Special Report
The 25 Worst Episodes of ‘Friends’ Ever, According to Data
Published:
As one of the most iconic sitcoms that has ever aired on TV, “Friends” has produced countless episodes that are considered classics. But even the best shows with the best writers have an occasional mishap. Despite the witty characters and almost nonstop funny shenanigans, there are still some forgettable and even dull moments.
To determine the worst episodes of “Friends,” 24/7 Tempo reviewed data on audience rating from the Internet Movie Database. All episodes of “Friends” were ranked based on average IMDb user rating as of November 2021. In cases of a tie, episodes with more IMDb user votes were given a higher ranking. Supplemental data on the number of IMDb user votes and original airdate also came from IMDb.
Fans don’t appear to have thoroughly enjoyed seasons eight and nine. Nine of the 25 worst episodes of the sitcom are from those two seasons. Another four are from season four, which also happens to have many of the show’s best episodes — these are the best episodes of “Friends.”
It’s worth noting that even the worst episode of “Friends” has a rating that most shows and even movies aim for — above 7 out of 10. For some really disappointing shows — especially ends of shows — click here for the worst TV series finales of all time.
Click here for the worst episodes of “Friends”
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
25. The One with the Cat (Season 4, Episode 2)
> IMDb user rating: 8.0/10
> IMDb user votes: 4,177
> Original airdate: Oct. 2, 1997
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Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
24. The One with Ross’s Thing (Season 3, Episode 23)
> IMDb user rating: 8.0/10
> IMDb user votes: 4,088
> Original airdate: May 1, 1997
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
23. The One with the Girl from Poughkeepsie (Season 4, Episode 10)
> IMDb user rating: 8.0/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,984
> Original airdate: Dec. 18, 1997
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
22. The One with the Yeti (Season 5, Episode 6)
> IMDb user rating: 8.0/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,930
> Original airdate: Nov. 5, 1998
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Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
21. The One with the Joke (Season 6, Episode 12)
> IMDb user rating: 8.0/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,741
> Original airdate: Jan. 13, 2000
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
20. The One with Monica’s Boots (Season 8, Episode 10)
> IMDb user rating: 8.0/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,681
> Original airdate: Dec. 6, 2001
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Source: Courtesy of NBC
19. The One Where Chandler Gets Caught (Season 10, Episode 10)
> IMDb user rating: 8.0/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,659
> Original airdate: Jan. 15, 2004
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
18. The One with the Tea Leaves (Season 8, Episode 17)
> IMDb user rating: 8.0/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,555
> Original airdate: March 7, 2002
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
17. The One with Ross’s Step Forward (Season 8, Episode 11)
> IMDb user rating: 8.0/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,528
> Original airdate: Dec. 13, 2001
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Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
16. The One with Phoebe’s Husband (Season 2, Episode 4)
> IMDb user rating: 7.9/10
> IMDb user votes: 4,667
> Original airdate: Oct. 12, 1995
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
15. The One with Phoebe’s Dad (Season 2, Episode 9)
> IMDb user rating: 7.9/10
> IMDb user votes: 4,512
> Original airdate: Dec. 14, 1995
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Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
14. The One Where They’re Going to Party! (Season 4, Episode 9)
> IMDb user rating: 7.9/10
> IMDb user votes: 4,012
> Original airdate: Dec. 11, 1997
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
13. The One Where Rachel Smokes (Season 5, Episode 18)
> IMDb user rating: 7.9/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,813
> Original airdate: April 8, 1999
Source: Courtesy of NBC
12. The One with Phoebe’s Rats (Season 9, Episode 12)
> IMDb user rating: 7.9/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,583
> Original airdate: Jan. 16, 2003
> IMDb user rating: 7.9/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,583
> Original airdate: Jan. 16, 2003
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Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
11. The One Where Rachel Goes Back to Work (Season 9, Episode 11)
> IMDb user rating: 7.9/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,468
> Original airdate: Jan. 9, 2003
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
10. The One with the Fake Monica (Season 1, Episode 21)
> IMDb user rating: 7.8/10
> IMDb user votes: 4,932
> Original airdate: April 27, 1995
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Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
9. The One with the Evil Orthodontist (Season 1, Episode 20)
> IMDb user rating: 7.8/10
> IMDb user votes: 4,896
> Original airdate: April 6, 1995
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
8. The One with Phoebe’s Ex-Partner (Season 3, Episode 14)
> IMDb user rating: 7.8/10
> IMDb user votes: 4,197
> Original airdate: Feb. 6, 1997
Source: Courtesy of NBC
7. The One with the Stain (Season 8, Episode 7)
> IMDb user rating: 7.8/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,689
> Original airdate: Nov. 8, 2001
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Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
6. The One with the Donor (Season 9, Episode 22)
> IMDb user rating: 7.8/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,508
> Original airdate: May 8, 2003
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
5. The One with the Vows (Season 7, Episode 21)
> IMDb user rating: 7.4/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,747
> Original airdate: May 3, 2001
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Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
4. The One with Joey’s Interview (Season 8, Episode 19)
> IMDb user rating: 7.4/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,725
> Original airdate: April 4, 2002
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
3. The One with Christmas in Tulsa (Season 9, Episode 10)
> IMDb user rating: 7.4/10
> IMDb user votes: 3,717
> Original airdate: Dec. 12, 2002
Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
2. The One with Mac and C.H.E.E.S.E. (Season 6, Episode 20)
> IMDb user rating: 7.3/10
> IMDb user votes: 4,086
> Original airdate: April 13, 2000
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Source: Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company
1. The One with the Invitation (Season 4, Episode 21)
> IMDb user rating: 7.1/10
> IMDb user votes: 4,425
> Original airdate: April 23, 1998
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