The series is also credited for showing young adults how to navigate life’s ups and downs as a friend group, paying the way for hit sitcoms like How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory. The show is filled with iconic moments that still garner laughs today. However, there are several aspects of Friends that now cause viewers to cringe because of its depictions of sexual harassment, toxic masculinity, homo and transphobia, and racial insensitivity.

1. Ross’s Controlling Behavior Towards Rachel’s Career Choices

In Season 3, Episode 13 (“The One Where Monica and Richard Are Just Friends”), Ross gets unreasonably upset when Rachel decides to take a job in Paris. His controlling behavior towards her career decisions—particularly his attempt to dictate her choices—has not aged well.

In today’s world, this kind of behavior is seen as manipulative and toxic. Ross’s constant interference with Rachel’s personal and professional life might have been intended as humor, but it’s more of a red flag in relationships now. The idea that a partner should control or question the other’s career aspirations is a dangerous precedent.

2. Chandler’s Transphobic Jokes About His Father

One of the most cringe-worthy aspects of Friends is the way Chandler Bing’s father, who is a drag queen, is repeatedly used as the subject of transphobic humor. In multiple episodes, Chandler’s father is mocked for her lifestyle, and jokes about her gender identity are treated as punchlines.

This kind of humor, which was often framed as a “surprise” or “punchline,” is now widely recognized as harmful and offensive. The lack of respect for Chandler’s father as a person, combined with the transphobic humor, feels uncomfortable and dated today.

3. Joey’s “That’s Not What I Meant” Rape Joke (Season 7, Episode 8)

In Season 7, Episode 8 (“The One with All the Thanksgiving”), Joey makes an inappropriate joke about a woman, and the punchline is a very disturbing reference to rape. While the show is known for its cringey moments and crude humor, this joke about sexual assault stands out as especially problematic.

In the context of today’s conversations around consent and sexual violence, jokes like these are no longer considered funny or acceptable. In fact, they perpetuate dangerous stereotypes and undermine serious issues that need to be addressed with respect and sensitivity.

4. The Way the Show Handles Homophobia and Gay Stereotypes

Throughout Friends, there are several moments where homophobia is either implied or outright expressed. One of the most glaring examples is in Season 2, Episode 8 (“The One with the List”), where Ross is disgusted by the idea of his ex-wife, Carol, being in a relationship with a woman. His reaction is rooted in homophobia, and the show presents this as a joke.

Additionally, the show uses gay stereotypes for comedic effect, particularly in the character of Phoebe’s brother, Frank Buffay Jr. These outdated portrayals have aged terribly, as they reinforce harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people rather than portraying them as nuanced, multidimensional characters.

5. The Constant Body-Shaming of Monica

Monica Geller’s character is frequently subjected to body-shaming throughout Friends, often in the form of fat jokes. From Chandler mocking her weight when they were younger to jokes about her “fat” photos, Monica’s physical appearance is often used as a comedic device.

In today’s world, body positivity and acceptance are important conversations, and the portrayal of Monica’s body as a punchline is not just outdated but damaging. Fat-shaming and making a person’s size a source of ridicule has no place in modern comedy.

6. The Episode Where Ross Gets “The List” (Season 2, Episode 8)

In Season 2, Episode 8 (“The One with the List”), Ross creates a list of pros and cons to decide between Rachel and Julie, which ultimately leads to a major betrayal of Rachel’s trust. While this is played for laughs at the time, the episode glosses over the emotional consequences of Ross’s actions.

In retrospect, this is a toxic example of how men are often portrayed as indecisive and emotionally immature, while women are expected to accept mistreatment. The episode trivializes Rachel’s feelings and makes light of a serious situation where trust was broken.

7. The Ridiculous Gender Stereotypes in the Show

From the very beginning, Friends has been full of tired gender stereotypes. Men like Ross and Chandler are portrayed as sensitive but emotionally unavailable, while women like Monica and Rachel are obsessed with their appearance and focused on finding a man. These characters rarely break out of their gender roles, and it reinforces outdated ideas of what men and women should be like.

For instance, Monica’s storyline revolves heavily around her obsession with weight, cleaning, and pleasing others, while Rachel’s arc often focuses on her romantic relationships and her career, both of which are framed in terms of her attractiveness.

8. Ross’s “We Were On a Break” Defense (Season 3)

Ross’s infamous defense that he and Rachel were “on a break” when he slept with another woman has long been a point of contention for Friends fans. While the show attempts to make Ross sympathetic, the situation is complicated—especially in the context of modern discussions about relationship boundaries and consent.

The fact that Ross continually uses this excuse to justify his behavior has made the “We were on a break” defense an uncomfortable moment in 2025. It glosses over the emotional complexity of cheating and fails to acknowledge the damage done to Rachel’s feelings.

9. The Objectification of Women in The One with the Prom Video (Season 2, Episode 14)

In Season 2, Episode 14 (“The One with the Prom Video”), the group watches a prom video from the past, and Chandler makes a number of cringeworthy comments about Monica’s weight. However, one of the most problematic aspects of this episode is the way women, particularly Monica and Rachel, are sexualized and reduced to their looks.

This objectification is not only problematic in the context of the episode but also within the larger framework of the show. The female characters often exist as eye candy, and their worth is frequently tied to their attractiveness or ability to “land a man.”

10. The “It’s Not That Big a Deal” Mentality Toward Sexual Harassment

In Season 5, Episode 24 (“The One in Vegas”), Chandler and Monica are at a casino when they are approached by a group of men who sexually harass them. The incident is played for laughs, with the men in the show not taking the harassment seriously.

In light of the #MeToo movement and ongoing discussions about workplace harassment, this plotline feels dated and out of touch with current conversations about consent and sexual boundaries. It trivializes a serious issue and treats harassment as something that can simply be laughed off.

Conclusion: A Show With a Legacy, But Room for Growth

While Friends remains an enduring cultural touchstone, it’s clear that many of the show’s jokes and storylines haven’t aged well. The series, which was groundbreaking in many ways, also contains moments that reflect the ignorance and insensitivity of the time in which it was made.

The dark moments and problematic jokes in Friends remind us that even our favorite shows and movies are products of their time—and that time can change how we view them. It’s important to acknowledge these issues and to learn from them. After all, growth and understanding are key to moving forward.