Friends has been widely regarded as one of the most iconic sitcoms even years following its finale — and for good reason. A large part
of Friends’ appeal is its ensemble cast of oddball characters just trying to make it through life together. The friendship and relationships
between the characters are a huge draw for the show, especially one of its core romances between Ross Geller and Rachel Green, played by David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston, respectively.
Both actors are now household names, thanks to the popularity of the show, and Rachel Green is often cited as Aniston’s breakout role. Because she is such a prominent member of the cast, it’s hard to imagine Friends without her — but according to film and cinema studies professor Saul Austerlitz’s 2019 book Generation Friends, the show had a close call during Season 1: they almost lost Jennifer Aniston halfway through.