Friends is one of the most iconic TV shows of all time, but even the most die-hard fans may not know all of the behind-the-scenes secrets. Whether you’ve watched the show multiple times or are discovering it for the first time, here are 34 fascinating facts you probably never knew about Friends.

1. The Show Was Almost Called “Insomnia Cafe”
Before settling on Friends, the creators considered several titles, including Insomnia Cafe and Friends Like Us.

2. Monica and Joey Were Meant to Be a Couple
Originally, the show’s creators envisioned a romance between Monica and Joey, but it didn’t play out that way.

3. Courteney Cox Was Offered the Role of Rachel
Courteney Cox, who played Monica, was originally offered the role of Rachel, but she felt a stronger connection to Monica’s character.

4. Jennifer Aniston Almost Didn’t Play Rachel
Due to her commitments to another show, Muddling Through, Aniston nearly missed out on playing Rachel Green.

5. The Cast Negotiated Salaries Together
The six main cast members stood in solidarity, negotiating their contracts as a group to ensure they all received equal pay.

6. The Orange Couch Was Found in a Basement
The iconic orange couch in Central Perk was discovered in the basement of Warner Bros. Studios.

7. Chandler’s Awkwardness Was Written for Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry’s own awkwardness and sense of humor were incorporated into Chandler’s character.

8. Lisa Kudrow Hated Playing Guitar
Despite Phoebe’s iconic “Smelly Cat” performances, Lisa Kudrow actually disliked playing the guitar.

9. Phoebe and Joey Were Meant to Hook Up
There were early ideas for Phoebe and Joey to become romantically involved, but it was ultimately scrapped.

10. The Show’s Writers Kept the Storylines a Secret
To avoid spoilers, the show’s writers kept many major storylines, such as Ross and Rachel’s breakup, a secret from even the cast.

11. The Fountain Intro Was Shot in Burbank
The famous fountain scene in the show’s intro wasn’t filmed in New York but rather at the Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank, California.

12. The Show’s Popularity Reached Unexpected Heights
Friends became a global phenomenon, drawing in fans from all around the world and spanning multiple generations.

13. Marcel the Monkey Was a Diva
Marcel, Ross’s pet monkey, caused frustration on set, and David Schwimmer wasn’t too fond of working with the animal.

14. Some Celebrities Were Turned Away as Guest Stars
The show had a long list of celebrity guest stars, but some A-listers didn’t make the cut due to scheduling conflicts or storyline restrictions.

15. Joey’s Character Was Inspired by Matt LeBlanc
Matt LeBlanc’s background and real-life persona helped shape Joey Tribbiani’s character.

16. Gunther’s Role Was Expanded by Accident
James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther, initially had a very small role but became a regular fixture due to his on-set presence.

17. Janice’s Laugh Was Improvised
Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice, came up with the character’s iconic laugh on her own.

18. There’s a Real-Life Central Perk
In honor of the show’s 20th anniversary, a real-life Central Perk café opened in New York City.

19. The Friends Were Named After Soap Opera Characters
Many of the main characters’ names were inspired by characters from the soap opera All My Children.

20. David Schwimmer Directed Several Episodes
David Schwimmer, who played Ross, also directed 10 episodes of the series.

21. The Show Was Filmed in Front of a Live Audience
Every episode was filmed in front of a live studio audience, adding authenticity to the actors’ performances.

22. The Cast Went on a Group Vacation Before Filming
Before filming the first episode, the main cast members took a vacation together to bond and build chemistry.

23. Ross and Rachel’s Relationship Wasn’t Always Planned
The on-again, off-again romance between Ross and Rachel wasn’t originally planned, but the chemistry between the actors led the writers to explore it further.

24. Courteney Cox Was Pregnant During Season 10
Cox’s pregnancy during the final season was hidden by clever wardrobe choices and camera angles.

25. Joey and Chandler’s Chick and Duck Were Real
The adorable chick and duck that Joey and Chandler adopted were played by real animals on set.

26. The Cast Stayed Close After the Show Ended
Even after Friends ended, the cast members remained close friends, often reuniting for special occasions.

27. The Magna Doodle in Joey and Chandler’s Apartment Changed Every Episode
The whiteboard in Joey and Chandler’s apartment featured new drawings or messages in each episode.

28. The Show Inspired Countless Spin-Offs
While Joey was the only official spin-off, the success of Friends influenced numerous shows and pop culture references.

29. Jennifer Aniston’s Haircut Became Iconic
Aniston’s hairstyle, known as “The Rachel,” became a global trend, with fans flocking to salons to mimic her look.

30. Matthew Perry Struggled with Addiction During Filming
Perry has been open about his struggles with addiction, which affected him during several seasons of the show.

31. Lisa Kudrow’s Pregnancy Was Written into the Show
Kudrow’s real-life pregnancy was written into the show, with Phoebe serving as a surrogate for her brother’s triplets.

32. The Final Episode Was One of the Most-Watched in TV History
The series finale, which aired on May 6, 2004, was watched by over 52 million viewers in the U.S.

33. Some Scenes Had to Be Rewritten After 9/11
Due to the sensitive nature of certain jokes and plotlines, some scenes were rewritten after the tragic events of 9/11.

34. The Cast Earns Millions from Reruns
Even years after the show ended, the cast still earns significant income from syndication and streaming rights.

These behind-the-scenes secrets make Friends even more special, showcasing how much thought and effort went into creating one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.