Die Hard Fans of Friends

10 Fascinating Facts You Might Not Know About “Friends”

1. Originally the show was going to focus on just four characters: Monica, Ross, Rachel, and Joey. Phoebe and Chandler were going to be supporting characters.

2. Also, Monica and Joey were originally intended to be the main couple on the show.

3. Ellen DeGeneres turned down the role of Phoebe.

4. In the early stages of development, the writers considered making Chandler gay.

5. “Shiny Happy People” by R.E.M. was the original choice for the theme song. It was used in the pilot:

6. In the first couple of episodes, Monica and Rachel’s apartment number was No. 5. This was changed in later episodes to No. 20 because the producers noted that 5 corresponded to an apartment on lower floor.

7. Matthew Perry is 5 years younger than Courtney Cox.

8. Season 2 is the only season without a Thanksgiving episode.

9. Courtney Cox was the only cast member not to get an Emmy nomination for her work on the show.

10. Bruce Willis guest starred on the show for free.