Entertainment
Chandler + Joey + Rachel = #FriendshipGoals
A collective gasp could be heard from Friends fans far and wide when it was announced that alums Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry were not invited to Jennifer Aniston's wedding. While Courtney Cox and Lisa Kudrow were notably in attendance, LeBlanc and Perry both admitted that they weren't given the option to RSVP. In all honesty, it seems unlikely that Aniston decided to forego inviting the two as any sort of diss. Although the entire cast was decidedly as tight-knit off-camera as they were during each episode of the sitcom's 10 season run, Friends bid us adieu over a decade ago. It's natural for people to grow apart, and Aniston may have simply felt her current relationship with the two actors didn't warrant a place on a carefully constructed guest list — it happens.
For their part, neither LeBlanc nor Perry fault the A-lister for not issuing them an invite. In a report updated by People on Sunday, Aug. 16, the two actors were quoted wishing Aniston and new hubby, Justin Theroux, the absolute best.
"I think they're a great couple. I think she's happy. And that's all I care about is that Jen's happy," said LeBlanc. "If she wanted me there, I would have been there."
Although Perry concurred that not being invited came as a surprise, he had nothing but fond words for Aniston. "They're a lovely couple, and I'm happy for them."
If you're like me, you have never been able to truly let go of the iconic '90s sitcom — hence frequent bouts of Netflix marathoning of old episodes. Perhaps some fans were miffed by the news of LeBlanc and Perry's absence from Aniston's list due to their continued attachment to Friends, along with the plethora of squee-worthy moments that transpired between Chandler (Perry), Joey (LeBlanc), and Rachel. Although some of the series' biggest staples included the romances between Rachel and Ross, and Chandler and Monica, Rachel's platonic love with Chandler and Joey bestowed us with some of the series' most memorable moments. Need a refresher? Let's take a look back.
1. Chandler And Rachel's Shared Love Of Cheesecake
Chandler and Rachel became partners in crime when they continually binged on stolen cheesecake. As one with an affinity for decadent pastry, I can relate to this unbridled noshing.
2. Joey And Rachel Have A Spoiler War
When people start throwing spoiler alerts out willy-nilly, it's bound to get ugly.
3. Chandler And Rachel's '80s Flashback Kiss
As hilarious as this flashback scene was, it proved that Chandler and Rachel's chemistry was meant to be of the more platonic persuasion. Also, can we talk about Chandler's flock of seagulls haircut? BAHAHAHAHA — I kind of dig it.
4. Rachel Finds Out About Chandler And Monica
This clip is the perfect trifecta! Rachel and Joey have a hilarious roundabout conversation about learning of Chandler and Monica's secret relationship, and Chandler makes a brief appearance to scare a wailing Joey with their pet chicken. Beautiful.
5. Chandler And Rachel's Most Awkward Encounter Ever
Being that this was Season 1, Ross' FOMO over this moment must have been through the roof.
6. Joey Finds Rachel's Dirty Book
I can only imagine the levels this scene could have been taken to if it was shot post-Fifty Shades Of Grey.
7. Rachel's Fantasy About Chandler
OK, I take back my previous comment about Rachel and Chandler having zero romantic chemistry. Still, I think I speak for everyone when I say an actual pairing between these two would have been THE WORST. Speaking of weird pairings...
8. Joey Tells Rachel He's Falling In Love With Her
Although I was never a shipper of Joey and Rachel — #SorryNotSorry — this scene is definitely on par with some of the series' best. Many of us experience the pitfalls of falling for someone who can't reciprocate our feelings, and often times those feelings grow out of friendship. Luckily, these two were able to overcome the hiccup (along with a subsequent fling that was just plain weird) and remained the best of friends.
9. Rachel Says Goodbye To Chandler
Leave it to Chandler to end a sentimental moment with a fart joke. We wouldn't have it any other way.
10. Rachel Says Goodbye To Joey
Goodbyes are never easy, but Joey's reaction may have been just a tad dramatic.
There's no doubt about it. When it comes to friendship, Chandler, Joey, and Rachel really knew how to "be there" for each other.
Images: NBC; Giphy