In 1999, Courteney Cox married David Arquette, marking a joyous moment in her life and creating a ripple that reached all the way to the Friends set.
Proud of her new last name, Courteney was excited to make it official on screen and requested that her full married name, Courteney Cox Arquette, be added to the opening credits. Not one to miss an opportunity for fun, the Friends producers decided to turn her request into a playful moment, creating what fans now fondly call “The Arquette Episode.”
Courteney had apparently been reminding the producers regularly to ensure they wouldn’t forget to make the change, wanting her new name to be part of the show’s credits as a small but meaningful celebration of her marriage. The producers took her enthusiasm in stride and went one step further—they devised a clever plan to surprise her in a way that would also delight the fans.
In the premiere episode of Season 6, titled “The One After Vegas,” the opening credits feature each of the main cast members with “Arquette” appended to their last names. So, instead of the usual lineup, viewers saw “Jennifer Aniston Arquette,” “Lisa Kudrow Arquette,” “Matt LeBlanc Arquette,” “Matthew Perry Arquette,” and “David Schwimmer Arquette,” alongside “Courteney Cox Arquette.” This humorous touch was not only a nod to Courteney’s newlywed status but also a gentle tease from her castmates and crew, who often shared close, family-like bonds both on and off the set.
The playful edit had a dual impact: it was a heartwarming surprise for Courteney herself and a unique Easter egg for fans, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the episode. The “Arquette” gag was especially fitting in “The One After Vegas,” as this episode was about Ross and Rachel’s impromptu wedding in Las Vegas, providing a clever parallel between the characters’ storyline and Cox’s real-life marriage.
The “Arquette Episode” remains a cherished moment among fans and a rare instance where the lines between the actors’ personal lives and their on-screen personas humorously blurred. This quirky tribute to Courteney and David’s marriage showcases the camaraderie and creative spirit that made Frieands so special. From their shared inside jokes to their real-life friendships, the Friends cast and crew embraced these moments, and this particular episode stands as a timeless reminder of how much fun they had together.
