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. Monica's roommate Rachel Green, her best friend from high school, is now working her way up in the fashion industry. Monica's older brother Ross was thrust into bachelorhood when his wife announced she was a lesbian and left him, taking with her their son Ben, whom she is raising 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 Buffay, an offbeat folk singer and massage therapist.