Given the news that the Friends reunion is due to land on our screens on HBO Max on May 27th, fans have been reminiscing about the hit sitcom's highs and lows.
While the world was a very different place when Friends aired all the way back in 1994, there are some "gaffes" that really don't stand the test of time — namely, the considerable amount of homophobic and transphobic slurs.
Matt LeBlanc, aka Joey Tribbiani, actually addressed these concerns in 2018, telling the BBC: "I’ve heard rumours too about people taking pot shots at Friends, but I don’t want to get into that. I disagree with all that. Friends was about themes that stand the test of time – trust, love, relationships, betrayal, family and things like that."
However, not all cast members agree. Hollywood icon, Kathleen Turner, who played Chandler Bing's transgender parent slammed the show for not ageing "well". Speaking to Gay Times, she asserted, "It was a 30-minute sitcom. It became a phenomenon, but no one ever took it seriously as a social comment," she asserted to Gay Times.
So, in light of the reunion, we take a look back at 12 of the show's most problematic "jokes". Hopefully, the upcoming special will prove to be more progressive. It is 2021, after all, folks...
1. "What's my boy doing with a Barbie?"
Which episode? Season three's 'The One With the Metaphorical Tunnel'Why was it problematic? Hello gender stereotypes! In this episode, Ross can't handle the idea that his young son may prefer playing with a Barbie instead of an action figure. As we know, trying to get a child to stop playing with a "girl" toy reinforces negative ideas around what it means to be a young boy or girl in today's society.
2. "What are you talking about, one woman?! That’s like saying there is only one flavour of ice cream for you... Welcome back to the world, grab a spoon!"
Which episode? Season one's 'The One Where It All Began'
Why was it problematic? Joey blatantly objectified women by comparing them to different flavours of ice cream, and insinuating that men should get out there and explore all the different "flavours".
3. "Imagine yourself living in a supermarket and you will understand."
Which episode? Season six's 'The One Where Phoebe Runs'
Why was it problematic? In this episode, Joey is trying to explain to his attractive flatmate, Janine — played by Elle Macpherson — why they shouldn't engage in any flirting. As well as comparing women to food once more, he also refuses to believe Janine when she insists that she's really not into him... Get the hint, Joey!
4. "Don't you have a little too much penis to wear a dress like that?"
Which episode? Season seven's 'The One with Monica and Chandler's Wedding: Part 1'
Why was it problematic? In what has since been dubbed as blatantly transphobic, the characters in the series refuse to call Chandler's father — played by Kathleen Turner — by her preferred name, Helena Handbasket.
Although, she's never referred to as transgender in the television show, Handbasket works as a drag performer and presents as female in all of her appearances.
(Credit: Netflix)
5. "So you’re just, like, a guy who’s a nanny?”
Which episode? Season nine's 'The One With the Male Nanny'
Why was it problematic? In this episode, Ross is absolutely perplexed that a man could be a nanny. He even goes so far as to imply that the "Manny" — played by Freddie Prince Jr. — must be gay based on his choice of profession.
6. "Wow, you look just like your son, Mrs. Tribbiani."
Which episode? Season five's 'The One With Joey's Bag'
Why was it problematic? Here, Joey was mocked by his friends for loving what they deemed a quintessentially "girly" item — a leather satchel, which had all sorts of handy compartments. You can still be a man and love having something to carry around all your stuff in!
7. "Dumb, old perfect-for-the-job Hilda"
Which episode? Season seven's 'The One With Rachel's Assistant'Why was it problematic? In what would be called textbook sexual harassment in 2021, Rachel hires 24-year-old Tag simply because he's hot. This means that Hilda — who is perfectly qualified for the role — misses out simply because Rachel wants to date Tag, who barely meets any of the role's requirements. To nobody's surprise, Rachel eventually ends things with Tag, because he's too "immature".
8. "Some girl ate Monica!"
Which episode? Season two's 'The One With the Prom Video'
Why was it problematic? One of the longest-running jokes in the sitcom's history revolves around fat-shaming Monica. It all begins in season two, when we get our first look at "Fat Monica". The first thing Joey shouts is: "Some girl ate Monica!"
It's incredibly fatphobic, and sets the tone for all the negging Monica endures about the body she had when she was a teenager.
9. "Ridiculously dull Bobby"
Which episode? Season two's 'The One with Russ'
Why was it problematic? After Monica's boyfriend "Fun Bobby" undergoes treatment for alcohol addiction, the gang decides that he couldn't possibly still be "fun" without alcohol, and Chandler renames him "ridiculously dull Bobby".
This, of course, perpetuates harmful stereotypes around alcoholism and sobriety – and is deeply insensitive to those who suffer from substance addiction.
10 "How goes the dancing?"
Which episode? Season four's 'The One With the Ballroom Dancing'
Why was it problematic? This is just one of many homophobic jokes made throughout the series, and it occurs when Joey agrees to help the janitor learn how to ballroom dance. When Monica gets wind of it, she says, "How goes the dancing", implying that dancing could somehow change Joey's sexuality, as it is perceived to be a more "feminine" activity by society writ large.
11. "Hey check me out, I'm a slut!"
Which episode? Season six's 'The One That Could Have Been, Part 1'
Why was it problematic? In the One That Could Have Been, the show explores what would have happened if Monica didn't lose weight, and there are a lot of offensive jokes.
Perhaps the worst is when she loses her virginity to Chandler, and is overly shocked and thankful that he would even be remotely interested in her. She's so excited, she exclaims, "Hey check me out, I'm a slut" — as if plus-sized women can't also enjoy sex. Get with the times we say...
12. "A grown man getting people coffee is a little humiliating"
Which episode? Series nine's 'The One With the Mugging'
Why was it problematic? When Chandler decides he wants to get into advertising, he's offered an internship, which he dubs "below him".
Speaking about the programme — which is a great way to break into a new industry, btw — he motions to Central Perk manager, Gunther, who is walking by, and says, "A grown man getting people coffee is a little humiliating."
Ouch! Not is it an incredibly privileged assertion to make, but it's also pretty classist...
Feature image credit: Alamy
