NBC's Friends began with three out of the six friends navigating the new course their respective relationships had taken. In the show's pilot, Rachel had run out on her wedding, Monica had the worst date ever, and Ross' marriage had just ended. As for Phoebe, and Chandler, they each faced unending dating challenges that kept them from the one person they were meant to be with.
The concept of a classic blind date sounds hilariously outdated and is considered risky business in today's digital age. The lack of social media and smartphones meant a higher risk of bad dates for the gang. Anyhow, back in the day, the beloved six were willing to be set on such social engagements, and sometimes, showed excitement too. All in all, a few blind dates on Friends were hits, and the rest of them were duds.
Chandler: Joey Inadvertently Set Him Up With Janice
In "The One with the Candy Hearts," Joey inadvertently sets Chandler and Janice up on a blind date after the woman he's seeing insists they double date with her friend. On the actual date, Chandler knocks his forehead several times against the table before realizing he might as well make the most out of it.
Now, Chandler could have been straight with Janice, and called the date off, but when has honesty been his strong suit? This blind date was a strong indication that Chandler and Janice were doomed from the start of Friends and that she deserved so much better.
Rachel: Phoebe Set Her Up With Steve
Rachel's dating history reeks of both the best and the worst dates in Friends. In the season 9 episode, "The One with the Blind Dates," Phoebe and Joey intentionally set her and Ross up on horrible dates hoping that this move will push them back together.
Rachel is set up with Steve and she struggles to make conversation with him. She gives out good vibes throughout but he gives her the creeps. Rachel later tells Monica that this blind date is the worst she’s ever been on. It's no wonder why the actor who played Steve - Jon Lovitz is counted among the guest stars who played the strangest minor character in Friends,
Ross: Joey Set Him Up With A Teacher And Canceled The Date
Ross gets stood up because his blind date, who Joey says is a "really boring woman" (and therefore his perfect match) is told the date's canceled. He waits for her to show up at the restaurant and lovingly describes her as someone with "an average height, dark-haired" to the staff hoping she may turn up any time soon.
At the end of these two blind dates, Ross and Rachel look dejected but there's still time before they realize that they belong together.
Rachel: Monica Set Her Up With Michael
Rachel goes on a blind date with Michael in "The One Where Ross Finds Out." He seems like a genuinely nice person, but sadly, Rachel's mind is occupied by the thought of Ross and Julie buying a cat together.
Rachel gets drunk, derails the dinner date, and ends up borrowing a stranger's cellphone to leave a drunken voice message for Ross. It was Michael's first date since his divorce and he deserved a lot better than watching her drink his money away.
Joey: Phoebe Set Him Up With Mary-Ellen Jenkins
In "The One With The Pediatrician," Phoebe and Joey agree to set each other up on blind dates. She keeps her word and sets Joey up with a friend named Mary-Ellen Jenkins. Joey, meanwhile, forgets about his deal and rushes inside Central Perk to find a date for Phoebe. As he yells "Mike!" in Central Perk, a man named Mike Hannigan responds and agrees to accompany him.
Since Joey is busy making the whole Mike story more believable, he forgets that a wonderful woman is sitting beside him. Mary-Ellen Jenkins is quick to realize Joey isn't interested in her, bids him goodbye, and ends the date there and then.
Phoebe: Joey Set Her Up With A Stranger Named Mike
The first half of Mike and Phoebe's date doesn't go well as Phoebe realizes he and Joey are strangers and takes off. Later, he approaches her at Central Perk, confirms he's a pianist, and asks for a second chance.
Phoebe agrees only after she sees him play the air piano without fear of being judged by others. Phoebe and Mike's eventful date night ends on a good note and it sets the ground for their relationship.
Monica: Joey Arranged A Double Date With Angela And Bob
In "The One With the East German Laundry Detergent," Joey realizes leaving his ex-girlfriend, Angela Delvecchio was a mistake and tries to get back with her. To do so, he asks her out on a double date and has Monica pose as his girlfriend. Reluctantly, Delvecchio agrees to bring her boyfriend Bob and expects Joey to bring his girlfriend, Monica along.
Monica accompanies Joey because she's told she has a date with Angela's smart and sophisticated brother named, Bob. She's quick to learn the truth on the date night, and still, aids Joey in breaking the couple up. Though this plan of action is among the worst things Joey did to get a girl in Friends, it works well for all four of them. Monica and Bob end up having a great time, and later, she happily tells her friends about it.