Friends is one of the most timeless and beloved sitcoms of all time. Mainly, because the tight-knit group of six is relatable, memorable, and absolutely hilarious. From Ross and Rachel's long-running romance to careers to dates, there are lots of surprises along the way, and some that are a bit more calculated.
However, only die-hard fans may have noticed some of the subtle and brilliant foreshadowing and continuity along the ten seasons of this series. It's time to dive into the little hints and nods that actually alluded to some of the best moments of the entire show.
Rachel's First Appearance
In the very first episode of the series, Ross is in the throes of his divorce with Carol. At Central Perk, he's devastated, and quite literally says that he doesn't "want to be single" and that he "just wants to be married again."
As if on cue, Rachel runs into Central Perk wearing a wedding gown and a veil. Chandler makes a joke of this, and while it's pretty hysterical, it's actually also a brilliant segue into the Ross-and-Rachel relationship that cements the show.
Chandler Would Date Monica
There's actually a couple of times that Chandler mentions dating Monica early on in the season. Outside Central Perk, Chandler says he would date her, to which Monica laughs hysterically. However, the irony is certainly not lost on fans.
Also in season 1, while Chandler and Monica are waiting in the hospital while Carol and Ross have their baby, Chandler tells Monica they could get together at 40 if they're both not married and have kids. Monica is offended, but again, the irony speaks for itself when Monica and Chandler end up together.
Joey Donates Sperm
This parallel isn't a huge part of the plot, but it's certainly an interesting connection for fans of the show. At the end of season 1, Joey reveals that he's participating in a fertility study at NYU. He implies he's donating sperm to the study.
Later, in season 3, Monica starts looking into sperm donors so she can have her own child. She stumbles across Joey, which is a pretty hysterical nod to the first season and an impressive use of continuity.
Monica Having Twins
In the same episode where Ross and Carol have Ben, Monica is extremely upset that she doesn't have any babies, and also none on the way. One woman is pushed through the room in a wheelchair, holding twin babies.
Monica says, "I don't even have one, how come they get two?" While this might just be a fun coincidence, it is a pretty great moment for die-hard fans, because of course, Monica does end up having her dreams come true by the finale, with a set of twins of her own.
The Lobster
While Phoebe is convinced that Ross is Rachel's lobster, it does come into play in the same episode. After the group watches Rachel and Monica's prom video, Rachel kisses Ross because she realizes how kind he is to her.
While this relationship doesn't last, there really is never a doubt that these two wouldn't end up together. Despite the on-and-off-again and many bumps along the road, Phoebe was always right - and these two were each other's lobsters.
Monica's Crush On Joey
In the first season, during the blackout, Phoebe reveals that Monica used to have a crush on Joey when he first moved across the hall. While this was a funny and awkward moment, it matters again way later in season 7.
After Monica and Chandler are together, it's revealed that Monica actually went up to their hotel room in London to find Joey, hoping to get together with him instead of Chandler. It's a sad moment for Chandler, but it all adds up based on Monica's initial crush.
Phoebe's Brother Gives Her A Condom
In season 2, fans might remember when Phoebe was playing guitar on the street for donations. A young man in a hurry wanders by and drops a condom into her guitar case. When Phoebe is counting her tips, he actually runs back to get it, and Phoebe gives it to him.
The producers of the show apparently just really enjoyed working with Giovanni Ribisi (who plays Frank), but it's a fun and memorable initial appearance of Frank, who ends up being Phoebe's brother and who she becomes a surrogate for.
Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder's role in this series might just be another fun coincidence, or the creators really did just take fate into their own hands. In the beginning of season 3, Ross makes a 'cheat list' of celebrities that Rachel 'allows' him to date if he ever got the chance. On it, he includes Winona Ryder.
Later, in season 7, Rachel meets up with an old sorority sister, Melissa - who just so happens to be hilariously played by Winona Ryder. While this is interesting in itself, Melissa actually has a huge crush on Rachel, and it's revealed they made out years before.
Monica & Chandler's Infertility
When Monica and Chandler finally decide to have kids, they are unable to conceive. This leads to a really heartwarming yet difficult storyline for these two characters. However, it was alluded to multiple times earlier on.
In season 3, Chandler jokes about the size of Rachel's sun hat and says he was "taken aboard that hat!" where they did experiments on him and now he can't have children. Ross also says to Monica that Richard didn't want kids, and now Pete won't be able to (after a pretty rough boxing match). Maybe it was always in the cards!
Rachel's Career
Way back in season 1, Rachel is struggling to find a job. She applies literally everywhere and eventually ends up working at Central Perk. However, fans might have forgotten she did have an interview with Saks Fifth Avenue in episode 18.
Rachel finally ends up quitting her job at Central Perk, but not until season 3, and then gets a job at Bloomingdale's by the end of the same season. Fans might have thought it was a minor detail, but Rachel was always going to work in fashion.