Rachel Green, the Real Protagonist of Friends

[@thetake]

Start your free trial at Squarespace and use this link to get 10% off your first purchase: www.squarespace.com/ScreenPrism Support ScreenPrism on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=7792695 Subscribe to keep up with our latest videos, and let us know what you want to see next!

[@mfrebel7831]

ScreenPrism I love your vids and the way you talk in them. Keep the GREAT work please

[@thetake]

Thank you so much! We appreciate the support

[@jerrij4242]

I love your TV and film analysis. You guys should analyze the show "Insecure" next. Mix it up a bit. There's a lot there.

[@woo22322232]

ScreenPrism can you guys do a video series on avatar the last air bender ????

[@dionmalindi6448]

ScreenPrism can you do an analysis of how I met your mother and blackish

[@nakita9008]

I swear, that "You didn't marry your Barry, but I married mine." from Rachel's mom is easily one of the most heartbreaking lines of the entire series to me.

[@flowerchild3407]

I totally agree 😭 It's heart breaking 💔

[@jahnavibarot3654]

Omg yes

[@kristiaamargo-esteba7100]

Totally

[@kprathamesh3564]

So,, what she did is, didn't stayed with ross nither let him have someone else, English is not my first language, so its enough of you got massage.

[@matchamami]

@@kprathamesh3564 throughout the show they would be together and sometimes they would break up. During the time they weren’t together they would both date other people, but stayed together at the end

[@aaeira3478]

Chandler also goes through a lot, from having commitment issues to getting married to Monica and leaving his boring job to work in advertising- something he actually likes.

[@layasreekumar9638]

Aaeira but the story starts with her meeting the other five and ends when she has resolved her greatest dilemma

[@souvikbose8583]

Laya Sreekumar ummm both chandler and Rachel resolves their delema by the end of the show...while the story starts with Rachel 's problem ...the story ends with Chandler removing all his commitment issues and moving on with Monica

[@danieladm6119]

Plus forgiving his parents

[@dvchel]

True as well. Also Chandler was the most consistent. I assume the writers wanted a male and a female to make equally the greatest progress. So therefore they deconstructed Rachel's character several times. Such as in season 4 with the issue she wrote that horrible and degenerating list about Ross and in season 9 when she and him parted ways for being unable to resolve their issues and acting like a bunch of 12-year olds as a consequence. This gave Chandler the opportunity to come alongside Rachel in terms of making the greatest progress.

[@leephillips4402]

dvchel yeah that's not how the list thing happened

[@ruthielalastor2209]

You know, Rachel never was my favorite, but this analysis makes me appreciate her character development more.

[@secretninja247]

Rachel was my favourite (although I think it was mostly because we had the same name, haha). But I agree, this analysis made me appreciate her character development more.

[@phuonganh4152]

Rachel is the worst character of friends in fact

[@dvchel]

Rachel was definitely *not* the greatest friend. But yes, she did make the greatest progress. Chandler comes in 2nd. With or without the terrible Rachel & Joey fling in season nine & ten, or the cringeworthy break-ups in season three & four, the general conclusion remains that her character had come the furthest is definitely true. What makes it hard to agree on her being the favorite character of the show is exactly that. The negativity that her overbearing selfishness and self-absorbing attitude was able to draw to the show. The one where the writers made her *unable* to give Ross' a second chance, while she would have from a comedic and realistic point of view. Not to forget the consequential _"we were on a break"_ argument the writers would come to overuse and making her character more selfish than the need to be on the basis that they were broken up. The initial argument was *not* even about whether Ross' cheated or not that points it out further and how later on it was taken out of context completely. The most disappointing aspect in her character development remaining the way in which she was written by the writers to deconstruct Ross' character. From an inspirational, caring, geeky and sweet guy, into an annoying, whiny individual playing the role of the victim. That same cliche of him falling for Rachel's every single time but ending up not wanting her.

[@berinax]

dvchel So she should've forgive him for sleeping with someone else 3 minutes after their 'break'? Wtf no! How would u feel if a person u love just goes and sleeps with somebody after your big fight? Did he actually love her in thw first place? I dont think so.

[@dvchel]

Brontë X You didn't really get the point I was making. I was *never* condoning the wrongful actions that were committed by the character of Ross after they were broken up. Minutes, or hours as it was, it was wrong on all levels. One of the funniest moments in that episode was when Chandler made the following inconvenient statement to him: _"The most important question is, how dumb are you?"_ To the point. He made a horrible mistake that he wish he could take it back if he could and he admit that to Rachel. As I was stating before, their fight was *never* about Ross cheating or not and Rachel did *admit* they were broken up. This is *part* of the mix-up I believe between the writers, the director and the creators. Perhaps they were *not* even sure themselves when they were creating that episode whether Rachel & Ross should be broken up or not. When they were producing the episode where they broke up first, they might have had the idea for Rachel to *forgive* Ross later, but made the disappointing decision not to do it and leaving these two characters punished for a crime they did not commit

[@alexwallar8608]

Rachel and Chandler easily had the most development of the Friends

[@Mae-kg6kt]

Yess my favourite characters

[@matildedeornelasgoncalves6765]

Mae Worku sameeee

[@sharyebethancourt3660]

💯🎯

[@ShaluSharma-ib7iu]

I hate Rachel

[@Madasylum04]

@@ShaluSharma-ib7iu same

[@StigSlashBro]

I wish she had more stories with Chandler! They were a great combo

[@546-apoorvaranjan7]

ikr ! like the cheesecake plot

[@nicole.24]

@@546-apoorvaranjan7 yes! or the one where chandler tries to find a date for rachel at his workplace

[@Xineal]

Some of these commenters need to understand that protagonist doesn't always = your favorite character. This video argues that Rachel best fits the definition of protagonist because she gets the strongest character development and acts as the audience proxy (newcomer walking into a strange new world and learning the rules of it). It's a good argument.

[@TheGeorgeD13]

A protagonist can also be considered the lead character that drives most of the conflict. Rachel would also probably fits that best out of the cast as well. Rachel is the most likely protagonist. She's not my favorite character, though. That'd probably be Chandler.

[@Xineal]

The way i see it, Ross and Rachel are the protagonists, while the others are more foils to them. Incidentally, this frees the other four to be more charming and funny, because they're not stuck trying to represent the middle ground. It's kinda like Harry Potter - obviously he's the MC, but he's rarely anyone's FAVORITE character.

[@bluchismoon]

Xineal he was mine, lol.

[@silvilev9071]

Xineal that happens when you are not so charming and talented. There are actors who can lead a show or a movie AND still be charming. I think Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox stole the show from the "protagonists", even with all the rudeness Matthew Perry received from the writers to put him under David. I also think that's why David told the whole cast to negotiate the same payment as he and Aniston where receiving. He accepted the fact that in the heart of the public he and Jennifer were not the protagonists anymore. That was very sweet and brave. There's nothing wrong with not being as charming as others. I still love David.

[@dvchel]

Xineal We do understand very well that she made the biggest change of all the women in the show. But not the strongest nor the biggest. That was Chandler. Because the character of Rachel nonetheless continued to be selfish throughout the entirety of the show, while Chandler at a certain point was *not* so judgmental about women anymore as he was between season 1 and 4. The whole terrible Joey and Rachel fling in season 9 and 10 points out her selfishness even further. The way in which she was failing to commit to Ross, you know with giving out her personal card to random strangers, did the job too. It makes you wonder why the writers made the decision in season 9 and 10 to deconstruct both her and the character of Ross instead of building on their relationship. With Emma by their side that would have been the right decision. Also for her as the protagonist of the show that would have been the case. The general disappointment explains it further. Therefore it is easy to agree that all 6 characters were equal protagonists of the show. Take for example, remember who accepted Rachel to stay and live with her in her apartment? Yes, that was Monica. She was the heart of the group. That makes her an equal protagonist. So the fact that Rachel came bursting in in the very first episode does *not* mean she therefore has to be the protagonist. Everybody around was involved with each other. One way or another. The adopted twins by Monica and Chandler in the very last episode highlights that fact.

[@LoveQuimper]

Rachel taught me not to be afraid of my 20's: leaving uni, first "real" job, break ups etc. If she can do it, then there's no reason why I can't. Between rock bottom and sky high is where we grow.

[@tanvikhare9710]

That's great and all but you really don't quit your job before finding another one please

[@RoyalRoses]

@@tanvikhare9710 As long as you have enough savings to last a month or 2 without using most of it, I think its definitely okay. Sometimes people just need a break for a new outlook on life to find real happiness. I left a really dead end, basically abusive, job situation without a backup plan which was super scary but I couldn't stay there another second. It was a little more then 3 weeks of job hunting/soul searching but *Oh My God* I needed it so bad. I found a better job, started going to the gym, started going to yoga and healthy cooking classes just to check it out and made 3 great friends, went out with friends more, visited family, deep cleaned my apartment, and even took a little vacation about 4 hours away for 2 nights. I used my last paycheck to pay the majority of that months bills and used only about 20% my savings to do everything else. Yes, saving is a lot of work over a long period of time but I *reallllly* needed those 25-ish days so bad, it cleared my head completely. I even went on a few dates which I would have had absolutely no time for with my previous job. It made me realize how important work life balance was for my mental health and happiness so I made sure I held out for the right opportunity. I did tell myself if it took longer then 5 weeks I would just go to a as many job interviews as possible until I found something decent but would keep looking afterwards, thankfully that didn't happen. Even with the 7 months it took me to replace those savings, it was 1000% worth it.

[@idkman3341]

Sure "rachel taught you that

[@notherepim]

you do realise it's a show right?

[@alim.9801]

@@notherepim people can be inspired by a show. A bit snarky to say that, obviously they know it is.

[@Sapphire_Reacts]

that moment when rachel tells ross she got off the plane ,still to this day has me in the feels

[@carlosalejandroalvarenga4913]

Sapphire Morningstar honestly. The first time I saw it, I bawled more than any other time

[@lifesjems]

Sapphire Morningstar same! I still cry!

[@CarolinaMillan]

Sapphire Morningstar me too!!

[@antifascistamerican3782]

Something happened to my heart when I heard her say those words.

[@leahmajor5478]

I got goosebumps from just reading that comment! I've seen the entire series seven times, almost eight, and I still cry every time. I think I'm too obsessed, but screw it. I freaking love that show!!

[@DomPedro3o]

Whoever doubted she's the protagonist? Lol, the series literally starts with her!

[@silvertulip7532]

Many idiots here, who protest that because it's Monica's apartment and "SHe'z teH gLue of thE gRouP" that means she's the main character. Apparently they are too lazy to learn the definition of the word protagonist.

[@llnative5716]

@@silvertulip7532 i guess those fans like monica more but any non bias fan knows rachel is the protagonist

[@parismahone1937]

@@llnative5716 why are you people so jealous that rachel gets more attention than Monica it is not rachel's fault stop attacking and blaming everything on her and no people do not like monica way more than rachel I love Monica and rachel but rachel is the main star of the show and she is the funniest without her the episodes would've been incomplete and I guess the fans like rachel more but any non bias fan knows that monica is the protagonist like you get it through your thick deluded head 😂 and rachel is hotter than monica period so peace out sucka ✌

[@dannykettle2466]

Pedro Manoel Marquetti de Morais I though it was joey

[@sofitocyn100]

I had never seen her as a protagonist. But it does make sense. They made her a protagonist without giving her more screen time (at least, so I think) which is impressively well done!

[@dvdv8197]

I never really noticed this, but Ross really blew it because he didn't let Rachel have this scary, big, independent thing which is her job, which was just for her. This is a wake-up call for everyone who thinks their girl- or boyfriend only lives to be there for them. We all need our own thing(s).

[@dani010203stor]

ugh.. the "just a waitress" killed me..

[@melanieszelong4664]

I dislike that phrase "just a..." because no honest job should be looked down upon.

[@thettproject4534]

@@melanieszelong4664 Agree, my parents always said, A job is a job, you should only be embarrassed to now have any.

[@jackieblue04]

I despise Ross

[@noahkowalchuk1630]

Lonkinella what chandler should have typed was less in common because that was what Ross was saying how they have less in common than Ross and Julie because Julie is a palaeontologist but Rachel was a waitress

[@cherylbombshell3734]

Noah Kowalchuk exactly

[@rodneyholmes9332]

If you look at her transformation from start to finish, I would agree. From an outsider to the heart and soul of that group. On many levels, her relationship with all of them really defines the show.

[@snoopy1390]

Heart and soul how?? It basically revolves more around Monica and later Chandler being the main glue of the group.

[@mauve9266]

M79 super late but that’s so true. I always thought Monica was the “glue” she has the most initial connections with all the members of the group they’re always at her house 😂 etc

[@sofiamatos8297]

I love Rachel, but Chandler will always be my favorite character.

[@MA-yc7pz]

I rather Monica over Rachel

[@matthewquarles2460]

This might be unpopular but I didn't like Chandler or Monica.

[@endofyeww20]

Sofia Matos i love all of them. Honestly if you hate even one of them, i don't consider you a real fan lol

[@alexcintas8792]

Way, because he's snarky/feminine?

[@Musicsperfection09]

I love chandler too but phoebe too and all of them and a bit of all of them makes up who I am so.. uhm all of em

[@luciapena2351]

I always thought it was obvious that Rachel is the main character. To me Friends always was about Rachel story, thogh the other friends had also their own stories and were very important.

[@luciapena2351]

@jermaine tobin this comment is literally from 2 years ago 😭 but it's not nonsense at all, friends starts and ends with Rachel's story.

[@luciapena2351]

@jermaine tobin I know that, the episode starts with Ross saying all that but the PLOT starts with Rachel. There wouldnt be a show if Rachel hadnt shown up.

[@zariadame9802]

I think Rachel is the perfect representation of today's women struggles. We all want to be successful and independents, but we also have a desire to find a perfect relationship to share our lives with. Rachel is fantastic, incredible analysis ❤

[@vrutantdabhiya7110]

And for that you'll even break the relationship between two happy people and just leave him alone again 😂

[@vrutantdabhiya7110]

I am not an anti feminist but I don't think a struggle should require putting someone down

[@vrutantdabhiya7110]

@@parismahone291 What do you mean she doesn't deserve any hate?

[@vrutantdabhiya7110]

Ofcourse she does,she's the one who made him break up with Julie and then broke up with him,such a nice women!.Always tried to ruin his day and doesn't deserve any hate?Stays under someone's roof and still steals their property and doesn't deserve any hate?Are you Stupid? Who has done more evil than her?NO ONE. What makes her happy ,NOTHING! So don't tell me who deserves hate and who doesnt.Go educate yourselves

[@zariadame9802]

@@vrutantdabhiya7110 omg why are you getting so mad over a fictional character hahaha.

[@WordsFlowMagnetic]

I've actually been re-watching Friends, and I often think about Rachel being the main protagonist

[@mattjsherman]

Rachel was rich though. There's a lack of real worry about material conditions. She knows that she can always fall back on her default, laid out plan. That's a bit different than someone from the middle/lower class finding success, with a relative lack of anxiety/fear. Rachel is not the average woman in any way. She's an elite, finding a career by choice, not by necessity.

[@WordsFlowMagnetic]

Matt Shamon Yeah, that's a good point. But I still think she's the protagonist. Because I still think that she changed the most, with or without her backup plan. Even if her's wasn't the journey of a real second or third class person, it's still (in my opinion) the strongest journey of any of the main six, because she changed the most.

[@conradkellog926]

WordsFlowMagnetic Then she was REALLY BAD protagonist she was bitch who wants to make ross' life miserable she was the definition of modern woman

[@WordsFlowMagnetic]

kalpesh shinde okay

[@conradkellog926]

WordsFlowMagnetic k

[@gabriellebock7325]

I still totally think its monica, Its her iconic apartment they all hang out in, ross is her brother, phoebe was her room mate and part of the group because of her, she marrys chandler, shes rachels best friend and shes joeys mum pretty much

[@gogy4837]

righttttt

[@kadabra4009]

I also think Monica was the glue in many ways but Rachel was the character we could most relate to and kind of the face of the group and show.

[@Someone-fn3ij]

@@kadabra4009 Well, whom you relate to depends on who you are...

[@saraimam9395]

Yeah but Monica is the best friend, but Rachel has more development and also I think Central Perk is more iconic and that’s where she worked for a very long time. Just my thoughts lol.

[@multifandomedbutgirlsgener8913]

*marries

[@Bellawhereyoubeenloka]

I cried! I love Rachel and it's upsetting to see all these "i hate Rachel" bandwagons because they don't see the complexity of her character. Love this! Will be linking it to Rachel haters

[@samuelbekele3601]

You Dick Twitches A character can be complex and disliked at the same time...

[@bluchismoon]

I get annoyed by her at times, but it's mostly when she's dealing with Ross that I just can't stand it. Their relationship annoys me so much.

[@Bellawhereyoubeenloka]

Cynthia Zavala yeah like when she cries bc she thinks Monica will be stood up on her wedding

[@dvchel]

It's *not* "I hate Rachel" bandwagons. It's simply a matter of truth that for some unknown reasons which became increasingly disappointing as the seasons were progressing, that the writers made the decision for her character to constantly mess up the relationships that Ross was having with other women. The way she did it with Julie, Emily, Mona, the woman from the baby-shop etc. She made him miserable. Of course it was also the fault of Ross for always playing the role of the victim. But this will they / won't they plot simply became boring and excessive. I am not too sure why the writers just did *not* let Rachel and Ross be together, be in love with each other and help each other grow and overcoming their issues when the moment was right. Their whole fight in season 3 was able to demonstrate what their relationship was worth fighting for. But instead they made the decision to make it dysfunctional and close to being deranged for the sake of taking the show into a direction of a comedic standpoint rather than a realistic one that had proven to be so successful since the very beginning up until that moment.

[@Bellawhereyoubeenloka]

Cynthia Zavala 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@esraaashraf9654]

as I get older, I understand and appreciate Rachel more actually. She and Phoebe really developed through the seasons to the finale.

[@aniokay]

I think Jennifer Aniston has the greatest comedic timing together with David Schwimmer. The Ross and Rachel characters are so funny.

[@kashifreza1993]

Chandler: Could they be any more Funnier?

[@sreelakshmiramadas2392]

Rachel is the least funny out of the 6

[@wandaqueen313]

@@sreelakshmiramadas2392 are u serious? she is the funniest 100%... i really like joey and monica but they are not that funny. i really dislike ross and he is not funny at all. And about Chandler and Phoebe, they are almost as funny as Rachel. Also being the funniest doesnt mean the best. But growing up i realized that joey is not that funny, he is cute, nice, a good friend, but not funny.

[@aya-_-3045]

@@sreelakshmiramadas2392 nah she's one of the most funniest characters in the group after ross and maybe chandler

[@Mel-xk9go]

@@aya-_-3045 No Phoebe is funnier than Rachel

[@skellymom]

Maybe it was just me but I thought Pheobe's character was really underutilized on the show.

[@kjantv3649]

She represents the weird people of the world. The show is trying to show that weird people can be part of a group of friends as well. The same way that geek people like Ross can be friends with shallow people like Joey.

[@dvchel]

@@kjantv3649 That is an excellent observation. Because, I have read stories of commentators agreeing that such a group of Friends would be near impossible. Solely because of what we see in the show. The group was pretty relatable to a certain extent in the first one or two seasons. However, with their different qualities, characteristics and flaws getting worse as the seasons progress, that relatableness fainted. Take for example, that nobody would accept Rachel's level of selfishness that we see numerous times throughout the show. First, with trying to force Ross' character to accept full blame for the break-up in season three, then ending up ruining his wedding in London, or embarrassing Joey's character on his Days of our Lives show. The whole dynamic was getting a bit weird.

[@prado7391]

@@OmfgHiii so?

[@jeremywilson5094]

Karl Kristjan Moro Joey isn’t Shallow

[@dvchel]

@@jeremywilson5094 There were times where his character was and where he wasn't. The one where he went on a date with a girl who had a wooden leg, threw it in the fireplace and ran away never to meet again until Chandler went out on a date with her.

[@shrektable]

one thing worth considering is that the opening words of the theme song describe rachel's predicament "So no one told you life was gonna be this way Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's D.O.A.". i think this really supports the idea that rachel ss the main protagonist. it seems like the writers chose the song to explicitly for this reason

[@xejelah]

true - she ticks all the boxes. All of them struggled with love. Ross was the only one paid well who loved his job. Phoebe, Joey, and Monica loved their field but struggled with consistency. Chandler hated work and risked it all for something more fulfilling. Rachel was the only one who didn't know what she wanted to do and struggled to find her place.

[@adimikimkoydu]

Chandler and Phoebe are my favorites :)

[@mrityunjaychauhan6251]

Musa Umut Akdeniz Dogan I bet you are related to art field

[@milfsfilms]

Musa Umut Akdeniz Dogan same

[@dircd]

Phoebe seemed endearing to me but re watching the series I realized I couldn't stand Phoebe's rudeness and annoying "principles" she, herself, breaks all the time in real life. For comedy, sure, she's funny but the truth is that she's not that good of a friend.

[@kassandrarosejavier571]

Mine too 😊

[@AlexS-df7qk]

Thank you, Diana! I like Phoebe more now after getting over her enormous character flaws, but my goodness is she the worst character. Everyone likes to talk bad about Ross, but Phoebe is a liar, a manipulator, rude, hypocritical, self-righteous, and narcissistic. She is the character who grows the least in maturity and compassion while everyone else has peaks and valleys of their character progression, even Joey. I know it's for comical effect, but if we were to look at the characters as real people, Phoebe is the worst person on the show.

[@dvdv8197]

6:50 - 7:34 : Oh wow. I never looked at it that way and never quite understood why Rachel found it such a big deal in the first place, and i can recite friends basically by heart from start to finish. This is such an excellent analysis. She indeed deserves to be with someone who can see her full potential and not what she appears to be or used to be to the outside world. Shame Ross didn't get that immediately but man, what a great analysis. Kudos!

[@CeeLiberty]

No one ever talks about Emma. Ross is Emma's father...Rachel made the right decision to stay in NY because she not only loves Ross but their daughter needs to see Ross daily. That is maturity!!!

[@2AForever-wi8yj]

Maturity would have not getting knocked up in the first place and maturity would have been not accepting the Job in Paris that she eventually abandoned and left the company hanging at the last moment.

[@patobarajas7207]

2A Forever I agree with you. Use protection. Haha

[@emmabug9953]

@aba r yeah, because that can happen, it's more common than some people think

[@chevon1920]

I honestly think that the reason Emma existed in the story line is that Jennifer Aniston was pregnant. She might have lost the baby but it was too late because otherwise they hardly ever talk about her, she exists but just as a throw in character that I don’t see the purpose of.

[@mschrisfrank2420]

Except that Ross is a terrible father and partner.

[@hasanrahman5128]

that was actually very inspirational thank you for making me look at rachael a new way who is to be appreciated

[@thetake]

Glad you liked it!

[@alejandromolinac]

Crappy waitress who gets a job for Ralph Lauren out of nowhere cause “reasons”... sigh...

[@dvchel]

@@thetake There were definite points in your video to like. Yet, one still very easy to disagree on and in relation to the notion and circumstances of that break-up in season three. You're analyzing it first and foremost as if it was all organic and going the way it should be according to the writers. Meanwhile, completely forgetting certain circumstances about the emotional damage from Ross' character due to his ex-wife's cheating and the fact that numerous times earlier in the episodes her character was written to *admit* they were broken up: _"Can I be your girlfriend again?"_ It makes it more than obvious that Rachel's character was willing to give Ross' a second chance. Thus, when she was written not to do so, the ensuing break-up once again, was solely on her character to blame this time.

[@teddypattinson5772]

Correction the fat naked guy from the opposition building is the main protagonist

[@quynhanh3067]

ugly naked guy

[@teaghanmurphy7888]

Doctor Oswald unflattering nude man*

[@RiversHellfire]

R.I.P

[@sethrothz]

I had this weird theory the first time I watched the show that ugly naked guy was actually Phoebe's father. The only reasoning behind this was "boy that would be a plot twist for sure."

[@alondrabalagay9876]

Ugly naked guy

[@Hakajin]

Yeah, I definitely identified the most with Rachel. I'm 29 and have been working as a server for almost four years, not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. I've figured some stuff out recently, and I'm applying for grad school, but the point is, it was good to see Rachel having a similar experience, while everyone I knew was starting careers and starting families. I hadn't related to her that way when I was in my teens. The only real issue I have with this analysis is, I feel like Rachel's climb in the fashion world was unearned; she just kinda walked into it. Not that I begrudged her, but it did feel unrealistic, different from most people's experience.

[@matchaleche]

I feel you so much right now! Agreeing with everything you said. It's really uplifting seeing your own life experiences on the screen, since I have the feeling that normally these "struggles in the twenties" are not really being a popular theme for series. And if they are, when it comes to women, getting the guy simultaneously ends all other problems, too.

[@buffycatnip]

ikr! i was like how did she get a job working at high end fashion companies like that so easily?? like what's her secret?

[@TheLatinaBabyGurl]

How she got her job is definitely not realistic in today's day and age, but she was committed to fashion. Her passion was fashion and knew a lot about it from when she was rich. She took that passion and basically showed she was determined and committed and she got an entry level job. From there she worked her way up. That was more possible back then and sometimes the lack of experience is good due to the company able to train and mold you to the way they want, vs if you're already established they would basically have to break you down to square 1 and learn their style of the establishment and industry. That's why when it comes to jobs it's kinda depressing, you need all these education to be in debt for most of your life and still end up at some deadbeat job barely making it these days. Back then if you show you wanted to work and were able to do it you get hired. (90s is a mixture of willingness, work ethic and education but wasn't the extremity that it is today.)

[@alejandromolinac]

I was gonna say... the on going joke is that she’s a shitty worker and gets a corporate job out of the blue... good luck even trying to nail an interview!

[@alejandromolinac]

Sweetie.... creative jobs in a corporate setting are the toughest jobs out there.... being “rich and know about fashion” doesn’t mean squat if you don’t know the logistics of the business...

[@RazanAlHarbi]

What actually made friends the best show ever , is how relatable and realistic it is.

[@syedsalahuddin8933]

Friends has 6 Protagonist. I've spoken

[@catherinecampbell1215]

Exactly. Depending on your point of view, anyone could be the protagonist.

[@546-apoorvaranjan7]

Phoebe and Joey don't get anything out of this story even when they are the best of people in the series. And the Geller siblings annoyingly overbearing! At least Monica is caring , Ross is just a selfish jerk whose only redeeming quality is his victimhood at being a nerd!

[@Sophie-rl5dx]

Ross didn’t change much

[@liteflightify]

When it comes to screen time, consistent storylines, overall character development- Rachel would have to be signaled out as the protagonist if you had one option.

[@Sssidk]

Me when I lie

[@rema9975]

Also, to do with Ross' jealousy, I think a lot of people forget his wife cheated on him with someone he encouraged her to be friends with. Add to the fact that he knows Rachel was a runaway bride, the jealousy is understandable and he never really got over the fact that his wife cheated on him. I think, as much as I hated how long it dragged out, both of them wouldn't be in a good place to start a relationship until the end of the series.

[@melanieszelong4664]

It still isn't fair though understandable for Ross to accuse Rachel of cheating on him because his wife did. Also, Rachel discovers that Barry was cheating on her with her bride's maid so he wasn't the only one who had cause to be jealous.

[@dvchel]

@Remmy Black It does seem that it way and it is disappointing to see how the writers made it completely irrelevant in season three. You could definitely *see* the serious emotional damage from his cheating ex-wife, Carol, was taking a toll on him in reference to his fear of losing Rachel. Sure, she would never cheat on him and nobody thinks she would. Yet it was the inappropriate scene of this handsome and smart guy at Bloomingdale's giving her this dream job, start getting close to her, becoming her confidant etc. That would freak out any guy. The reason why giving a second chance was the best and most appropriate decision to make.

[@dvchel]

@@melanieszelong4664 Yep, it wasn't fair of him to equal Rachel with the horribleness of Carol. Maybe that was due to his own ego. Nevertheless, the fear of losing Rachel was still valid and the way in which she was acting about it, by continuing to deny it and seeing that guy from Bloomingdale's and sharing intimate details was very disappointing to see. Especially when the writers were using it as the excuse to break them up.

[@millennialdisposition]

Thank you! It doesn't excuse his behaviour but it's a very realistic insecurity that he develops. I thought it was especially messed up when Carol judged Ross for cheating when she literally did the exact same thing

[@cherylbombshell3734]

Remmy Black i don’t understand how people hate ross so much

[@talu3612]

didn't expect that to be so inspiring

[@ash-vd8zv]

Same

[@skarrdz7804]

Ugh Ross is the typical “I’m a nice guy, I deserve the girl just bcs I’m nIiIiIceEeE”

[@tjsmith5276]

Well then, Ugh Rachael is the typical "I'm a pretty girl. I can get whatever I want just bcs I'm pRrReEtTyY." I mean both of them have their flaws which I personally think viewers can really learn from. Also, it's a TV series, so who IS "The" girl? Carol? Rachael? Julie? Bonnie? Emily? Mona? Charlie????

[@Tanya-nt7xf]

I never understood why men get points for not being a jerk? " Like I'm not gonna play you or manipulate you or definitely not rape you. I am normal ,So I deserve the best from girls" even tho I have nothing to offer really

[@moonlitm3285]

What bullshit

[@ahripark2593]

Oh wow really nice guys are so awful right? What the hell.

[@FullCourseMeals]

I think she means that some “nice guys” are only nice because they feel like they should get some reward out of it, not because being nice is a decent thing to do.

[@jamba3817]

her and chandler's character development are the biggest in this series it's why I love both of them so much. that and chandler's sarcasm can never be matched.

[@amberkelly3187]

The group were all friends before Rachel arrives and she impacts their lives in different ways. For instance Joey reads Little women and embraces his sensitive side. He falls for Rachel and thinks about giving up the Casanova lifestyle to settle down with a family. I think Phoebe is the only one who remains unchanged. Rachel certainly wasn’t my favourite character. You don’t have to love her for her to be the protagonist.

[@valeriav7333]

When will people get it, yea they were on a break BUT what Ross did was wrong, not only did he not trusted Rachel and thought the worst of her but after a few hours of ending they relationship , he slept with someone else. I mean I think its pretty clear taking a break means waiting a certain amount of time and then getting back together, its not like Rachel made him wait months, I mean she literally made him wait one day and Ross had already slept with someone else, that's just not right and then he never seems to accept he made a mistake, if it was cheating... That depends on you, for me it felt like cheating because it was just a few hours after she asked for time, maybe it formally wasn't cheating but they were still in the relationship, it wasn't completely over, nevertheless it was wrong.

[@Dasboot1992]

+Jermaine tobin Did Rachel sleep with Mark? NO!It was Ross's insecurity that led him to this misery.And Racheldidn't invite Mark,he was the one that showed up uninvited.He was just being supportive that's all.Stop justifying Ross's action by bringing up the Mark issue.He cheated,period.

[@iiH0pe94]

not to mention Ross didn't even discus the whole break thing he just walked out. he neither agreed to a break or broke it off. so in theory the relationship was still on because that conversation wasn't closed.

[@islandgyal9932]

Ross was intoxicated and was taken advantage of. Rachel knew about Ross's insecurities and never tried convincing him otherwise.

[@Dasboot1992]

He was so intoxicated that he slept with the very first woman he stumbled upon?how was he taken advantage of?

[@islandgyal9932]

Humayra Faizah ross was going back to the bar for a drink. When she asked if he wanted to dance he said no,but she didn’t really take it for an answer,she even said herself that it would be okay if he was married and she knew that he had a girlfriend,she made the first move too. Ross also felt guilty,if he intended of sleeping with Chloe,he probably wouldn’t feel as guilty and he probably wouldn’t go everywhere to keep her from finding out.

[@lethos8811]

I always thought the show focused more on monica, since she is always the hostess, the glue that keeps them all together and later on when she marries chandler he becomes the other main protagonist sort of. But rachel is the one who grows the most, no doubt there, and she is also my favorite, not as fun as chandler but when she says "Oh my god!" and covers her mouth is always a LOL moment

[@dvchel]

@Lethos Don't forget that Chandler was already the protagonist in the apartment across the hallway. The creators came to admit that Monica & Joey was the central couple they had in mind before the filming of the first episode even began. Yet, it was rewritten to Monica & Chandler for obvious reasons now you know. Nevertheless, you still have to agree on Rachel's being the protagonist. After all, whether you agree on the lack of growth personality-wise from her, the show still began when she made her presence known in the first episode and coming to an end when she was moving away.

[@deftonnnes]

i think you're confusing rachel with janice lmao

[@RegisEduardo.s]

These people saying Rachel was a terrible person... Bitch, HOW??? Yeah, she was kinda spoiled in the first season... but she was always very sweet, and a great friend... how was she a horrible person/character???

[@hollywoodshopaholic]

I’d say the one thing that made her unlikable is that she seemed to be a childish attention whore (deliberately or not) who depended on her friends (especially Monica) for everything without ever giving back. She made everything about her, like when Monica wanted to live with Chandler-a huge step that should have been about Monica. Or Monica’s engagement night, when Rachel got upset about the “thunder-stealing” accusation instead of being an adult about it. And those high school flashbacks show how vain she was as a cheerleader. And this is coming from someone who likes Rachel haha. Also, a lot of people these days find it difficult to sympathize with a shallow, naive, overprivileged brat flaunting her lack of knowledge about the real world lol.

[@RegisEduardo.s]

hollywoodshopaholic Yeah, but like I said, she was spoiled in the first season (and before that, like in high school), but she left that behind after the first year. And c'mon, Monica is the biggest attention whore of the entire show (and I love Mon... my second favorite character... but she is. Hahahaha). Actually, they all are, at one time or another. Ross specially. I mean, all the characters have their own flaws... Ross is egocentric as fuck... Joey also exploits Chandler (even more than Rach do with Mon, in my opinion)... Mon, like I said, also LOVES to make everything about her... but all of them receive a free pass from the fans, and Rachel always get all the hate. I just don't understand why.

[@hollywoodshopaholic]

Régis Eduardo Good point. For me, the true difference is that I can’t recall an episode where Rachel went out on a limb for someone, whereas the other five have committed multiple selfless deeds that show how much they love each other. Ross cancelled a career-boosting TV appearance to help take Rachel to the doctor; Chandler is incredibly generous when supporting Joey financially, sets Rachel up with multiple cute coworkers, and convinces Erica to let him and Monica adopt her baby; Monica gives up her dream wedding dress so that Chandler can book his favorite band for their wedding, takes Rachel in when she’s new to NY, lets Rachel take the baby name she wanted to give her own daughter; Joey covers for Monica and Chandler when they’re sneaking around, and gives up his beloved Hugsy to Emma; and Phoebe becomes a baby surrogate for Alice and Frank. As far as I recall, Rachel didn’t really do anything like that; she seems to take without giving back.

[@hollywoodshopaholic]

Régis Eduardo (Maybe “getting off the plane” was a big one, but that came at the very end of the series)

[@RegisEduardo.s]

hollywoodshopaholic Yeah... now that you said it, I can't recall either. But I don't know... I just love that spoiled little brat. Hahahahahaha

[@rafadydkiemmacha7543]

I absolutely love Rachel Green. "Friends" without her wouldn't be as amazing.

[@michaelglass4701]

Rafał Dydkiem Machał , i agree with you, and I love in the opening when Jennifer waves at the camera.

[@kprathamesh3564]

Men of culture 🤣😂🤣😂

[@someoneyouprobablyknowandl9964]

Friends without her wouldn't exist tbh (same holds true for all 6).

[@Azusa9340]

Hell no! She's good at keeping the interest in the story line but the characters who make FRIENDS alive are Ross and Phoebe. Imagine the show without one of them... It wouldn't be so funny.

[@stanbtsforaclearskin]

@@Azusa9340 I can't believe that you named Ross instead of Chandler or Joey.

[@QuetzalOvejasElectricas]

It's become fashionable to attack Friends lately, as an out of touch, male chauvinist homohphobic 90s sitcom. Thanks for your nuance.

[@nithi9638]

Wait... How is it any of those?

[@jl8892]

@@nithi9638 i didnt see these things this person mentioned, until i rewatched it. The show is still good but yeh some jokes i cant get by.

[@Србомбоница86]

@@jl8892 jokes are very mild

[@jl8892]

@@Србомбоница86 Yes, for that reason i still watch it. If it were really bad u wont see me here on the video xd

[@pls-shanice]

Well it’s import to be able to see the flaws in things you love, it is problematic in some ways...

[@jaymichelle8357]

Wow! Great breakdown as always!! Rachael is one of my favorite character, seeing her transform from season one all the way through season 10 is so amazing andrewarding,🙌🏽💯💙cant wait to see what y’all do next! Keep up the great work!

[@thetake]

Thank you!

[@pistachiosandpopcorn7146]

The older I get the more I only like Joey and Phoebe.

[@nirraabegailgallardo3161]

Me too! They're both selfless!!!

[@conniek1039]

Gracie Grimes what’s wrong with Chandler?

[@kyberkylo7764]

@@conniek1039 yea chandler was the most neutral character imo especially in the later seasons.

[@BratzRockAngels]

@Gracie Grimes I feel like they're flaws make them complex. I don't agree with their behavior or choices sometimes, but I don't dislike them because of it, cause everyone can grow and they feel realistic.

[@that1forgettableperson458]

@Gracie Grimes too harsh on ross...

[@CarolinaMillan]

I really enjoyed this video! And great analysis! Everyone got the same amount of screen time but she was indeed the protagonist :)

[@dvchel]

And don't forget that each character had the same amount of jokes too. They always counted them and kept the tally up-to-date with the production of each episode. However, it is indeed true that the character of Rachel made the greatest progress, as a female, in the show. But of all the 6 main characters we do have our doubts. Mainly because of Chandler. He equally made the greatest progress if you take a look where he came from in the first couple of episodes in season 1 and where he came to an end in the very last episode in season 10. We are not sure if it was a decision from the very beginning of the show, but is indeed very interesting to see that Rachel got off the plane and fell back into Ross's arms, in a similar way to the very first episode where he accidentally opened up his umbrella as he tried to greet her in the Central Perk Café. It makes you further wonder if the continuing on-and-off relationship between her and Ross for the duration of some 6 to 7 years was just lasting way too long for the show to tell the story of Rachel as the protagonist. It is hard to disagree it became boring and simply inappropriate in setting and context after the birth of their baby. But decisions have to be made. It wouldn't have been a bad one to have seen Rachel and Ross reuniting earlier for good than it did for sure. It would also have prevented us from seeing the awfully timed Rachel and Joey fling. But, it is as it. Thank god the show ended for her and the character of Ross the way it should have been.

[@silvilev9071]

dvchel Ross and Rachel had no chemistry at all! It got boring! Really! "The Ross and Rachel getting back together at the very end" was soo fake! It looked as if, given the time, they were gonna "fight" their way back to a break up! And Chandler made the biggest progress of them all, without a doubt! And the second biggest journey was not even Rachel's, but Monica's. Here is why: Monica prepared for her job, she worked hard for it, she made sacrifices, it took her so long to be where she wanted to be, it was indeed the job of her dreams and she conquer it step by step, no mather how hard it was. She wanted her mother to be proud of her and she did get that too! She wanted to find love with a good man who respect her and love her back, have kids, a house and an normal, loving, stable family. And she got all of that too! Her journey was really hard, just like Chandler's. Rachel had a baby by accident and had no chemistry with Ross. Sorry but I just can't see them "growing old together", they were going to break up again, eventually. Rachel wanted so badly what Monica and Chandler shared but couldn't have it, and definitely not with Ross. Her career is fake. It just doesn't happen like that in the real world. No way! At the end she still had selfishness in her. I'm sorry but Rachel didn't make the biggest progress here.

[@samanthap3387]

I wanna like it but it has 420 likes

[@dvchel]

@@silvilev9071 Not sure if you and I have been watching the same show. The chemistry between Rachel & Ross during the first three seasons was simply unreal. It was that pure that pundits and fans thought they were dating in real life, although knowing they each had different partners at that time. But it's a shame though what happened after that break-up in season three and their relationship appearing less and less organic with each passing episode as a consequence. The reason why it is difficult to disagree on what you say that the final get-together did seem inorganic and hollow on the basis of their dysfunctional & unhealthy relationship. A further reason why I was describing the confusion that exists with the show whether who was the protagonist or not. As you've been correctly pointing out, Chandler's went through the most significant and consistent growth of them all. However, it is still a fact that the show began when Rachel's character ran away from a wedding, moving in with Monica and coming to an end when she was moving away to Paris. This does literally make her the protagonist. Yet, because of the creators' desire to keep Rachel's character in this on- and off-relationship with Ross' it was unnecessarily damaging her growth personality-wise. On many occasions. That is difficult to disagree with. Moments in the show where both characters could have easily been taken to another level. But always falling down on this _"we were on a break"_ argument and the inability to help each other grow. Rachel's character as a consequence was therefore even suffering more so. Her growth was nevertheless still huge, career-wise, but personality-wise with too many ups & downs.

[@hbanana7]

Even though Chandler and Monica are my fav couple, Ross and Rachel had this romantic chemistry Big Bang Theory can never reciprocate. Their breakup scene after "the break" is really realistic and heartbreaking.

[@superscuba7296]

i completely agree, i always saw chemistry between ross and rachel. And Jennifer admitted in the Reunion as well as David that the two were crushing on each other and decided to put all their love into Ross and Rachel. I think the Relationship between Leonard and Penny in the Big Bang is so annoying and there is 0 Chemistry and when they got together or they broke up was really lame

[@sofitocyn100]

I never understood why her relationship with Ross was so central. After quite some time building up sexual tension between each other, as the video reminds us of, they only dated exactly one year (since he "cheated" on her the night when they made a break, which was the day of their first anniversary.) Then they kinda got on the nerves of each other for several seasons and had casual sex twice, one quite shortly after the event and one way later, resulting in a pregnancy. They only get back together on the last episode of the show, after years apart. So Why is it even considered and on again, off again relationship. I don't even get it. I think Rachel is the one who dated the least people amongst the 6, or at least the least long (since unexperienced Chandler tied the knot with Monica at some point)

[@justinreckers161]

AS W I 100% agree! I hope you see this. I’m watching this for the first time since it aired. I’m on season 8 and can’t stomach this anymore. I had to read about when Ross and Rachel were together for good. I’m so disappointed it is the finale! To me, Rachel never stopped loving Ross and gave him so many chances to act, but the writers made Ross so dumb, oblivious, and whiny. Rachel was my favorite character, but I hated Ross! Him and Rachel always had great chemistry, but like you said, 9 seasons of will they get to together or not. This show should have been 5 or 6 seasons with this story line. I for one, would have loved Ross and Rachel get together soon after Emily. Watch them marry, raise a family, and grow their relationship. This show would have been great, but we had basically had 9 seasons of watching Ross being a clueless idiot. Rachel had tenderness, Ross was the worst IMO.

[@supergirlvideoclips894]

That's because the writers just saw her as a love interest for Ross and not her own character. She got a great job in Paris but she leaves it for Ross and her point of view is not explained. The show subscribes to the Ross equal boss comment that Phoebe makes in season 2.

[@juanfernando2217]

AMAZING VIDEO LIKE ALWAYS

[@LilySaintSin]

It wasnt a surprise she got back with Ross. It was really obvious they'd get get back together.

[@ianucci]

Fans would have had a riot if they didnt. I remember finding the final episode really forced, its a shame the show continued way beyond its natural lifespan.

[@sarahfranks9533]

+ianucci no it didnt it ended perfectly. kick rocks buzz kill!

[@mitchellanderson3960]

You mean the thing they setup from the very beginning (Ross saying i wanted to be married and rachel walks in wearing a wedding dress) came true??? Shocking development.

[@2AForever-wi8yj]

Either that or kill one of his girlfriends.

[@JSulikowska]

Yes it always was Ross and Rachel

[@guadavelasquez4337]

I already knew this, although Rachel isn’t my favorite character of the show, she always had the biggest problems during the seasons and the serie always put more attention to the development of Rachel, with her problems, her multiples relationships, and everything about her.

[@bleachboiis913]

I’m actually crying so much. I love this show with my whole heart.

[@VishtheFish101]

I think Chandler is the main protagonist in the later season. His relationship with Monica and friendship with Joey are the best parts of the show.

[@Showtunediva]

I agree

[@gianni206]

Love this! Now do one on Ross’ mental breakdown in the last 5 seasons.

[@TheRetroGuy2000]

This video was excellent, and the thesis was well-argued. I think a case can also be made for Chandler, Monica, or Ross to be considered the central protagonist, but the points made in this video make a lot of sense. Thanks for putting this video together. I enjoyed it.

[@alejandromolinac]

Oh no.... Rachel is a shitty worker who gets a job in the corporate world out of the blue with no experience? Jesus....

[@cara_carambola]

I could ;)

[@silvilev9071]

alejandromolinac I know! Sooo unrealistic!

[@A.J.8.8.8]

No it wasn't an excellent analysis

[@tamerafarly7666]

I love Rachel. She is my second favorite character... Right after Chandler 😊

[@joy9585]

I have to say, I was unsure when I first clicked on this video. Even though I love Rachel and she's probably my favorite character, I was wary. But you've done a fabulous job. It's thoughtful and truly encapsulates the character arc of Rachel that I've never really dwelled on that deeply before. Really well done!

[@whiteladykl]

I think the protagonist is Monica, she keeps the group together.

[@funnyvideos-ng6ii]

@Paris Mahone The show starts with monica and ends with chandler ❤ do your homework dude. The show was always portrayed to be monica and her friends but the creators didn't want that either. I believe monica was the MVP. But all of them were the lead. Rachel became at the end of the show what monica was all along.

[@RoyalRoses]

@@funnyvideos-ng6ii Then why didn't the show start with Monica moving into the big city alone? Why didn't it start with her searching for a roommate and meeting Phoebe? Or her attending Ross's first marriage and that adventure? Or her crazy relationships pre Rachel? Or her meeting Joey and Chandler? Or the adventures of her and the pre Rachel group hanging out at the bar they showed in flashbacks? Or her adventures towards becoming a chef? These things happened as flashbacks and only flashbacks several seasons into the show. If she was the main lead, it would have brought us along for all that, then brought in Rachel, instead of just randomly showing flashbacks to explain a current situation. It started with Rachel running away and moving into the apartment with everyone else, then ended with Rachel coming back and leaving the apartment with everyone else. "Do your homework"?? What is that even suppose to mean in this context??😂 Are you a flat earther or something and thats your go to comback even when it doesn't make sense?? Did you read that to yourself before posting it? Did you watch the show at all? The producers of the show even said shes the main protagonist and Ross played opposite her which makes him second in line. Thats the people who wrote the show saying this, its not even an opinion. Just because Monica is your favorite character doesnt somehow make her the lead protagonist?? Everyone has their favorites but thats not how the show was written, and because you also have a favorite doesn't magically change anything. Its bizarre to me that you genuinely think she was the main protagonist because she said the first line and Chandler said the last line??? What??!?! 😂😂😂 Thats not how this works, thats not how any of this works. You are playing semantics, which again, doesn't somehow alter reality.

[@RoyalRoses]

Monica keeping the group together doesn't make her the lead protagonist. They specifically had her play "mother" of the group to better show her maternal instincts and longing to be a mother herself. She even cries about wanting kids in the first season when carol was giving birth. Her entire thing was wanting a husband, wanting children, and her career as a chef. They wrote her character as a motherly figure for this exact reason, it better drives home her goals to the audience so when she finally reaches them, the audience feels genuinely happy for her. Its building that connection and bringing it together at the end specifically for viewers. Her story line is very relevant because she is in the main cast and some of the shows market audience (mid 20s to early 30s) would be going through that exact thing. It still wouldn't make her the main protagonist though. If she was, we would have seen the build up to her becoming this motherly figure and her realizing her goals, not when she was already there. We came in after all that was realized instead of going along for the ride like we did with Rachel.

[@liteflightify]

Monica was supposed to be the lead. They clearly tried to do that in the first half of season 1. However, if you look at the series as a whole, Monica doesn’t get the screen time, character development, consistent storylines, emotional moments, etc. that Rachel does. Just because it’s in her apartment doesn’t make her the protagonist.

[@srabontikhanshashi380]

@Paris Mahone what development did Rachel actually had except her career? She grew only at a professional level but throughout the show she was selfish, whiny and always put the blame on ross for every little thing whereas she kept messing up a lot of times.

[@randomfools808]

Excellent analysis. Agree with all of this. The show starts and ends with her. Most of the major plot points revolve around her.

[@1DROCKS12345]

I love how supportive Rachel’s mum was of her leaving Barry and living her new life. Im watching Gilmore girls and I love Emily, her relationship with lorelai is super interesting but it’s also so heartbreaking how they never find common ground, or if they do then it’s quickly demolished whenever lorelai makes a choice that Emily disagrees with

[@nawfsider85]

DAMN, that was deeeeep! I need some sleep

[@pagusmusic6254]

Rachel has definitely made the most progress and growth in the show as a person in general, but also as a ‘friend’ and a well rounded individual!

[@BearAndBunny0605]

Rachel reminds me so much of me in my twenties. When I turned 22, I finally had a job that lasted longer than three months and I'm still at the job because I love it so much. I didn't know how to make coffee, but then I learned how to do so. I also learned how to cook after my mom suffered from a stroke. Finally found love in an old classmate that I didn't give a second look at in high school and then married him when I turned thirty (turned out to be such a great decision I made). So, in conclusion, Rachel's character showed me that people grow up and mature at such different times. It's okay to not know how to do everything and anything after you reach a certain age. Thank you, Rachel! ♥️

[@RizselHolloway]

Literally binge watching this channel

[@dharini09]

I'd say it was Monica. She's the backbone of the entire gang. And her relationship with Chandler was the best on the show.

[@ayeshatarannum8536]

Dharini S agree!! they were all together because they were all Monica's friends and brother. she brought and kept everyone together.

[@lethos8811]

"I am the hostess, Im always the hostess..." monica is the main character by far (and later on, chandler). I mean the show ends when they move out

[@ByeByeDeadName]

Okay, but that doesn’t mean she’s the protagonist. That more or less means she’s the mother. Sure they’re all her friends and they’re mostly at her apartment, but that would be like saying dumbledore is the main character of Harry Potter because he’s the reason everyone is at hogwarts.

[@lethos8811]

JK HGGNS dude dumbledore is not the reason for hogwarts he just runs the place. Friends end when monica moves, but harry potter lasted two movies post dumbledore death

[@avernion]

My reaction to the video was the same. Everything centers around Monica. She is the connecting piece.

[@maja2851]

Rachel's growth can really be showcased in the final season. She starts off with dating Joey, but realizes that it's hurting Ross and eventually can't go through with it because something doesn't feel right. I think it signifies her growth and that she's over the "having fun" phase of her life and is ready to settle down. We see more of this in TOW the Cake where Emma's first birthday means a lot to Rachel and has this picture of how she wants it to go down. Remember in season 2 when she couldn't even hold a baby? Now she's a full blown dedicated mother that wants her daughter to have an amazing birthday even if she won't remember it. Finally when she has to make the choice between the great career in Paris and being with Ross, it doesn't come out of nowhere that she chooses Ross. It's her realizing that at this point in her life, career and dating are not her top-priorities anymore, but family is. She chooses a life of love, family and security: The very thing she was running away from for the whole series. It really comes full circle.

[@snoopy1390]

Her dating Joey felt so weird and forced. I never really could get on board with that storyline

[@Tekaneable]

@@snoopy1390 I thought it was the most natural couple after Chandler and Monica. Their affection came from genuine friendship, Joey supported her always, her love was true and not possesive as it was in case of Ross. They both were very sweet, caring and supportive to one another.

[@monabohamad2242]

@@Tekaneable doesn't mean that Joey and Rachel were meant to be Together maybe sometimes Genuine Friendship and some of the other stuff you wrote doesn't always necessarily and automatically mean True Romantic Love I guess maybe sometimes there are Couples who are like from Friends to Lovers and maybe there are Couples who are sorta like the Opposite of that I guess that Chandler and Monica fall into the Former Category along with one of my Favorite Fictional Couples EVER while Ross and Rachel seem to fall into the Latter Category

[@cas4266]

I really didn't like Rachel as a character at first but I'm proud of how much she grew over the years. But this video has summarized my feelings over it and I'm not now only proud but inspired because her journey was hard, she doesn't know what to do, does things without back-up plans but is ready to do anything to make a name on herself. She's an inspiration.

[@terig8974]

I don't think there really was a "main character" on Friends, but most people say they relate to Chandler the most. Personally I've always loved and related to Phoebe. Not everyone had the comfortable suburban life as an option. Some of us a just weirdos who aren't fit to be anything else.

[@redlady935]

Yes I'm definitely a Phoebe

[@supergirlvideoclips894]

Main character is not who you relate to. Main character is what the show is written around and that's Ross. Even though he doesn't deserve it. Just like Ted in How I Met Your Mother.

[@Soprie]

Friends was an ensemble show. Though the pilot and first season may have focused on Rachel and Ross, that's not how it ended up by the finale. Rachel is not the protagonist or audience proxy. They all are.

[@sabrinatasnim7407]

Soprie "if"

[@dany98dc]

I guess you didn't watch the video

[@balloon3398]

yes

[@randomfools808]

Yes that is how it ends. There's a reason that iconic scene is so remembered. That was the hugest moment of the finale which is why they reserved it for one of the final scenes of the show.

[@MA-yc7pz]

Soprie To me the protagonist is Mónica cuz She knew everyone

[@chloegenet1027]

that's it, she's my favourite character off friends now.

[@tommymendoza4539]

I love all of them, but Rachel has always held a soft spot in my heart

[@reveusers3216]

I totally agree... whenever somebody asks me which one of these characters are my favorite on this show I'd always pick Rachel...

[@emilycalles623]

I’m really into character analysis myself (something none of my friends get at all) and I found this video to be extremely well produced and written. I also caught myself nodding along with all of your points. Ps thanks for having captions in the video (I’m hard of hearing :))

[@RWMoortgat]

Hi Susannah, your videos are FANTASTIC! Thanks for giving us all this great content :)

[@kathiravanganesh5618]

Pls tell Barney stinson is real protoganist in How I met your mother. Because he gets job for marshal, Ted, Robin And saves marshal and Lilly marriage And he does lots good things He's better than ted

[@ArturoStojanoff]

It's Robin.

[@katiestolealltheunicorns9309]

Kathiravan Ganesh To be fair though, Barney a lot of bad things too. He consistently uses and hurts women and the way he speaks about them is not fitting for a sympathetic protagonist to me, though he does grow as a person somewhat and is no doubt an interesting character. I might be in the minority but I always liked Ted as a protagonist though he's not perfect either. They have a lot of fun with Barney and Marshall almost being like two opposing sides of Ted and what he wants from his romantic life.

[@Sweetumskitty1789]

A protagonist doesn't have to be sympathetic. They just to be enaging and somebody you like and root for.

[@sofiamatos8297]

THIS

[@kathiravanganesh5618]

Katie Stolealltheunicorns yes Barney did Bad things but in the end he changed. But Ted once again he goes for date and he always wants sympathy from others. My opinion Ted killed mother and he ruined Barney and Robin marriage just like Victoria marriage and zoey and captain marriage. And Ted told the story to his kids different. And he gets sympathy and approval to date Robin so My opinion Ted is not protagonist Ted is antoganist

[@pretzellina]

Ah Rachel. ♥️ I love her journey and relate to her on so many levels. Except for the Ross thing. Great analysis as always, you guys are amazing!

[@alejandromolinac]

That the on going joke was that she’s a shitty worker who gets a glamorous job at a corporation out of the blue without sacrifice or struggle in the company? Yay... that’s how life works!

[@dvchel]

alejandromolinac It is hard to disagree. That is why the _"we were on a break"_ argument was fake. First of all, Ross *never* cheated on Rachel. For some odd reason the director and writers made the decision for Rachel to confirm it twice to Monica, once on Ross's answering machine and again at his doorstep with the inconvenient question: _"Can I be your girlfriend again?"_ This is why the exact reason the writers made her apparently unable to forgive Ross was solely on the basis that he slept with another woman hours after they were broken up. Meaning during their fight it was *never* about cheating. Yet the writers made it into one for the comedic aspect. That was disappointing since the realistic approach that had proven to be so successful since the very beginning would have been the right decision. The same way that Ross was right about that guy from Bloomingdale and that he wanted to get into Rachel's pants right from the very beginning. Because it was so obvious, even during the night of their fight and the way he made her work late on purpose, then called her (mysteriously) up that same evening and forced himself over after she first *refused* then of course two episodes later or so asked her out on a date. This was always the most disappointing aspect of that whole fight. That both Rachel and Ross were being punished for a crime they did *not* commit.

[@dvchel]

Muslimah1987 Wrong. Firstly, the issues you state are irrelevant to the fact I mentioned. Secondly, either you are totally oblivious or you have *never* seen the actual two episodes and everything that went on beforehand. My statement of fact was *never* about the character of Ross being perfect. It was about the fact that Ross was *right* about the guy from Bloomingdale wanting to get into Rachel's pants from the very beginning. Do you seriously think that when a random stranger gives you your dream-job out of the blue when you have *zero* experience in that field at all, that he is just being nice? Did you forget all the times that her character sent out a million résumés and was rejected? Exactly my point. Thus the character of Ross was right. It is a general statement of fact that the guy from Bloomingdale was a total sleazebag. So there is *no* need for you to defend this horrible person and the miserable actions he does to get what he wants. As I stated before, it was thus an utter disappointment to see both Rachel and Ross being punished for a crime they did *not* commit. And the right decision should have been to take it as it is and let each other work out their issues. Taking a realistic approach rather than a comedic one with the _"we were on a break"_ argument that was thus totally fake as their original fight was *never* about cheating. The writers should have made Rachel to forgive Ross, which realistically she would for multiple reasons but being left out on purpose. Take for example that Rachel made similar horrible mistakes in the past and always everybody forgave her. And of course that Ross was a victim of sexual assault by the Xerox girl, as he was intoxicated when it happened and could *not* remember a thing about it the next morning. But as I stated before, the writers were disappointingly desperate to try to break them up. On a side note. I have seen the other video about the character of Ross. It exactly points out the reason why again Rachel and Ross were being punished for a crime they did *not* commit. All the other video's on KZbin also further points out why Ross was right about that guy from Bloomingdale and that it was disappointing to see how they made Rachel totally oblivious to it. Maybe her youth of living in her own little Rachel Land got the best of her at that point is probably what the writers used as the reason for her stupidity in continuing to ignore Ross's realistic concerns.

[@leephillips4402]

alejandromolinac she wasn't that shitty a worker chandler was and he kept getting promoted and hating every minute of it

[@leephillips4402]

dvchel thank you it was driving me crazy that everyone else bought that

[@CarolinaMillan]

I’ve rewatched this video at least three times. It’s just so good. The message behind it so empowering. Do what scares you, commit to what you want. Trust your own potential. Makes me wonder if the writers are even aware of the depth of some of these characters! I love all the character breakdowns you did of Friends, it’s my favorite show still today. 😃

[@alisak4826]

Your video essays are so satisfying:)

[@lovinggossipgirl]

finally someone made a video about this :)

[@wellfockingteebagyou7113]

Rachel was, is, and will always be my number one favorite character in Sitcom history.

[@rexodexo4196]

Mine too, idk why she impacted my life so much more than the others. I adore that character so much

[@lewdogzombies]

“Everyone I know is getting married or pregnant or promoted, and I’m getting coffee and it’s not even for me!” - The most relatable line ever 😂

[@thesmith2920]

Thank you for this honest analysis of Rachel. Usually people dismiss her & it's frustrating with her growth from spoiled to kickass.

[@KenAdams426]

And let’s not forget how Rachel broke up with Ross and then had mark over. She could have tried harder to say no but she didn’t. Had he never came over Ross never sleeps with Linda. Wedding Singer reference. Just shows how they tote Rachel as the always the victim when she is actually the one who ruins Ross’ life.

[@yeahyeahyea7593]

factsss

[@iloveyoubigmantyrone5609]

Wait but mark and Rachel didn't do anything? Or did I remember that wrong

[@KenAdams426]

@@iloveyoubigmantyrone5609 they did later after they were broken up. How many times did Rachel whore around while Ross still wanted her. But whenever Ross was with someone the whore would sabotage it for him. Rachel was the worst person on the show. I don’t get how anyone never noticed that. And she could have told mark no don’t come over. Don’t open the door. But she did and cheated first. Her actions caused the rest of the effects.

[@keziasheen1711]

Well I hear all kinds of comments on who their favourite characters are... I too have favorites.. ...But without each one of their parts we wouldn't have had this awesome show 'FRIENDS'.. They together make FRIENDS.. I love them all and their parts💓

[@chiraggupta2645]

this should be higher up, well said

[@wuzi7049]

1) Rachel 2) Chandler

[@AlexS-df7qk]

This. They are the best two and that's the order I would rank them as well.

[@mikak1765]

they’re my favorites

[@pjn2432]

I would actually put Rachel last... I dont find her funny (at all) but her character development is really good.

[@vb2388]

For me.. 1) Phoebe 2) Ross 3) Chandler 4) Rachael 5) Monica 6) Joey

[@pjn2432]

XFlamingAshesX Really? I thought all the characters were great

[@ellentraquair3974]

The iconic "suure" from rach in the first scene where Monica is introducing everyone will forever live in my memory.

[@gigga143]

this is so on point, i love this! i hope there is one for every character on Friends though Rachel was totally my favorite.

[@cicolusnage2349]

Every character is unique and inspiring in some way...making this show one of the greatest

[@shalini_sevani]

Can you do one on Gossip Girl? All the characters have such great arcs.

[@anabannaish]

I second this

[@Sam-0827]

True and rachel reminds me a lot of Gossip Girl 💞♥

[@hollywoodshopaholic]

Yes, I need one on Blair

[@mariafoteini]

Phoebe will always be my favorite.

[@rexodexo4196]

Phoebe was always my least favourite 😳

[@sreelakshmiramadas2392]

Yes she is my favourite too💗

[@redlady935]

I used to find her really annoying as thought she was like a cartoon but I find her really funny and believable now. Not sure why it changed.

[@LeWildSister]

She's just so brave. It takes guts to do what she did

[@jhengleone]

Yes she is. That's why she won an Emmy Award for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series back 2002. That solidifies her role as the true protagonist of the show.

[@SueDunMc-]

Out of all the characters in friends I loved Rachel the most! It amazes me how they all thought they could not be seen when they did something in front of the window and yet they all knew that you'd see everything in front of the window. Go figure! ...lol

[@leahcollie94]

This was super inspirational. I'm going through the same ups and downs now in my 20s.

[@user-ml6cf3on8y]

Rachel was already my favorite character but this just makes me love her even more

[@boomboomk9563]

The older i get.... The more i appreciate Rachel.... I mean in the first few seasons, she was definitely not my fav... But watching her grow and thrive was so satisfying to watch...she may sometimes be a little self centered, but even if she makes mistake, she always try to make up to her mistakes which i think is really mature...Plus the fact that she clicked on very well with everyone shows how wonderful she is...I JUST LOVE RACHEL GREEN SO MUCH

[@liteflightify]

Some hate on her because she’s a “snob” or materialistic and can be self-involved. But Rachel is indeed the show’s protagonist and probably its best character. There’s a reason Aniston is the only cast-member to win a leading Emmy. Whether someone finds her “likable” or not is another discussion.

[@sierrabowles2597]

I can’t pick a favorite girl character, but yes, she definitely did change the most.

[@guac7323]

Rachel is definitely the Protagonist of the group because she went through the most changes and she went from spoiled rich girl to hard working mom in a matter of 10 years. She is what most people like myself go through in their mid twenties, figuring out what Life has for us and what are we doing to go and get it, how even though we hit 30 we can still continue to pursue our career and get farther because age is really just a number when you are dedicated, How she went through the worst heartbreak from someone she loved and trusted so much. She went through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows then the other characters and came back Stronger then all of them. Aside from Chandler, she is the one that changed the most. Monica, Chandler, Ross, Joey and Phoebe didn't really change at all aside from becoming more Mature, Rachel on the other hand walked into their life extremely immature and needed daddy's credit card to help her cope with things until her Real Friends told her that it wasn't the correct route to growing up. Got herself a job she absolutely hated only to quit and go after what she loved and found a passion for which still ended up at first being a terrible job but it was in the vicinity that she was aiming for only to find a much better opportunity and more opportunities and eventually become an Executive for Ralph Lauren. That is GOALS! and that right there my friends is a Protagonist.

[@reginab.3147]

I absolutely love this video, it really shows how much Rachel cares, learns, and how she has matured I love Rachel and Jennifer Aniston even more

[@jenniferle8294]

I actually clicked on this video after reading the title and thinking to myself "well DUH she's the protagonist they literally start the show off with her entering the friends' lives from her perspective" but after watching this analysis I have a totally new appreciation for rachel and the show lol!! Great video.

[@aquisaysheanmifelamerot.6606]

She got the most birthday episodes, some didn''t even have any