10 ‘Friends’ Episodes Fans Love To Hate
Ever watch a show you absolutely adore and still find yourself cringing at certain episodes?
That’s the magic of “Friends,” a sitcom so beloved that even its missteps spark passionate conversations.
From awkward storylines to uncomfortable character choices, some episodes just don’t sit right with fans, even decades later.
Here are ten episodes that viewers love to debate, dissect, and sometimes wish they could forget.
1. The One with the Sharks
Monica decides to surprise Chandler in Tulsa, but things take a weird turn when she misinterprets what he’s watching on TV.
What she thinks is a fascination with sharks is actually something far more embarrassing.
Fans found this storyline awkward and uncomfortable, making it one of the least favorite episodes.
In fact, 28% of viewers in a poll voted this as the worst episode ever.
Sometimes misunderstandings are funny, but this one just felt forced and cringeworthy to many loyal watchers.
2. The One with Chandler’s Dad
Chandler reconnects with his estranged father, who performs as a drag queen in Las Vegas.
However, the portrayal felt insensitive and outdated to many viewers, sparking criticism about how the show handled LGBTQ+ characters.
Around 24% of fans ranked this as the worst episode in a major poll.
Though the show tried to address family reconciliation, the execution missed the mark.
Looking back, this episode hasn’t aged well and remains a sore spot for the series.
3. The One with Ross and Monica’s Cousin
Ross develops an inappropriate crush on his gorgeous cousin Cassie, played by Denise Richards.
Watching him struggle with these feelings was deeply uncomfortable for viewers.
About 16% of fans labeled this the worst episode in polling.
Sure, the show was known for pushing boundaries, but this storyline crossed a line that made audiences squirm.
Even die-hard fans admit this was one moment where the writers should have reconsidered their creative choices before filming.
4. The One with the Fake Party
Rachel throws a fake going-away party just to spend time with her crush, Joshua.
Things spiral out of control when she tries too hard to impress him, leading to embarrassing moments.
Many fans found Rachel’s desperation painful to watch rather than funny.
Instead of being charming, the whole scenario felt manipulative and cringe-inducing.
This episode reminds us that sometimes less is more when it comes to romantic pursuits and sitcom plotlines alike.
5. The One with the Invitation
Clip shows can be hit or miss, and this one definitely missed the target for most viewers.
Instead of new content, fans got a recap of Ross and Rachel’s rocky relationship as they prepared for Ross’s wedding.
With an IMDb rating of just 7.2, it’s one of the lowest-rated episodes.
While nostalgia can be sweet, rehashing old scenes felt lazy to audiences craving fresh storylines.
Nobody tunes in to watch highlights they’ve already seen a dozen times before.
6. The One with the Male Nanny
Ross hires a male nanny named Sandy for baby Emma, but he can’t handle the idea of a man in this traditionally female role.
His discomfort and outdated views on masculinity frustrated many fans.
Though the episode tried to challenge gender stereotypes, Ross’s behavior reinforced them instead.
Viewers expected better from a show that prided itself on being progressive.
This episode proves that good intentions don’t always translate into good execution on screen.
7. The One with the Ick Factor
Monica starts dating a guy named Ethan who seems mature and charming at first.
Plot twist: he’s actually a 17-year-old high school senior, making their relationship wildly inappropriate.
Fans were uncomfortable watching this storyline unfold, even though Monica immediately ends things.
The age gap and power imbalance made viewers cringe throughout.
Sometimes comedy needs boundaries, and this episode definitely crossed one that should have been respected from the start.
8. The One Where Ross Dates a Student
Ross begins a romantic relationship with Elizabeth, one of his college students.
Though she’s technically an adult, the professor-student dynamic felt inappropriate to many viewers.
The power imbalance and ethical concerns overshadowed any comedic moments.
Fans questioned why the writers thought this was acceptable material for laughs.
Even in the early 2000s, this storyline raised eyebrows and remains controversial among those who rewatch the series today.
9. The One with the Rumor
Brad Pitt guest-stars as Will, an old high school friend who harbors resentment toward Rachel.
He reveals he started a cruel rumor about her back in the day, and the nastiness feels mean-spirited.
While some enjoyed the celebrity cameo, others found the storyline distasteful.
Bullying and body-shaming jokes didn’t land well with audiences.
What should have been a fun Thanksgiving episode left a sour taste for viewers expecting holiday warmth instead.
10. The One That Could Have Been
This two-part episode explores an alternate reality where the gang made different life choices.
While the concept sounds fun, execution felt flat and disconnected from what fans loved about the characters.
Seeing familiar faces in unfamiliar roles was jarring rather than entertaining.
Many viewers found the alternate timeline confusing and unnecessary.
Sometimes imagination is better left to fanfiction rather than actual episodes that disrupt the flow of beloved storylines.
