16 'Friends' plot holes and inconsistencies that still bother the show's true fans

Callie AhlgrimMay 27, 2020, 20:26 IST

Rachel is the last friend to turn 30.NBC

NBC's "Friends" is one of the most beloved TV shows of all time.
But some of the story lines have obvious plot holes or inconsistent details — like Phoebe's birth parents disappearing, or the characters aging at different rates.
Here are 16 of the most egregious examples.

"Friends" is one of the most beloved TV shows of all time, but that doesn't mean it's perfect.

Now that HBO Max has launched with the hit NBC sitcom on its roster, plenty of fans will be compelled to rewatch and reminisce about its groundbreaking episodes, fan-favorite couples, iconic pieces of furniture — and, for some, its biggest flaws.

In addition to some glaringly problematic story lines, "Friends" had issues with continuity that can be hard to ignore to this day, from petty details (like characters having multiple different birthdays) to major emotional moments getting little to no follow-through (like Phoebe's birth parents disappearing from her life without explanation).

Here are 16 of the most egregious plot holes and inconsistencies on "Friends."

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Monica's apartment number changes from five to 20.

Monica's front door on season one, episode two versus season two, episode one. NBC

How can Phoebe afford a one-bedroom apartment in Greenwich Village as a freelance masseuse?

Phoebe reveals her address on "The One With Joey's New Brain." NBC

Phoebe's birth mom is introduced in a climactic series of episodes, but inexplicably disappears after season five.

Phoebe's birth mom made her final appearance on "The One With Phoebe's Uterus." NBC

Phoebe's birth dad is introduced in season five, but he's never mentioned again after that one episode.

Phoebe and her biological father on "The One with Joey's Bag." NBC

The chick and the duck also mysteriously disappear.

Chandler with the birds on "The One With Mac and C.H.E.E.S.E." NBC

Ross says his birthday is in December, but later says his birthday is October 18.

Ross on "The One with Joey's New Girlfriend" and "The One Where Emma Cries." NBC

Rachel is similarly confused about her birthday.

Rachel on "The One with Joey's New Girlfriend" and getting pulled over on "The One with Chandler's Dad." NBC

In fact, all the friends age at wildly inconsistent rates. Ross says he's 29 in seasons three, four, and five.

Ross on "The One Where Monica and Richard Are Just Friends" and "The One Where Phoebe Hates PBS." NBC

Monica, who's the same age as Rachel, says she's 26 in season one. They turn 30 in season seven.

Monica on "The One with the Ick Factor" and "The One Where They All Turn Thirty." NBC

Joey, who's supposed to be the youngest, turns 31 before Rachel even turns 30.

Joey on "The One with the Birth" and Rachel talking to him on "The One with Monica's Thunder." NBC

Rachel seems to be pregnant for over a year.

Rachel is at least one month pregnant in May, but doesn't give birth until summer the following year. NBC

It was never explained why Ross' son, Ben, wasn't at his wedding to Emily.

Ross and Emily get married on "The One with Ross' Wedding." NBC

Joey never spends time with his beloved sisters. He never even meets his niece.

Joey's sisters on "The One Where Chandler Can't Remember Which Sister." NBC

On the pilot episode, Monica introduces Rachel and Chandler as if they've never met.

Rachel and Chandler in a flashback on "The One Where the Stripper Cries," left. NBC

Chandler cried at least twice before "The One Where Chandler Can't Cry."

Chandler cried twice during season four, but says he can't cry on season six. NBC

Ross may or may not like ice cream.

Ross on "The One Where Ross Dates a Student" and "The One Where Chandler Doesn't Like Dogs." NBC

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