This comedy series focuses on a close-knit group of friends who frequently gather at each other's apartments and share sofa space at Central Perk, a coffee house in Greenwich Village. Monica Geller is a would-be chef with an obsession for neatness and order. Her roommate, Rachel Green, was Monica's pampered best friend in high school, who now finds herself working as a waitress at Central Perk. Ross, Monica's older brother, is a paleontologist who has had a crush on Rachel since school days. He was thrust into bachelorhood when his wife announced she was a lesbian and left him. She is raising Ben, their baby son, with her same-sex companion.

Living across the hall from Monica and Rachel are roommates Chandler Bing and Joey Tribbiani. Chandler is a lovable wiseguy who works as a corporate numbers cruncher. Joey, a struggling actor, loves women, sports and himself. Rounding out the circle of friends is Monica's former roommate, Phoebe, an offbeat folk singer and massage therapist.