Why were two episodes of Friends banned in the 1990s? Everything you need to know

Modified Nov 28, 2024 11:59 GMT

A still of Ross and Carol from Friends. (Image via Netflix)

Even today, Friends is not just a show but an emotion for many. With its massive popularity, the sitcom left no stone unturned in becoming beloved across generations. However, success is not without its challenges, and this show had its fair share of hiccups.

Notably, two episodes of this fan-favorite sitcom were controversially banned in the 1990s. While the reasons for banning each episode were different, they reflected the cultural sensitivities of the time. The two episodes were The One With The Free P*rn (season 4, episode 17) and The One With The Lesbian Wedding (season 2, episode 11).

Friends (season 4, episode 17): ***The One With The Free P*rn***

As fans of the sitcom would remember, this episode revolves around Joey and Chandler stumbling upon a free p*rnography channel. While humorous and consistent with the show's light-hearted tone, the storyline was considered controversial in the UK due to its numerous references to adult content.

Despite featuring significant moments related to Phoebe and Ross, the episode drew attention primarily for its portrayal of Joey and Chandler's antics. Moreover, it was relegated to late-night airtimes and was rarely included in syndication. This meant it wasn’t readily available for audiences, unlike most other Friends episodes.

Friends (season 2, episode 11): The One With The Lesbian Wedding

A still from The One With The Lesbian Wedding. (Image via Netflix)

Indeed, this episode was ahead of its time and notably became one of the first lesbian weddings on television. It depicted how Carol, who was Ross' high school sweetheart, discovered her true s*xuality after being married to Ross.

The storyline tackled Ross’ mixed feelings about Carol remarrying but ultimately resolved positively. He walked Carol down the aisle in a heartfelt gesture after her parents disapproved of her relationship.

In today's era, such representations are accepted with open arms, but in the past, they were not. In some conservative regions of the United States, the depiction of a same-sex wedding was considered “objectionable content.” As per various reports, local network affiliates in these areas chose not to air the episode, citing concerns over the portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships. Despite these bans, the episode became a cultural milestone.

Some other Friends storylines that haven't aged well

Many Friends storylines would not work well today due to their reliance on humor that feels insensitive or outdated by modern standards. Here are the key examples:

Joey’s dating habits: Joey frequently objectified women and treated them as disposable one-night stands. His behavior, while sometimes framed as endearing, often came across as disrespectful and nonchalant.
Phoebe’s tragic backstory as humor: Phoebe’s difficult past, involving homelessness and her mother’s suicide, was often the punchline of jokes. Her friends would react dismissively or mockingly instead of showing compassion, which feels tone-deaf for such serious issues.
Rachel and Tag angle: Rachel pursues her much younger assistant, Tag, creating a power imbalance. She hires him based on his looks, manipulates his personal life, and behaves inappropriately. These actions would be considered unethical workplace behavior now.
Ross’s behavior towards Cassie: Ross made a romantic advance on his cousin Cassie, believing her actions signaled interest. This storyline was portrayed humorously, but the idea of a man pursuing his cousin feels deeply uncomfortable and inappropriate.
Chandler’s transphobia: Chandler’s father, a transgender woman, was often the subject of jokes. The character, played by Kathleen Turner, was misgendered, mocked, and dismissed by Chandler throughout the series, reflecting transphobic attitudes.
Monica’s fat-shaming: Flashbacks to Monica’s teenage years showed her being ridiculed for her weight. These scenes consistently framed her larger body as comedic or undesirable, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.