The Original Love Interest of Rachel in Friends: Ross or Joey?

Rachel and Ross: the iconic couple from the TV show Friends. They were believed to be the defining relationship of the series, with their romantic journey through highs and lows. But did Rachel's original love interest in the show really belong to Ross? Or was it Joey? Let's dive into the details to find out.

The Early Days: Rachel and Ross

Rachel dated Ross during the latter part of season 2 and the start of season 3. There were complications, including a brief reconciliation in season 4 and an awkward drunken marriage in season 5. While they tried to come back together in season 7 with the concept of a child, they did not actually end up together until the series finale.

Rachel's Time With Joey

While Rachel and Ross had their ups and downs, she also briefly dated Joey in season 10. However, it was clear that their relationship was more platonic. Rachel's feelings for Joey were merely friendly, and they never went any further than that. Although Rachel showed a spark with Joey during their tenure in the show, it was not enough to create a lasting romantic connection.

The Unforgettable Proposal and Her True Feelings

During her transition into her adult years, Rachel dated a popular senior named Chip. Like Rachel, Chip was also well-liked by the girls in their school. This was a time for Rachel to learn the harsh realities of life. After eight years, Rachel decided to end things with Chip and ran off the altar with her true love, Barry. Although she was engaged to Barry and almost got married, she changed her mind and left the altar. This event is often seen as a turning point in her character development, leading her to focus more on her friends, particularly Monica, and eventually her romantic relationship with Ross.

The Final Season and Ross

Throughout the series, Rachel and Ross had several on-and-off relationships, often complicated by the circumstances of the show. However, after Rachel decided to turn down a job in Paris to be with Ross, they finally settled down and raised their daughter Emma together. This moment was the pinnacle of the relationship between Rachel and Ross, showcasing their unbreakable bond.

Conclusion

While Joey and Ross were both potential love interests for Rachel, the show ultimately cemented her relationship with Ross. They shared a deep connection and ultimately chose to be together for better and for worse. Joey, on the other hand, was always more of a platonic friend to her, never progressing to a romantic relationship. Rachel's character arc is a testament to her growth and the strength of her relationship with Ross in the world of Friends.

Image credit: Friends NBC.