'Friends': 5 famous pop culture references in the show

90's classic sitcom Friends remains one of the most popular comedy shows on television. It is no wonder that the highly acclaimed comedy series has become a part of pop culture today.

There are quite a number of reasons why Friends became such a hit. One reason is surely the innumerable pop culture references that the show was packed with. The references became inside jokes for Friends fans and further endeared the cast to viewers.

Pop Culture references in Friends

5) Space Oddity

In Season 5, in the episode titled 'The One Where Ross Can't Flirt,' Joey got a part on the hit show Law & Order. Sadly, Joey's part was cut when the show aired. He had to come up with a plan to fool his grandmother, who was visiting with the expectation of seeing her grandson on television.

Joey filmed a fake video from his apartment and played it for his grandmother, who bought the lie. But suddenly, the video cut to Chandler singing the popular hit song "Space Oddity" by David Bowie.

4) Princess Leia

In season 3 episode 1 of Friends, Rachel made Ross' wish come true by wearing a golden bikini, a trademark Princess Leia costume worn by Carrie Fisher in Return of The Jedi. Princess Leia sported the costume in the original Star Wars trilogy.

3) Lawrence of Arabia

In season 6, episode 14, the gang came across a film supposedly starring Phoebe. But it was later discovered that the star was Ursula, Phoebe's twin. The film was titled Lawrence of A L*bia - a reference to the 1962 classic Lawrence of Arabia, starring Peter O'Toole.

2) Baywatch

It is no secret that Baywatch was one of Joey and Chandler's favorite shows. In one of the earlier episodes of Friends, guest star John Allen Nelson appeared as Monica’s date, Paul the Wine Guy. Nelson was known for playing the dodgy former lifeguard John D. Cort in Baywatch.

Nelson’s appearance was a foreshadowing of Baywatch featuring in Friends as Joey and Chandler's favorite show.

1) Die Hard

Bruce Wills, famous for his role in Die Hard, made a cameo in Friends for a number of episodes as Rachel's boyfriend and Ross's girlfriend's father. Die Hard was one of Ross, Chandler, and Joey's all time favorite movies. So Bruce Wills' appearance spruced things up for the Die Hard fans in the audience.

About the author

Sneha is an entertainment writer at SK POP. Holding a Master's degree in Sociology, she skillfully analyzes the blend of culture and entertainment through a sociological lens, which, coupled with her passion for the world of popular culture, allows her to offer readers engaging and insightful content.

As a writer with over 3 years of experience, Sneha believes in not only referencing popular sources but also conducting thorough research and glancing through credible content to produce top-notch work. She has had the privilege of interviewing celebrities including Melissa Peterman, Kosar Ali, and Moshe Zonder.

If she could go back in time, she would love to live in the 50s and 60s when Audrey Hepburn was at the peak of her career. She admires the actress' work and would go to great lengths to interview her. She also looks up to Tilda Swinton for how she stays true to herself and aspires to inculcate this trait into her life.

A performative arts enthusiast, she immerses herself in classical dance and also enjoys conducting research on folk art forms practiced across the world when not writing.

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