Ten years is a long time, and it makes sense that not everything about Friends would get better the longer the show aired. While some things did get greater, funnier, or more exciting, others strained as time went on. Some aspects of the show got worse the longer it went on.
Friends was successful due to its comedic characters, storylines, and jokes. It may be one of the most iconic sitcoms ever created, and it has left its mark on pop culture history due to some of its most memorable moments.
Better: Job Success
Jobs and careers were relevant at the beginning of the series as a way to show the interests or life choices of the main characters. In Rachel's case, it highlighted that she was in for a long journey after leaving Barry at the altar.
As the years went on, everyone developed outside the jobs they had in the first season. Rachel, more notably than anyone, got invested in working for fashion and was offered a job in Paris. Chandler changed careers entirely by the end of the series, taking an interest in advertising instead of his previous work.
Worse: Breaking Continuity
Perhaps the best example is Rachel and Chandler's relationship. When Rachel walks into Central Perk after running from her wedding, she meets Chandler for the first time. That is until a flashback reveals that Rachel and Chandler had met at the Gellar's house at Thanksgiving when Ross and Chandler were college students.
Friends made several continuity mistakes during the series, leading to several confusing moments.
Better: Chandler's Development
Chandler had a difficult time with women at the beginning of the show. It was hard for him to get a date and even harder for him to commit to a girlfriend. He was terrified of commitment, marriage, and children.
After starting a relationship with Monica, Chandler finds himself more comfortable with all those things as he wants to commit to Monica, eventually marrying her and adopting twins with her.
Worse: Ross' Arc
While Ross was thought of as a nice guy in the early days of the show, Ross's development did not work in his favor. Ross became obnoxious, possessive, and hypocritical as he got older and developed into a self-centered man who could not do anything that would mean he would get hurt.
Ross could not end his accidental marriage with Rachel because of what it would mean for him. He actively tried to play Chandler and Monica against each other based on how things were looking between him and Rachel sharing an apartment. Ross later tried to convince Rachel's boss, Mr. Zelner, to offer Rachel her job back because Ross didn't want her to leave.
Better: Discussed Adoption
In the later seasons, Friends took a chance to discuss what it meant for Monica and Chandler not to be able to have a baby on their own. Their options would include a donor, surrogacy, or adoption. Together, Monica and Chandler decide they want to adopt a baby. This is the first time any of the main characters had talked about adopting a child.
Rachel had Emma, and Phoebe had been a surrogate for Frank and Alice. There were three different forms of creating a family during the 10 seasons.
Worse: Joey And Rachel
It isn't that Joey and Rachel were a lousy couple per se, but it seemed as if their relationship was written to fail. Rachel had been a turning point for Joey, as he feels deeper emotions for Rachel than any woman he dated previously.
While it takes time for Rachel to reciprocate the feelings, the two eventually are in the same place at the same time. However, just as quickly as it starts, it ends. Between Ross having problems coping with Joey and Rachel's changed relationship and their problems having sex, it stops things for them.
Better: Bonding
Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe were already a group when Rachel met them, but that didn't stop anyone from getting to know her, and Rachel was quickly welcomed to the group.
Although Rachel had already known Monica and Ross from childhood, the early episodes showed that Rachel still needed time to adjust to Joey, Chandler, and Phoebe. However, Rachel's relationships with the group would not be the only ones emphasized. Every dynamic on the show was explored and gave the friendships a chance to grow and change as they got older.
Worse: Ross And Rachel
Ross and Rachel may have been the epic will-they-won't they of the series, but at points, it seemed that they were better off apart. Ross's inability to accept Rachel's success at work was a problem for them, as was Rachel becoming friends with Mark. But, even after they broke up, their relationship seemed to bounce between platonic and romantic.
It seemed that Ross and Rachel had trouble choosing as to what they should be, and then whenever they tilted toward romantic territory, one of them would do something to ruin it. After everything that happened between them, Rachel's choice to stay with Ross instead of moving to Paris was controversial.
Better: Season Finales
Something Friends got better at as the years went on was the season finales. The stakes rose as things would become more dramatic in their lives. The first massive change in season finales came with Ross's wedding to Emily at the conclusion of season four. Afterward, each following finale was written to be bigger and more extreme, making massive changes in the character's lives.
The finales were mostly weddings, proposals, child-births, or a substantial change in relationships. Any abundant change in the finale would be addressed early in the following season.
Worse: Aging Controversy
In some aspects, Friends feels dated. Certain jokes and storylines were made at a time when there was a better chance of getting away with them. Years later, fans now watch the show under a current lens, and the things that Friends got away with years ago are not appreciated anymore.
Between Fat Monica, Ross and Joey's treatment of women, the lack of diversity, and treatment of LGBTQ+ characters, people have spoken out against the way Friends sometimes handled things.