Could This Friends Quiz Be Any Harder? Try And Find Out!
- by Brianti_D
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Thanks to syndication, basically everyone in the world has an idea of what Friends was. The hilarious sitcom ran for 10 seasons, filming 236 episodes. It went off the air back in 2004, but we're still hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn't watched at least one episode in the past year. The show has the power to suck anyone in while channel surfing. Even if someone has seen an episode a dozen times, they'll still sit down and watch it again.
Everyone thinks they're the biggest Friends fan, but that's an honor only reserved for a select few. Sure, most viewers can recall Monica's biggest quirks, Rachel's list of jobs before and after she entered the fashion industry and some of Chandler's most disappointing relationships. But can anyone remember those tiny details that set them apart from just any other fan? Do they know the behind-the-scenes details only the most dedicated Friends lovers have sought out? Test skills in this quiz to find out if someone is a super fan or really just a casual viewer.
Which one of these wasn't a proposed show title before producers settled on Friends?
We're really happy the creators finally settled on "Friends" because some of the working titles could've doomed the show. Our six favorite friends couldn't have thrived without working under any other moniker. Yeah, it's a little on the nose, but the other suggestions would he sorely outdated by now and mean no one would be watching it in syndication. So, are you a true fan? Then, pick the choice the title choice producers were not considering before the show started.
The opening credits weren’t shot in New York. So, where were they filmed?
After "Friends" hit it big, people started searching for the fountain featured in the TV show's opening credits. Of course, this was before Instagram, but folks still wanted to take a photo of it to hang up on their walls or put in a photo album. The problem was that no one could find it anywhere in New York City, no matter how hard they tried. That's because it's not there! Do you know where the show's opening was actually filmed?
What other cast member was originally supposed to play Rachel?
The sitcom went through a lot of casting changes before showrunners settled on the final six actors they wanted for the series. A few of the actors who ended up being cast weren't even the first choice, but we're sure no one who worked on the show has any regrets about how things worked out. In one instance, an actress on the show was originally offered another role, but she insisted on taking another one. Who could've been Rachel before the role went to Jennifer Aniston?
What show was Lisa Kudrow fired from right before she landed a role on "Friends"?
It's hard to even imagine someone else playing Phoebe, but that was once a possibility. Lisa Kudrow originally took a role on another show, which meant she couldn't be in the running for our favorite free-spirited singer. She ended up getting fired from that job before they even filmed the pilot episode. That freed her up to take the gig on "Friends". While the other show also had great success, it doesn't compare to what she got as Phoebe. Do you know what show she almost worked on?
Where did the cast go for one last hoorah before the show started airing?
It was pretty much a foregone conclusion that "Friends" would end up being a hit show. James Burrows, who directed a handful of episodes during the first few seasons, took the cast on a trip to a busy city. He told them to enjoy their last moments of anonymity because they'd be hounded anywhere they went for the rest of their lives. He definitely ended up being right. Do you know where they went for one last hoorah before the show started airing?
When was the only time the show wasn’t filmed in front of an audience?
Over the years, thousands of lucky people got to see the show being filmed lived. (We're insanely jealous, even though we were too young to go back when the show as airing.) One of the things that made the show great was the genuine laughter from the crowd during scenes. But there were some instances when the showrunners decided using a laugh track was better than having a live studio audience there. What circumstances made them leave the audience out?
How many episodes of the show were actually filmed in New York?
The show was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, but they did go on location for shoots in pivotal episodes. The show was obviously set in New York City and did such a good job that a lot of people actually thought that's where it was filmed all of the time. This one's a little tough, so only superfans will get it right. Do you know how many times the show took their crew on the road and decided to give some authenticity to the show?
How far apart were Monica and Chandler’s twins born?
Sadly, Monica and Chandler found out they couldn't have children of their own. Thankfully, they were connected with a young woman who was pregnant and wanted to give her baby to a good family. It was pretty surprising for everyone involved when she gave birth to twins! (Apparently, when the doctor referenced two heartbeats the birth mother thought he meant hers and the baby's.) The first born was Jack. How long did it take for Erica to make her surprise appearance into the world?
Which actress played the same character on "Friends" and "Mad About You"?
This one can only be answered by people who knew a little about other sitcoms running back in the '90s. Before she landed a starring role on "Friends," one actress had a small recurring role on another hit NBC show, "Mad About You." She played a waitress. The part wasn't integral, but was well-known enough that they had to create a plotline in "Friends" so viewers wouldn't get confused. Which actress played double duty, playing roles featured on both shows?
What did the cast make sure to do before each show?
Every performer has their tradition before taking the stage. Since "Friends" was filmed in front of a live audience the cast wasn't any different. They were a tight-knit group, not unlike the people they portrayed on TV, so the cast did their tradition together. It was such a big part of their life that when it came to the season finale, they were dreading it because it would be so emotional. What did the cast do before they started filming on every episode?
Monica was eventually supposed to end up with which character?
We really don't want to entertain a world in which Monica and Chandler don't end up together, but it wasn't the plan. Before fans had such a positive reaction to their coupling, showrunners had a different character in mind for Monica to be with in the end. Thankfully, they decided to try out her relationship with Chandler or we wouldn't have experienced one of the great love stories in TV history. Before she decided to make a go of it with Chandler, who was Monica supposed to end up with?
Which "Friends" cast members were just supposed to be supporting roles?
Not everyone can be a star, but "Friends" somehow made it work for every member of the cast. Although they each ended up gaining their own fame outside of the show, no one seemed to have a bigger role than anyone else when it came to the series. That wasn't the original plan, though. It was really supposed to be a show about four best friends and then they had two friends who'd sort of hang around. Which characters were originally supporting roles?
What popular soap opera inspired the names for the characters?
Some writers get their names of their characters from Shakesperean works. Others pull from their real-life experiences to find the right names. But in the case of "Friends," the characters were named after people in a soap opera. It's pretty ironic that something so dramatic could have any inspiration on a show that prided itself on being silly. But that's pretty much in the vein of the type of show "Friends" is, isn't it? What soap opera inspired the names of our beloved "Friends" characters?
Which one of these actresses was originally offered the role of Phoebe?
Before Lisa Kudrow made the role her own, Phoebe was originally supposed to have a much different personality. She was written as a goth girl, which would have meant blonde and bubbly Lisa Kudrow wouldn't have fit the bill. That's why the role was originally offered to another actress, but she ended turning it down. Then, it morphed into the Phoebe we all know in love. Which actress decided to pass on a role in what would become a hit TV series?
What was originally the number on Monica’s apartment?
Monica's apartment number was originally pretty low, but ended up being changed to 20. That's because the writers realized that her lower number would mean she wouldn't be on such a high floor in Manhattan. (Of course, they still decided to make us believe Rachel and Monica could afford the bills on that place.) The change in her number also meant Joey and Chandler's apartment number was changed to 19. Before they went through all of those changes, what number was posted up outside of the door on Monica and Rachel's apartment?
How many categories does Monica use to organize her towels?
We all know Monica is a bit of a neat freak and a stickler for organization. Her life is carefully curated and woe to anyone who messes that up in the slightest, as many cast members learned throughout the series. She has some pretty intense quirks as a result, including organizing her towels in several different categories. During a game of trivia, Joey correctly answers how many categories she actually has for them. So, do you know Monica's towel-organizing habits as well as Joey does?
Which "Friends" characters have never kissed each other?
Sure, we all remember the smooches between the guys when they were dating. Ross and Rachel, Chandler and Monica, and Joey and Rachel shared plenty of smooches over the course of the show. But there were a few in between you may not remember. It resulted in most of the cast sharing kisses over the course of the series. By the end, it was actually easier to figure out who had kissed one another than who hadn't. There are only two characters who have never puckered up. Which ones are they?
Bruce Willis appeared on the show for free after losing a bet to which "Friends" actor?
Bruce Willis starred in a movie with one of the actors from "Friends" and they made a bet. If their movie ended up being the top film at the box office on its opening, Willis' guest spot on the show would be done for free. He ended up losing and forfeiting his cash. He was reportedly paid, but the money was donated to a charity. Which cast member ended up costing Willis his paycheck for a guest spot on the show?
In “The One After Vegas” every actor had the same last name added to their credits. What was it?
Before the episode aired, one of the cast members had just gotten married. The showrunners decided to give that person a little nod by putting their bethrothed last name at the end of everyone else's name on the opening credits. It was definitely a big way to give someone congratulations. Don't go back and peek to find the answer because this one's definitely not easy. What was the last name added to everyone's credits in "The One After Vegas" episode?
In what season do we finally find out Gunther’s name?
Gunther eventually becomes a loveable supporting character. In addition to his stellar personality (we're being sarcastic, of course), he's known for the major candle he held for Rachel. Even though we can't imagine him having some sort of role now, that doesn't seem to be what the creators mapped out for his character. It was actually a while before he stopped just communicating with looks and was actually given some lines. In which season did we first hear Gunther speak?
Marcel was played by two monkeys. What were their names?
It's hard to forget the bond Ross had with Marcel. The monkey was more than a pet, he was basically Ross' best friend. (If you think about it, he probably loved that Monkey as much as his own son.) When he had to give the monkey up, it probably hurt the viewers about as much as it hurt Ross. Marcel was actually played by two monkeys during the character's tenure on the show. Do you know what their names were?
Which actress from Ross’ celebrity list actually guest starred on the show?
During the third season, Ross makes a list of celebrity freebies. Like anything with Ross, it takes a lot longer than it should and takes way more thought than anyone should put into a list of people they'll probably never meet. After painstakingly putting together a list of celebrities he would be allowed to date if they gave him an opening (despite being with Rachel), we get to hear his top picks. One of them ended up guest starring on the show later on. Who was it?
Which recurring guest star had a huge crush on Jennifer Aniston?
It would really be easier to ask who doesn't have a huge crush on Jennifer Aniston. She's not only beautiful but just seems like a sweet person. You can tell by our description of her, we're in the category of people who harbor huge crushes on the actress. With so many recurring guest stars, it's not surprising that it became common knowledge when one of them took a special liking to the actress. Which actor had romantic feelings for Jennifer Aniston?
What part of Central Perk did all of the actors take home after the show ended?
Central Perk was like the seventh friend in the series. Some of the best moments in the series happened as the cast sat around the table drinking coffee. Oddly enough, the studio thought the concept was too trendy and tried to convince the showrunners to use a diner instead because it worked so well for the "Seinfeld" cast. We're glad no one listened. It makes sense that when the show was over the cast took a piece of Central Perk home with them. What did they all take?
Which actor almost didn’t return for the final season?
It would be hard to imagine how the writers could have pulled off the final season without one of the characters. Just removing one of them from the mix for just a few episodes never felt right. So, losing one for an entire season would've been really bad for the fans and the ratings. But one of the actors had some personal issues and they also worried another season could end up disastrous, meaning they wouldn't go out on top. Thankfully, those thoughts changed. Who almost didn't return?
Why did the writers have to hide Courteney Cox’s pregnancy?
When Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe) got pregnant, the writers put it in her storyline. She ended up being a surrogate for her brother and his wife. We're not sure how she felt about them basically implying she looked so big that she could be having twins, but it worked for the plot. But when Courteney Cox (Monica) got pregnant with her first child in Season 10, the writers made her hide it. Why did one of them have to hide their pregnancy but the other didn't?
What is Phoebe’s address?
We don't see much of Phoebe's apartment. She spends most of her time at Monica's place and Central Perk with the rest of the gang. We do get more insight into where she lives than we ever do about where exactly Monica, Rachel, Joey and Chandler live. For example, we actually find out what Phoebe's address. This is definitely one for super fans. If you wanted to mail a letter to Phoebe, where would you send it?
How did James Michael Tyler land a role as Gunther?
We learned to love Gunther over the years. Sure, his crush on Rachel was borderline creepy and he has no idea what customer service is, but Gunther somehow found a way to make that anything but repulsive. In fact, it was kind of endearing. Just like everyone on the show at one point, James Michael Tyler started out as a guy who had acting ambitions, but hadn't gotten his break yet. How did he land a role as Gunther on the show?
How many women dated both Chandler and Joey?
Chandler and Joey were best friends, but they didn't exactly adhere to bro code. There were a few times when the guys were interested in the same woman. Instead of going with the "may the best man win" tactic and then bowing out to the first one she showed interest in, they'd still pursue her. Somehow, they were able to rebuild trust and work past the issues it caused. How many girls did both of the roommates date during the series?
What did Lisa Kudrow want Phoebe to play instead of the guitar?
Phoebe's bad guitar playing skills weren't originally supposed to be a quirk of the character. The problem was really that Lisa Kudrow wasn't good at playing the instrument. The studio paid to get her lessons, but it just got too stressful. She ended up deciding not to keep going and just make Phoebe a bad guitar player. Before she gave up, Kudrow decided to go with a different option by suggesting Phoebe take up another instrument. What did she want her to play instead?
What is Ross’ middle name?
We only find out four of the middle names for the cast. Chandler's is Muriel, Rachel's is Karen and Joey's is Francis. We don't know what Monica's is, but we do know it starts with an "E." We also find out what Ross' is too. The name his parents chose definitely fits his serious personality and the sophistication be belives he has. (But it's actually probably more sophisticated than he actually is.) What's the middle name of our favorite paleontologist?
Why don’t we know Phoebe’s middle name?
We never learn Phoebe's middle name, but it's not because it never comes up in conversation. It does and she has a reasoning for why we'll never be told what it is. In true Phoebe fashion, it's a pretty unique explanation that really wouldn't fly with anybody else. Seriously, if Monica or Joey gave the same excuse, we'd just roll our eyes and wonder why the writers got so lazy. But Phoebe's life is so colorful and a little mysterious that anything goes.
How much money were cast members getting per episode when the show started?
By the time "Friends" ended, the cast was getting $1,000,000 per episode. Each of them were making that a piece. The cast was reportedly the first ever to tie their salaries together, so they all made the same amount of money for their time on the show. We're sure it helped to stop feelings of resentment over pay to bubble up as the show went on. With Matthew Perry and Jennifer Aniston doing pretty well with movies outside of the show, they could've jockeyed for a higher pacheck than the rest of the cast. Before they earned millions of viewers, how much did the cast make per episode?
What’s the last word ever uttered on the series?
We've all heard of the saying "famous last words," right? It usually references something a person says right before something bad happens. The end of "Friends" definitely wasn't good since we hated to see it go, but we think the phrase still stands. For a screenwriter the final words someone says at the end of a show are extremely important. It's a piece of the story a lot of fans will keep with the forever. Chandler delivered the final line in the "Friends" series. What did he say?
What was originally supposed to be the series theme song?
The theme song for the series helped give the show its meteoric rise. The showrunners went with "I'll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts. While the fans went crazy for it, some of the cast actually didn't really like it. Maybe they would've been happier if the showrunners went with their first choice. Before the fountain scene in the opening credits was set to a Rembrandts song, another band almost got the honor. What was the song originally supposed to be?