FRIENDS has long been a beloved sitcom, with its characters becoming iconic figures in pop culture. While Rachel Green often faced criticism for being perceived as self-centered and toxic, Phoebe Buffay has generally been portrayed as a quirky, free-spirited friend.
However, a closer look at the series reveals that Phoebe’s behavior, while often humorous, exhibited some negative traits that might have been overlooked. On this subject, Reddit users detailed five instances where Phoebe’s actions crossed the line from quirky to questionable.
5 Instances Where Phoebe Buffay Outshined Rachel Green in Toxicity
FRIENDS has often painted Phoebe Buffay as the eccentric, lovable free spirit of the group, contrasting her with the often-criticized Rachel Green. While Rachel’s actions, like shaving Bonnie’s head, have been widely discussed and condemned, Phoebe’s behavior has frequently escaped scrutiny.
However, a closer examination of the series reveals that her actions, often dismissed as quirky, sometimes crossed the line into toxic territory. The same, which some fans pointed out on Reddit.
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Besides the widely discussed moments, there are several lesser-known actions by Phoebe Buffay that cast her in a more negative light. One such instance occurred when she was a teenager, and, despite eventually apologizing, she mugged Ross and stole his self-created comic book, ‘Science Boy.’ This act caused Ross considerable embarrassment and distress, highlighting a troubling aspect of Phoebe’s past.
Another controversial moment was when Phoebe kissed her ex, David, while she was still in a relationship with Mike. David’s return led to an interaction where Phoebe, despite knowing better, ended up kissing him. While Mike was notably forgiving and didn’t make a fuss about it, Phoebe’s brief infidelity was evident and was a stark contradiction to her later disdain for Mike’s girlfriend, Precious.
Additionally, Phoebe often used her tragic past – such as the death of her mother – as a tool to gain sympathy and win arguments. For instance, she exploited her mother’s death to get a blueberry muffin from Rachel, revealing a pattern of using personal trauma to manipulate situations. These instances, while less talked about, further illustrate a more complicated side to Phoebe Buffay’s character.
Why Lisa Kudrow Was Upset With Friends’ Studio Audience Over Laugh Timing?
In a candid conversation on the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast, Lisa Kudrow shared unexpected challenges faced during the filming of Friends via Variety. The beloved actress, known for her portrayal of Phoebe Buffay, expressed frustration with the show’s studio audience.
Lisa Kudrow revealed that prolonged laughter from the audience often disrupted the show’s flow, impacting the timing and delivery of lines. Despite the show’s immense popularity, the actress admitted to feeling irritated by the excessive laughter, which she perceived as inauthentic at times. This resulted in numerous rewrites and additional takes, extending the filming process significantly.
Kudrow further emphasized the distinction between performing for a live audience and a television audience, highlighting the challenges of maintaining the show’s rhythm in a live setting. Despite the frustrations, the show’s immense popularity is a testament to the cast and crew’s ability to overcome these challenges.
You can stream all seasons of Friends on Max.
