pairing
While Monica and Joey’s romance might have seemed plausible on paper, it would have been frustrating and mismatched. Monica’s precision and discipline as a world-class chef contrasted sharply with Joey’s free-spirited, carefree lifestyle. While Monica and Chandler had differences, they complemented each other beautifully — a balance Joey simply couldn’t provide.
Furthermore, Joey’s charm lies in his sex-positive, commitment-light persona. For him to settle down with Monica would have undermined the very qualities that made him so lovable. Monica and Chandler’s long history of romantic mishaps, by contrast, made their compatibility both believable and satisfying for the audience.
A Blessing in Disguise for Both Characters
Part of what makes Monica and Joey so memorable individually is that they stay true to themselves. Forcing them together would have compromised their arcs and likely disappointed fans. Instead, Monica and Chandler’s unexpected connection in London allowed each character to grow naturally while providing one of the most satisfying pairings in sitcom history.
In the end, what started as a “mistake” became one of Friends’ defining moments. Monica and Chandler’s romance not only strengthened the show’s storytelling but also preserved the integrity of Joey and Monica as characters, proving that sometimes, the best outcomes come from plans gone awry.
