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, is Monica's pampered best friend from high school who now finds herself working as a waitress at Central Perk. Monica's older brother, Ross, has had a crush on Rachel since school days and only recently acted upon his passion for her. Ross was thrust into bachelorhood when his wife announced she was a lesbian and left him. She has been raising their baby son Ben with her 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.