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Part of series: Friends [TV Series]: Few ensemble sitcoms of the 1990s and early 2000s commanded as much love and devotion from its fans as the immensely popular NBC series Friends -- and few such sitcoms generated as many water-cooler conversations as the characters lives and loves evolved over the series ten-year run. Set in New York City, the action largely took place in two neighboring loft apartments. One of these was the home of Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), who can be described as the series rock -- or better yet, den mother. An assistant chef who later ran her own restaurant, Monica lived with her best friend, Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), who had come to New York after running out on her wedding; employed as a waitress in the earlier episodes, Rachel later became a buyer for a retail fashion chain, and finally an assistant to a high-profile designer. Occasionally dropping into Monicas apartment was her brother, Ross (David Schwimmer), a paleontologist who spent most of the first season coming to grips with the fact that his wife, Carol (Jane Sibbett), had declared herself a lesbian and divorced him (Carol would later give birth to Ross son Ben, whom she and her partner insisted upon raising themselves). Across the hall from Monicas flat lived Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), an aspiring actor whose professional luck was generally bad until he landed a continuing role on the daytime drama Days of Our Lives -- as a man with a womans brain! Joey lived with corporate guy Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), who was regarded as the class clown of the bunch. A frequent guest at both apartments was Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), an airheaded will-o�-the-wisp who never quite got it all together at any one time. When the friends werent at home or at work, they could be found hanging out at Central Perk, a Greenwich Village coffeehouse manned by Gunther (played by real-life coffee guy James Michael Tyler, who did not receive screen credit until well into the series run), where Phoebe occasionally performed as a folksinger. Gradually and inevitably, many of the friends became lovers. First it was Ross and Rachel, a relationship that came to a screeching halt in season three when Ross slept with another woman when the couple was on a break. Ross then ended up marrying the prickly Emily Waltham (Helen Baxendale) during a jaunt to England in season four. That this alliance was doomed from the start was demonstrated when, during the ceremony, Ross said Rachels name instead of Emilys. After the dissolution of the marriage, a drunken Ross and Rachel impulsively got hitched in Las Vegas at the end of season five, but they soon realized that theyd acted too hastily, and were themselves divorced. In season eight, Rachel gave birth to Ross baby, a girl named Emma. Meanwhile, Chandler and Monica, who after getting it on at Ross wedding ceremony tried to keep their relationship a secret from everyone, were married at the close of season seven. They would later discover that they could not have children, whereupon they adopted a baby from a woman named Erica (Anna Faris). In a similar vein, the whimsical Phoebe had earlier agreed to be artificially inseminated so that she could bear a child for her half-brother, Frank (Giovanni Ribisi), and his wife (and former teacher), Alice (Debra Jo Rupp). Ultimately, Phoebe gave birth to triplets. Phoebe also had another sibling, a twin sister named Ursula -- actually the same character played by Lisa Kudrow in the earlier NBC sitcom Mad About You, which was still in production when Friends debuted on September 22, 1994. The series tenth and final season (2003-2004) wrapped up several loose plot strands. Having admitted that he always loved Rachel, Joey proposed to her, but the marriage never came off -- and in an eleventh-hour decision, Rachel forsook plans to move to Paris, and returned to Ross. After several desultory relationships, Phoebe married a nice guy named Mike (Paul Rudd). And as Friends approached its two-part finale, Erica, the birth mother of Monica and Chandlers soon-to-be-adopted baby went into labor -- and surprisingly delivered twins, which they named Erica and Jack. After the storyline of the series ended, Joey would end up moving out of New York, heading to L.A. to pursue a film career, thereby setting up the premise of Matt LeBlancs spin-off sitcom Joey. At or near the number one ratings slot throughout most of its run, Friends also earned a veritable warehouse of Emmy Awards -- not to mention full-fledged stardom for all of the series regulars. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Includes seasons: Friends: Season 09: With season eight of Friends concluding on a lively note as Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) gave birth to Ross baby, season nine gets off to an equally lively start as Joey (Matt LeBlanc) accidentally proposes to Rachel, and Rachel accidentally accepts. This leaves Ross (David Schwimmer) out of the picture, and he puts up a brave front about it, while the rest of the friends (except Joey, of course) try to bring Ross and Rachel back together. Elsewhere, former Married...With Children co-star Christina Applegate shows up in the role of Rachels sister Amy; and as newlyweds Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) try to adjust to Chandlers new job, which will require him to commute back and forth between New York and Tulsa, word comes that the couple may never be able to have any children. The season ends with a jaunt to Barbados, a confession, and the long-awaited, long-delayed Joey and Rachel kiss. Although its status as Americas top-rated series was upset by the emergence of CBSs CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Friends remained the countrys most-watched network sitcom during its penultimate year on the air. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Includes episodes: Friends: The One Where No One Proposes: Season nine of Friends begins a mere few seconds after the end of season eight, with brand-new mother Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) under the assumption that she is engaged to Joey (Matt LeBlanc) -- as Ross (David Schwimmer) heads to her hospital room intent upon proposing himself! An already confusing situation is made even more so by the well-intentioned interference of good old Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow). Meanwhile, back in the tiny hospital closet where Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) had sequestered themselves for a quickie, the prying eyes of a third party may mean big trouble in future episodes. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One Where Emma Cries: Baby Emma wont stop crying, driving new mom Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) to turn on the spigots herself. Meanwhile, the non-proposal that occurred in the previous episode continues to prove embarrassing -- and physically painful -- for Rachels erstwhile suitors Ross (David Schwimmer) and Joey (Matt LeBlanc). And while struggling to stay awake at a company meeting, Chandler (Matthew Perry) inadvertently agrees to be transferred to Tulsa. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With the Pediatrician: Paul Rudd makes his first series appearance as Mike, who has been set up as a blind date for Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) by helpful Joey (Matt LeBlanc). Phoebe is grateful for Joeys gesture -- until she gets wise to the somewhat abrupt way in which Joey and Mike became acquainted in the first place. Elsewhere, a search to find the right pediatrician for baby Emma leads to a startling discovery for Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), who realizes anew that theres more to Ross (David Schwimmer) than meets the eye. And Chandler (Matthew Perry) is forced to make a difficult decision when he is transferred to Tulsa. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With the Sharks: Now that she has been dating Mike (Paul Rudd) for a while, Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) feels comfortable enough to tell him a bit more about herself. Unfortunately, her confession that few (actually, none) of her previous romances have led to long-term commitments may put the kibosh on her present relationship, forcing Ross (David Schwimmer) to come to her rescue with a little creative fabrication (its a nicer phrase than bold-faced lie). Meanwhile, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) gets a feeling of d�j� vu while at the apartment of his latest girlfriend, and Monica (Courteney Cox) pays an unforgettable visit to Chandler (Matthew Perry) in Tulsa. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With Phoebes Birthday Dinner: Phoebes (Lisa Kudrow) plans for her elaborate birthday dinner hit a snag at the get-go when Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry), who have been forcibly separated in most of the previous episodes, have a major squabble over his newly revived smoking habit. Meanwhile, Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) accidentally place an impenetrable locked door between themselves and baby Emma. The only one who arrives at Central Park in time for Pheebs birthday bash is Joey (Matt LeBlanc) -- and his patience is dangerously close to running out at any time. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With the Male Nanny: In Friends extra-length 200th episode (40 minutes rather than the usual 30), Hank Azaria returns as science wonk David, freshly arrived from Minsk and armed with the hope that he can renew his romance with Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) -- who, of course, is currently involved with Mike (Paul Rudd). No one is quite sure how it happens, but Phoebe begins by giving Mike the key to her apartment, and ends up in a passionate kiss with David. Also making a guest appearance is Freddie Prinze Jr. as Sandy, the new male nanny for baby Emma, whose working methods enchant Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) while enraging Ross (David Schwimmer). Even so, guess who bursts into tears when Sandy is given his walking papers? ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With Rosss Inappropriate Song: Baby Emma gets a loose case of the giggles whenever she hears the raunchy ap song Baby Got Back, courtesy of Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), but is good for the kid to hear something so baaaaaad? Meanwhile, Chandler (Matthew Perry) gets more than he bargains for when he watches a videotape he has borrowed from his wife Monicas (Courteney Cox) former boyfriend. And in trying to make a good impression on the parents of her boyfriend, Mike (Paul Rudd), Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) succeeds spectacularly in doing just the opposite. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With Rachels Other Sister: Once again, the friends gather together for Thanksgiving -- and once again, its an event that will be forever seared in their memories. This years catalyst for chaos is Amy Green (Christina Applegate), the abrasive, insulting sister of new mommy Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston). Thanks to Amys interference, Rachels friends are embroiled in a battle concerning the legal guardianship of baby Emma. Elsewhere, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) may lose his Days of Our Lives gig for failing to show up on a Thanksgiving parade float, and Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) are at each others throats over dinnerware protocol. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With Rachels Phone Number: Joey (Matt LeBlanc) jumps to the wrong conclusion when he fails to recognize Chandler (Matthew Perry) as the person who is sneaking in to visit Monica (Courteney Cox). Meanwhile, poor Ross (David Schwimmer) just cant hit it off with Phoebes (Lisa Kudrow) new boyfriend, Mike (Paul Rudd). And Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) impulsively gives her phone number to a very casual male acquaintance. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With Christmas in Tulsa: It is bad enough that Chandler (Matthew Perry) has to continually commute between Tulsa and New York to see his wife, Monica (Courteney Cox). But when his professional responsibilities preclude him from spending Christmas with Monica -- resulting in an embarrassing moment with a sexy co-worker -- Chandler clearly must make a major decision about his future. Helping him along in this endeavor are memories of past events in the lives of himself, Monica, and his friends -- which of course are conveyed via excerpts from previous Friends episodes. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One Where Rachel Goes Back to Work: In the first of three Friends appearances, Dermot Mulroney guest stars as Gavin, the Ralph Lauren employee whos been covering for Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) during her maternity leave. Showing up at the office with baby Emma in tow, Rachel immediately gets the impression that Gavin is jockeying for her job on a permanent basis -- which may explain why, a few days later, shes back at work, watching her back all the while. Meanwhile, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) wishes hed never invited Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) to appear as an extra on Days of Our Lives. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With Phoebes Rats: Back on the job, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) is still wary of Gavin (Dermot Mulroney), the young hotshot who covered for her while she was on maternity leave. To all outward appearances, Gavin is less interested in getting Rachels job than in winning her heart -- as he demonstrates by presenting her with a remarkable birthday gift. Elsewhere, baby Emmas sexy new nanny, Molly (Melissa George), has aroused the interest of Joey (Matt LeBlanc), much to Ross (David Schwimmer) dismay. And Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) experiences a devastating loss thanks to a clumsy Mike (Paul Rudd). ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One Where Monica Sings: Monica (Courteney Cox) drops in at Mikes (Paul Rudd) piano bar, an evening which culminates in our heroines public singing debut -- and a hot number it is indeed! Meanwhile, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) has responded to the attentions of her co-worker Gavin (Dermot Mulroney) with a kiss, whereupon the lovelorn Joey (Matt LeBlanc) sadly decides to withdraw from the scene. He probably felt like doing so anyway after his disastrous eyebrow-waxing job -- speaking of which, Chandler (Matthew Perry) has a secret plan. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With the Blind Dates: Jon Lovitz makes a return appearance as Steve, the dopey doper whose restaurant Monica (Courteney Cox) auditioned to be a chef for during season one of Friends. Steve turns out to be one of several candidates that Joey (Matt LeBlanc) and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) have chosen as potential sight-unseen dates for Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston). The logic behind this is sublime: by demonstrating how many bad choices there are in the world, Joey and Pheebs hope to bring Ross and Rachel back together. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With the Mugging: Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) and Ross (David Schwimmer) discover a hitherto unknown bond between when both are mugged at the same time. In another development, egotistical actor/director Leonard (Jeff Goldblum) runs Joey (Matt LeBlanc) through a grueling emotional wringer during an audition. And Chandlers (Matthew Perry) spell of unemployment ends when he lands an ad-agency internship -- or does it? ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With the Boob Job: Against all odds (specifically, the past eight seasons of Friends), Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) has apparently found a true and lasting love in the form of Mike (Paul Rudd). Their future happiness would seem to be secured when Phoebe and Mike decide to move in together...but theres still one big problem that theyre going to have to iron out. In other developments, Chandler (Matthew Perry) swallows his pride and asks Joey (Matt LeBlanc) for a loan, only to discover that Joey has already given money to Monica (Courteney Cox) -- and definitely not for household expenses. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With the Memorial Service: Invited to contribute to their college website, Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Ross (David Schwimmer) refuse to take the assignment seriously. In fact, the giddy pair end up penning a mock obituary for Ross. The fun and laughs come to an end when the alumni hold a memorial service for Ross, where the guest of honor is appalled to find out what people really think of him (or is it, thought of him?). Meanwhile, Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) has trouble making her breakup with Mike (Paul Rudd) permanent, and Joey (Matt LeBlanc) has an argument with baby Emma. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With the Lottery: As the grand prize of the Powerball lottery increases to astronomical proportions, the friends succumb to the fever and buy a huge block of lottery tickets. Despite the fact that no one has won yet, Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) is not entirely averse to spending money she doesnt have. Meanwhile, Chandler (Matthew Perry) receives some daunting news about his much hoped for internship at the advertising firm where he works; and baby Emma seems poised to pass her first milestone in life. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With Rachels Dream: Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) has a disturbing dream about two men and a woman. Wait, lets clear that up: one of the men is Joey (Matt LeBlanc); the other is Dr. Drake Ramoray, the character Joey plays on Days of Our Lives. And as for the woman -- well, remember that Dr. Drake Ramoray came out of a coma when he received a transplanted female brain. Meanwhile, back in the real world, Chandlers (Matthew Perry) all-expenses-paid weekend getaway becomes a bottomless money pit when Ross (David Schwimmer) serves as surrogate for Monica (Courteney Cox); and as for the real Monica, she is trying to figure out a nice way to remove the guitar-strummin Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) from the front door of her restaurant. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With the Soap Opera Party: Aisha Tyler makes her first series appearance as Charlie, a sexy paleontologist to whom Ross (David Schwimmer) is attracted in a big way. Alas, when Ross invites Charlie to attend a wrap party for Days of Our Lives, she meets his actor pal, Joey (Matt LeBlanc), and it looks as though Ross is about to be shot down in the romance wars once more. Attending the same party is Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), whose efforts to overcome her feelings for Joey are aided and abetted by a brace of Joeys handsome co-stars, Kyle Lowder and Matthew Ashford (playing themselves). Meanwhile, Chandler (Matthew Perry) must endure the slings and arrows of an extremely vitriolic performance artist (played by Alex Borstein, the voice of Lois Griffin on the animated series Family Guy). ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With the Fertility Test: Hoping to have a child, Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) submit to a fertility test, keeping all their fingers and toes crossed. Their visit to the testing clinic was supposed to have been a secret, but....Meanwhile, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) risks hurting Phoebes feelings by accepting a free massage at one of the corporately owned parlors that threaten to drive Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) out of business. The outcome of this episode partially hinges upon the fact that actress Maggie Wheeler makes a return appearance as the redoubtable Janice. ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One With the Donor: Having learned that they are unable to conceive a child, Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) seek out the services of a sperm bank. This is dispiriting enough, but the situation becomes downright disgusting for Chandler when he meets potential donor Zack (played by guest star John Stamos). Meanwhile, Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) prepares to go out with her ex-boyfriend Mike, when who should show up but another of her ex-boyfriends, the geeky-but-lovable scientist David (Hank Azaria). And elsewhere, an upcoming speech at a paleontology convention serves as the catalyst for a confrontation between Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) and Charlie (Aisha Tyler). ~ All Movie Guide Friends: The One in Barbados, Part 1: In the first half of Friends ninth-season finale (originally telecast as a single, 75-minute special), the gang travels to Barbados for both business and pleasure, emphasis on the latter. David (Hank Azaria) hopes to pop the question to Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), but Monica (Courteney Cox) foils his plans via a long-distance call from Pheebs true love, Mike (Paul Rudd). Meanwhile, Ross (David Schwimmer) anxiously prepares to deliver the keynote speech at a paleontology seminar -- and even more anxiously for a romantic rendezvous with Charlie (Aisha Tyler). And Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) really, really wants to tell Joey (Matt LeBlanc) that she loves him. ~ All Movie Guide