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To this day, 'Friends' fans are learning new information about the show - like Monica being replaced by a body double, or certain unscripted moments that actually aired on the show. In addition, 'Friends' could have looked very different at the start. NBC had a different vision, wanting to implement a seventh character, in order to expand its audiences' demographic reach. Ultimately, the show creators were not into the idea, and made up for it in a different way. Let's take a look at how it all unfolded.
Who Was The Seventh 'Friends' Character?
Even the creator Marta Kauffman did not expect all the success that 'Friends' would gather, something that is still relevant until this very day. According to Kauffman alongside Radio Times, she expected the show to only last a couple of seasons, and then move on to something else.
“What you expect to happen is you'll be on the air for a couple seasons and then it'll die out,” Kauffman says matter-of-factly. "So the fact that we are here, and the show is still somewhat relevant is very exciting.”
Of course, it is only normal that Marta felt a deep connection to the main characters on the show, especially one in particular. “Because we created them, I feel a connection to each of the characters; there was a part of me and David in them,” she says. “But the one I identified with the most was Monica.”
The six cast in the role were perfect, however, NBC wanted a different look for the show. An additional character was cast, but the creators decided to convince the network to cut the cord, as it just didn't go with their vision. Let's take a look at who was almost cast as the seventh member on 'Friends'.
The Network Wanted 'Pat The Cop' To Join The Main Cast
Saul Austerlitz revealed in his book, 'Generation Friends' that main cast almost looked very different, with a seventh cast member being considered for the show. Back in the early '90s, the word was that given that the cast was all in their 20s, it would have a limited appeal. The goal for the network was to bring in an older cast member, who would serve as a father-figure type to the other six. They even had a name in mind, 'Pat the Cop."
The 'Friends' creators were strongly against the idea, and according to EW, they tried to compensate in a different way. "The writers made a good-faith attempt, even casting the role, but hated the resulting script so much that they pleaded with NBC to drop the idea. If only NBC would kill Pat the Cop, they promised, they would give their six protagonists parents in notable supporting roles, and find older guest stars to attract a more mature audience. NBC gave its permission, and Pat the Cop was no longer."
The parents of the cast was introduced, as part of supporting cast to the main six. Looking back, it was the right decision as we really can't even imagine an older cast member joining the close six.
In truth, 'Friends' nixed several storylines along the way.
'Friends' Had Several Canceled Storylines
'Friends' could have looked very different in many instances. Along the way, several storylines were removed, ones that could've impact the show.
One of them, was Gunther living out his dream and not only dating Rachel, but actually getting to move in with her. The late James Michael Tyler admitted himself that the storyline was odd and did not follow in the tracks of what the Rachel and Gunter's relationship was really like. Truthfully, it could have shifted the dynamic of the show.
Another potential storyline saw Joey be the one that ends up with Monica instead of Chandler. It could've made for interesting TV. 'Friends' played around with the idea, showing Monica looking for Joey for a quick fling during Ross' London wedding, though ultimately it was Chandler that she came across.
Sure, a lot of potential storylines sound interesting, but having a seventh member truly was not the way to go - especially given the way the six connected together, both on and off-screen.
