While fans have noticed many times when Friends hasn't aged well, from jokes that aren't funny to problematic plotlines and beliefs, the show is beloved because of the love that the main characters share. Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe will always and help each other out, and viewers like knowing that no matter how their lives shift, that will remain true.
Along with the funny storylines and romantic scenes between Chandler and Monica and Ross and Rachel, fans have pointed out some Friends moments that have made them cringe, and they're talking about it on Reddit.
Rachel's Behavior When Ross Gets Home From His China Trip
While Rachel and Ross share romantic scenes on Friends, they also have some moments in their relationship when they each behave badly. It can be tough to see them apart as they have so much tension and it feels like they're both totally miserable.
In the season 2 episode "The One with Ross's New Girlfriend," Rachel realizes that Ross is in a new relationship, and Reddit btvsoliver doesn't like Rachel's behavior. The fan wrote that they find it cringeworthy "When Ross gets back from China and Rachel is waiting for him at the airport. She falls, hits her head, rambles on..."
Rachel And Joey Dating
For Reddit jrjr0524, "Anything with Joey and Rachel" is cringeworthy as "I really hated that relationship."
Several Friends viewers find Joey and Rachel's dating storyline to be a big problem. It seems like a much smarter idea for these two characters to stay friends, as fans don't believe that there is any love or sparks flying between them. Fans would never choose Joey over Ross so it's frustrating to see these friends attempting a romantic relationship.
Monica Accuses Brenda Of Stealing
In the season 8 episode "The One With The Stain," Monica believes that Brenda, the maid who Chandler hired, is stealing, and fans really don't like this plotline.
Reddit shellehbelleh thinks that "When Monica is convinced that the new cleaner/ maid has stolen her jeans and bra and spends the day trying to prove it" is a tough storyline to watch. Monica's behavior is pretty awful and it doesn't make sense that she would be so rude and judgemental. There are many fun Monica and Chandler storylines but this one isn't it.
Ross Accidentally Says Rachel During His Wedding
Friends fans knew Emily and Ross would split, and watching Ross and Emily get married is tough as it's obvious that this isn't going to work out well.
Reddit yunoletmeoff16 doesn't like when "Ross says Rachel's name at his wedding with Emily" and posted that they have to cover their eyes when viewing that moment. This is definitely a super awkward scene, especially since fans know that Ross has never stopped loving Rachel.
Mike And Ross Spending Time Together
One Redditor doesn't like when Ross and Mike hang out as it feels cringeworthy to them. The fan wrote, "it's supposed to be super awkward, but it's still hard to watch. And I find it kind of unbelievable."
While Mike is a fan favorite love interest for Phoebe, he doesn't get along with Ross or have anything in common with him, and it doesn't feel necessary for these two characters to spend time together.
Alice And Frank's Main Storyline
While some Friends fans like watching Phoebe be her brother's surrogate, not everyone agrees.
Reddit FutileTheodicy thinks that storylines featuring "Frank and Alice" are cringeworthy. The fan wrote, "The whole story is really irritating." Although some viewers find this sweet, others aren't big fans of these minor characters, especially since Alice is so much older than Frank.
When Monica Wants Chandler To Pay For Their Wedding
When looking at Monica and Chandler's relationship on Friends, it's fun watching them get engaged as they have known each other so long. However, for many fans, the way that Monica acts while planning the wedding is problematic.
In the season 7 episode "The One with Rachel's Book," Monica discovers that her parents don't have any more money saved for her wedding, and she figures that Chandler can pay for it. Reddit BrachiumPontis doesn't like this scene because "It's just so cringey for me to see her being so shallow."
Ross Thinking That His Cousin Is Cute
In season 7, Ross has a crush on his cousin Cassie. For Reddit kam_sims, "Ross being attracted to his cousin" is a tough part of the show to watch. The fan continued, "Anytime I hear that song, i cringe."
It does seem strange that this would be a storyline, as no one would ever agree with Ross thinking of his cousin in a romantic way. It seems like an unnecessary plotline and viewers would have been happy to see Ross with a new, proper love interest instead.
Rachel Singing At Mindy And Barry's Wedding
Barry is one of the worst people Rachel has dated on Friends since it's impossible to forgive him falling for her best friend Mindy. It makes sense that Rachel would find attending Mindy and Barry's season 2 wedding hard, as this painful situation is still very fresh in her mind. But not every fan loves her behavior here.
Rachel sings the song "Copacabana" and doesn't seem like herself. Reddit lost_james said, "So cringey. I tend to skip that episode."
When Monica Dates A Teenager
In the season 1 episode "The One With The Ick Factor," Monica and Ethan begin dating and then she learns that he's actually a teenager.
Reddit Alexleigh7 doesn't enjoy watching this storyline and wrote, "every scene with Monica and the high school senior is terrible." It seems strange that Monica wouldn't be able to tell that Ethan is so young since he does look youthful. There are so many other characters who Monica could date.