If you think you already know every secret behind Friends, buckle up — because there’s one “almost” project that the studio tried to bury so deeply that even long-time fans missed it. And trust me, once you hear what was planned, you’ll never look at Joey and Chandler the same way again.
The Lost Spin-Off: “Best Buds” — The Show That Could’ve Rewritten Their Futures
In late 2004, right after Friends wrapped its legendary 10-season run, NBC reportedly flirted with a spin-off concept titled Best Buds — a sitcom centered entirely around Joey and Chandler’s new lives after the gang drifted apart.
This wasn’t a rumor. Writers pitched it. Executives debated it. A secret pilot outline was drafted.
And then… it disappeared.
What the Spin-Off Was Going to Be
According to the few people who’ve spoken about it (quietly, behind closed doors), the show focused on:
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Chandler struggling to adjust to life as a dad while trying to reinvent himself as a high-end advertising creative.
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Joey, after the collapse of his soap-opera fame, trying to revive his acting career with disastrous — but hilarious — results.
The comedy gold? Chandler’s sarcasm + Joey’s chaotic optimism.
Basically… the ultimate comfort show every fan secretly wanted.
The Drama That Killed It
Why was it cancelled?
Because the writers reportedly disagreed about one major concern:
“Without Monica, could Chandler still be Chandler?”
Some writers said yes. Some said absolutely not.
And then came the bigger issue — Joey was already getting his own spin-off (Joey, 2004).
NBC didn’t want two parallel series that might compete.
Result? Best Buds was scrapped at the last minute.
No announcement. No leaks. Just gone.
The Spoiler That Never Saw the Light
The most shocking part?
The planned Episode 5 included a clandestine guest appearance from Monica.
And the storyline was wild: Joey accidentally books a role in a “serious drama” without knowing it’s actually a documentary. He panics. Chandler panics harder. Monica shows up because she “felt a disturbance in the force.”
It would’ve been the chaotic trio reunion we never got.
The Spin-Off That Might’ve Been Perfect
Looking back, fans agree:
Joey’s actual spin-off lacked heart — but THIS concept had heart, humor, and history.
Would it have been iconic? Probably.
Would it have changed Chandler and Joey’s legacy forever? Absolutely.
And honestly… a part of us will always wonder:
What if the boys got one more chance to share that BarcaLounger?
