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Friends
S1.E1
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IMDbPro

The One Where Monica Gets a Roommate

  • Episode aired Sep 22, 1994
  • TV-PG
  • 22m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
11K
YOUR RATING
Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox in Friends (1994)
ComedyRomance

Monica and the gang introduce Rachel to the "real world" after she leaves her fiancé at the altar.Monica and the gang introduce Rachel to the "real world" after she leaves her fiancé at the altar.Monica and the gang introduce Rachel to the "real world" after she leaves her fiancé at the altar.

  • Director
    • James Burrows
  • Writers
    • David Crane
    • Marta Kauffman
  • Stars
    • Jennifer Aniston
    • Courteney Cox
    • Lisa Kudrow
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.1/10
    11K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • James Burrows
    • Writers
      • David Crane
      • Marta Kauffman
    • Stars
      • Jennifer Aniston
      • Courteney Cox
      • Lisa Kudrow
    • 33User reviews
    • 7Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos17

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    Top cast10

    Edit
    Jennifer Aniston
    Jennifer Aniston
    • Rachel Green
    Courteney Cox
    Courteney Cox
    • Monica Geller
    Lisa Kudrow
    Lisa Kudrow
    • Phoebe Buffay
    Matt LeBlanc
    Matt LeBlanc
    • Joey Tribbiani
    • (as Matt Le Blanc)
    Matthew Perry
    Matthew Perry
    • Chandler Bing
    David Schwimmer
    David Schwimmer
    • Dr. Ross Geller
    John Allen Nelson
    John Allen Nelson
    • Paul
    Clea Lewis
    Clea Lewis
    • Franny
    Cynthia Mann
    Cynthia Mann
    • Jasmine
    Barry Heins
    Barry Heins
    • The Guy in the Coffee House
    • (scenes deleted)
    • (as Barry Hine)
    • Director
      • James Burrows
    • Writers
      • David Crane
      • Marta Kauffman
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews33

    8.111.1K
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    Featured reviews

    10jjmarcaljr-305-480183

    The beginning of a journey of 10 years !

    This pilot episode manages to present a clear and competent structure of the series that would last 10 years and that would be a major phenomena in the history of world television. All characters can bring their characteristics that would last throughout the series. Manias Monica , style silkworm cricket Phoebe , Ross and his loving insecurity , the power of Don Juan 's Joey , the mess of Chandler and Rachel preppy charm of the hardworking . The episode , and present the main characters , has as its central line adaptation of Ross and Rachel after the end of their romantic relationships, despite happen for different reasons , and the relationship Monica with Paul , the wine guy . With a longer duration than the following episodes , this pilot is worth being seen and revised .
    7pintaxandre

    OK, but...

    This episode is a decent introduction to the characters and the show's concept. However, it might be a bit hard to get fully involved at the beginning.
    5SLionsCricketreviews

    A pilot that becomes more enjoyable with each new viewing

    "TOW Monica Gets A Roommate" is an episode that I didn't enjoy too much on a first viewing, and since then, each additional viewing has been an improvement. It does exactly what a pilot should for a sitcom, whilst being a fairly relaxing episode. We begin to understand our main characters reasonably well, we see Ross's obvious crush on Rachel, Chandler's excessive use of sarcasm in everyday life, Phoebe's oddities and Rachel's spoiled behaviour.

    The episode has a particularly nice scene towards the end with Ross and Rachel, a funny opening scene (albeit more in tune with "Seinfeld") and plenty of worthwhile moments throughout.

    Worth a watch!
    9ammabee-956-927043

    The starting point

    This is what started the iconic TV series that has lasted 10 years & stuck with loyal fans for 20 years. This what you would want in a first episode. It showed every character, plot & typical jokes that would stay with the show for all the seasons such as : Phoebe's singing, Joey's acting, Ross & Rachel, Chandler's sarcasm. It didn't leave the fans feeling underwhelmed, it is one of the best premiere's of all time. MVP : Rachel Quote : Ross: You know, you probably didn't know this, but back in high school, I had a major crush on you. Rachel: I knew. Ross: You did. Oh... I always figured you just thought I was Monica's geeky older brother. Rachel: I did.
    7slightlymad22

    Not A Good Episode But A Decent Pilot

    The first episode of Friends certainly gives no indication of greatness following. It's a mile away from being one "Friends" best episode, but as a pilot episode it does a good job of setting the scene and introducing us to the characters

    We are introduced to the six main characters room mates Joey Tribianni and Chandler Bing, brother and sister Monica and Ross Gellar, hippy Pheobe Boufay and runaway bride Rachel Green.

    Some of the cast come off as awkward and seem to be trying to hard. Matt Le Blanc can be excuses because he was allegedly suffering with a heavy bout of flu.

    Related interests

    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)
    Romance

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Matt LeBlanc had a fever and flu the first day. He was at 102 degrees during the pilot and had to repeatedly use a variety of remedies to attempt to cure it.
    • Goofs
      In the pilot episode, Chandler and Joey's apartment number is #4 while Monica and Rachel's is #5. Later in the season, the numbers change to #19 and #20.
    • Quotes

      Joey: Hey, Phoebs, do you wanna help?

      Phoebe: Oh, I wish I could, but I don't want to.

    • Connections
      Featured in NBC Fall Preview Show (1994)
    • Soundtracks
      Love is Sweet as Summer Showers
      (uncredited)

      Performed by Lisa Kudrow

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 22, 1994 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official Instagram
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • New York City, New York, USA
    • Production companies
      • Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions
      • Warner Bros. Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 22m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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