Top 10 Friends References in Other Shows

“The Simpsons” (1989-)
Given how long it’s been on the air, it’s no surprise “The Simpsons” has paid tribute to “Friends” several times throughout its run. From similar-looking fake sitcoms like “Don’t Go There!” to Homer’s guest-starring aspirations, the references always get a chuckle out of us. But the best of all is when the family gets satellite TV. Bart invites Lisa to check out the Japanese version of the sitcom. After an adapted version of the theme tune, Japanese Chandler shows off his nonsensical English language t-shirt. He may feel shamed by Phoebe’s comeback, but at least he got in a classic Chandler-ism in the cutaway gag.

“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (2015-19)
Kimmy’s grasp of pop culture might be hit or miss — being held in an underground bunker for fifteen years will do that. That being said, there are several notable “Friends” references during the show. Kimmy learning how internet sarcasm works with Chandler Bing as an example is great. But our pick goes to when Titus and Cyndee try to prepare for her to appear on TV. Despite their best intentions, both of their suggestions are increasingly nonsensical, prompting Kimmy to channel her inner Chandler. They might not appreciate it, but we think it’s absolutely called for!

“Family Guy” (1999-2002; 2005-)
As a long-running animated show, “Family Guy” has done a few “Friends” tributes over the years. While the nineties flashback episode features arguably the most references — from the intro to the apartments — our choice goes to a particularly clever one. In a parody of “The Shawshank Redemption,” Peter is escaping prison in the dead of night. To disguise the times when he strikes a pipe with a rock, instead of the thunder, he instead uses the claps from the “Friends” theme song. Plus, Red-Cleveland is there for Peter-Andy when the rain starts to pour.

“Community” (2009-15)
With its frequent parodies of television tropes, “Community” references “Friends” several times in its unorthodox curriculum. Abed claiming Jeff and Britta are no Ross and Rachel and then dragging them is fantastic. But his comparison of a less frequently seen “Friends” duo is even better! Early in the show, Annie requests Abed’s help for an experiment. Although he tries to get out of it, Annie insists in the name of their friendship. Abed remarks that he always considered them more like Chandler and Phoebe, as they rarely have stories together. Abed may think he’s more Phoebe than Chandler, but honestly, either works — they can both be as funny and odd as he is!

“Murder, She Wrote” (1984-96)
It might be weird to imagine years later, but there was a time when “Murder, She Wrote” and “Friends” actually competed with one another in the ratings. CBS moved the veteran mystery show to Thursdays to cut into NBC’s ratings — prompting a massive nosedive for “Murder, She Wrote.” In response, the creators decided to mock “Friends.” One episode sees protagonist Jessica Fletcher set out to solve a murder on the set of “Buds,” a thinly-veiled parody of “Friends.” When a producer is killed, it’s up to Jessica to figure out who is responsible. Guess no one told them murder was gonna be this way!

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-21)
There are plenty of online quizzes to see which character from “Friends” you are — but honestly, everyone’s a little bit all of them. Jake Peralta clearly thinks so too. When Terry mentions he’s getting a ride to the hospital to get a vasectomy, Jake offers to drive him. Terry may not have seen him as that sort of friend, but Jake disagrees. To prove his point, he lists off all the “Friends” characters. Well, almost. Given that he forgot Ross so easily, we shudder to imagine what he would’ve called Monica and Joey.

“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)
Leslie Knope, in addition to loving public service with all her heart, also loves “Friends.” Although seeing her two loves combined in her Supreme Court “Friends” crossover poster is great, her attempts to fill up time on a telethon provide even more chances for her to gush about the sitcom. Leslie’s attempts at providing entertainment for a middle-of-the-night shift of a 24-hour telethon prove difficult. Running out of content, she resorts to activities like flipping a coin over and over and discussing some of her favorite episodes of “Friends.” Her second favorite one, “The One with Chandler in a Box,” is definitely underrated. Much respect, Leslie.

“Scrubs” (2001-10)
Shows often make comparisons to couples as being like Ross and Rachel. It’s practically TV shorthand at this point — even superhero show “The Flash” did it. But one of the cleverest examples occurs in “Scrubs.” The Janitor lays into J.D. for pining after Elliot when she has a boyfriend. He remarks on how tired everyone else is of watching their “will-they, won’t they” drama, comparing them to Ross and Rachel. But believe it or not, he’s not even referencing “Friends” — although Rachel from bookkeeping’s haircut is definitely in on the joke.

“The Office” (2005-13)
“The Office” arguably claimed the NBC sitcom crown after “Friends” came to the end of its run. The mockumentary workplace sitcom pays tribute to “Friends” early in its run. Michael Scott loves to joke around with his employees — or at least he tries to. Amidst a string of joke emails sent around the office, Michael remarks that everyone is like “Friends.” While he credits himself as being like two of them, and says Pam is Rachel, we’re not sure about the Dwight analogy. Personally, he strikes us as more of a Gunther.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

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Lrrr’s Ideal “Friends” Episode Is a Bit Atypical

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Dean Pulls Out a Classic on a Literal Goddess

Spot the Callback in the Opening of This Episode Where Matthew Perry Appears

“The Good Place” (2016-20)
Even as a show set in the afterlife, “The Good Place” can make pop culture references with the best of them. Michael, head of the little neighborhood the show focuses on, makes an effort to understand human friendship by watching all of “Friends.” Throughout the episode, Michael makes numerous remarks on the show. He questions how Monica and Rachel could afford their apartment — we’re all mystified, Michael — and wonders why they’re dancing around in the fountain with umbrellas in the title sequence. He even disparages all of season eight in a low moment.