Friends Season 1
Overview
Friends Season 1 is the first season of the iconic sitcom, following six friends in their 20s living in Manhattan. The main characters are: Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), a competitive, obsessive chef who is the "mother hen" of the group; Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), a fashion-conscious, spoiled heiress who has just run away from her wedding and has no job skills; Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), an eccentric, quirky masseuse who had a difficult childhood and is a talented songwriter; Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), a sweet, dim-witted actor who is always looking for his big break; Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), a sarcastic, witty data processor who uses humor to mask his insecurities; and Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), a paleontologist who is recently divorced after discovering his wife is a lesbian. The first season establishes the characters and their relationships. Ross is in love with Rachel, but he is too shy to tell her. Rachel is trying to become independent after a lifetime of being taken care of by her wealthy father. Monica is trying to prove herself to her critical mother. Chandler is trying to understand why he cannot maintain a relationship. Joey is trying to become a successful actor. Phoebe is trying to make peace with her difficult past. The season features many memorable episodes, including "The One with the Blackout," where Chandler is trapped in an ATM vestibule with a supermodel; "The One with the Birth," where Ross's ex-wife Carol gives birth to their son, Ben; and "The One with the Candy Hearts," where Ross and Rachel share their first kiss. The season ends with Ross finally telling Rachel that he loves her, setting up the will-they-won't-they romance that would drive the series for years.
