13 ‘Friends’ Episodes That Show the Ups & Downs of Ross & Rachel’s Love (PHOTOS)
“The One Where Ross Finds Out” (Season 2, Episode 7)
Rachel left Ross a message she never meant for him to hear, proclaiming she was “over” him. (“When were you under me?”) What followed was an argument about their poor timing and, finally, a kiss.
“The One With the Prom Video” (Season 2, Episode 14)
It took Rachel seeing that Ross had been planning to step in for her prom date on the old video his and Monica’s parents dropped off for the two to (finally) get together. “He’s her lobster,” Phoebe gleefully exclaimed.
“The One Where Ross and Rachel Take a Break”/”The One With the Morning After” (Season 3, Episodes 15 and 16)
For any fan of Ross and Rachel’s relationship, these were easily the two most heartbreaking episodes of the series. A fight led to a break, which led to Ross sleeping with Chloe, the copy girl, and trying to keep Rachel from finding out. (Spoiler alert: She did, and the two officially broke up.)
“The One at the Beach”/”The One With the Jellyfish” (Season 3, Episode 25 and Season 4, Episode 1)
Ross and Rachel’s reunion may have come much sooner than it eventually did, if Ross had only read Rachel’s letter (or at least not lied about it) and taken responsibility for his actions.
“The One With Ross’s Wedding” (Season 4, Episodes 23 and 24)
Ross’ marriage to Emily never stood a chance. Though Rachel didn’t tell him she loved him like she’d planned to do, her arrival in London led to him saying her name, not his bride’s, during the ceremony.
“The One Where Rachel Has a Baby” (Season 8, Episodes 23 and 24)
Ross and Rachel’s relationship was filled with laughs, drama, and tears, and so were these two episodes, in which she gave birth to their daughter.
“The One Where Joey Speaks French” (Season 10, Episode 13)
When Rachel’s father had a heart attack, Ross went with her to the hospital, even though Leonard hated him. And though Ross pushed her away when she tried to kiss him, his explanation later made fans swoon.
“The One With Rachel’s Going Away Party” (Season 10, Episode 16)
As Rachel prepared to leave New York and everyone behind for a job in Paris, she said her goodbyes — and skipped Ross. As she’d tell him, “When I think about not seeing you every day, it makes me not want to go.”
“The Last One” (Season 10, Episode 17)
“I got off the plane.” And with those five words, fans of Ross and Rachel cheered.
“We were on a break!”
Even the most casual of Friends viewers probably know that line well. In fact, it may be the first thing you think of when you think of Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel’s (Jennifer Aniston) on-again, off-again relationship over the series’ 10 seasons.
Click through the gallery above to see the key episodes to watch for a recap of their relationship’s highs and lows.
