Friends Cast Opposed Controversial Joey-Rachel Romance

As the 30th anniversary of Friends approaches, writer Adam Chase has revealed that the cast was strongly opposed to the romantic storyline between Joey and Rachel, which aired in the show's final season. The cast felt the pairing was 'very incestuous', which contributed to its brief nature. This disapproval was echoed by Matt LeBlanc, who voiced his concerns about Joey dating his best friend's ex-girlfriend, leading to a quick return to their friendship after realizing their chemistry was lacking. While the storyline sparked controversy, it provided a unique emotional depth to Joey's character, as noted by co-creator David Crane. Fans also debated whether Rachel should have ultimately chosen Ross, her on-again-off-again love interest, over Joey. The show's legacy continues to thrive, generating discussions decades after its conclusion.