FRIENDS, one of the most iconic sitcoms, has been a favorite since it first aired in 1994. Many of us have spent countless hours binge-watching it, laughing at the hilarious antics of the characters or feeling emotional when the series finale hit us right in the feels. It was hard to say goodbye, knowing we’d no longer see Joey’s clueless charm, Chandler’s witty sarcasm, or Phoebe’s wonderfully weird personality. Monica’s obsessive organization and Ross and Rachel’s rollercoaster of a relationship also left an unforgettable mark in our hearts.
But here’s an interesting fact. The popular term “friend zone” that we often use today? It became widely recognized thanks to Joey Tribbiani, played by Matt LeBlanc. His character may have struggled with relationships at times, but he certainly gave us some memorable phrases!
Joey Tribbiani’s Words in the Episode The One with the Blackout Made the Term “Friend Zone” Popular
Even years after FRIENDS ended, Matt LeBlanc’s Joey Tribbiani remains a fan favorite and it’s easy to see why. Across ten seasons, Joey’s charm, his unforgettable “How you doin’?” catchphrase, and his hilarious moments made him one of the most lovable characters on the show. Joey’s endless string of romantic encounters and goofy personality left a lasting impression on audiences.
But did you know that Joey also popularized the term “friend zone”? It all started in the Season 1 episode The One with the Blackout. During this episode, Joey explains to Ross Geller that he has waited too long to tell Rachel Green how he feels, and now he’s stuck in the dreaded “friend zone.” He even goes so far as to call Ross the “mayor of the friend zone.”
The “friend zone” is now widely recognized in pop culture to describe a situation where someone is romantically interested in another person who only sees them as a friend. While the phrase became widely popular in the 2010s, this iconic 1994 episode of FRIENDS highly helped with its popularity.
Joey’s casual words to Ross became much more than a throwaway line and it hyped up a term that many people still use to describe unreciprocated feelings. And just like that, Joey Tribbiani added another unforgettable moment to his legacy on FRIENDS. So, love it or hate it, we can thank Joey for making the “friend zone” a thing!
The One Where Chandler Bing Called Gum Perfection
One of the most memorable early episodes of FRIENDS is “The One with the Blackout.” Fans often recall this episode for Chandler Bing’s hilarious encounter in an ATM vestibule with model Jill Goodacre. From Chandler’s awkward charm to Jill’s ‘90s icon status, this storyline stands out as one of the episode’s highlights.
But there’s more to this episode than just Chandler’s goofy antics. This episode is famous for popularizing the term “friend zone,” which Joey uses to describe Ross’s struggles with his feelings for Rachel.
Meanwhile, back at Monica’s apartment, the rest of the group is dealing with the blackout in their own way. Between swapping stories about past relationships and candlelit conversations, the characters’ chemistry shines through the setup. This setting also deepens the storyline of Ross and Rachel’s budding romance, though Rachel ends up falling for her handsome neighbor Paolo that night.
However, Chandler Bing being “trapped in an ATM vestibule with Jill Goodacre” gave Matthew Perry one of his first big moments to shine. And just like the gum Jill offers him, his performance was, as Chandler puts it, “perfection.”
Joey Tribbiani and Chandler Bing’s Bond in the Sitcom FRIENDS Were the Highlights of the Show
Joey Tribbiani and Chandler Bing are undoubtedly two of the funniest characters on FRIENDS. But when the writers paired them together, their scenes became pure comedy gold. Their hilarious banter, quirky antics, and heartfelt moments made their friendship one of the show’s biggest highlights.
Among their many iconic episodes, The One with Chandler in a Box stands out as a fan favorite. In this episode, Chandler confesses to kissing Joey’s girlfriend, Kathy, which leaves Joey furious and determined to move out. To make amends, Chandler agrees to an unusual punishment, spending Thanksgiving in a box to reflect on his mistake.
While Joey is initially determined to stick to the punishment, he eventually has a change of heart. Seeing how much Chandler and Kathy care for each other, Joey forgives his friend and lets go of his anger. This episode not only shows Matthew Perry’s impeccable comedic timing but also sheds a spotlight on the deep bond between the two characters.
Joey and Chandler’s friendship is built on loyalty, love, and forgiveness. While they argue and make mistakes, they always find their way back to each other. Their friendship is a perfect blend of humor and heart, proving that no matter what, their friendship is stronger than any grudge. It’s no wonder fans consider their relationship one of the most memorable parts of FRIENDS!
