The untimely passing of Matthew Perry at the age of 54 has left a profound void in the hearts of fans worldwide. Known for his legendary portrayal of Chandler Bing on the iconic TV show Friends available to stream on HBO Max, Perry’s wit and humour charmed audiences across generations. As we pay tribute to his remarkable career, we’ll also explore some of Matthew Perry’s best Friends episodes that showcased Chandler’s brilliance season by season, commemorating the indelible mark he left on the world of comedy.
Where to watch Friends series?
You can enjoy the timeless humour and camaraderie of Friends by streaming the series online in the United States on various platforms. Friends is available on popular streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max. Whether you’re revisiting your favourite episodes or discovering the magic of Central Perk for the first time, these platforms offer easy access to this beloved sitcom. So, what are you waiting for? Tune in and delve into the memorable moments that Chandler created for the fans over the years! Moreover, you can also avail HBO Max free trial, to explore through the wide range of TV shows and movies available. If the platform suits your preferences, be sure to check out pricing plans for Max, to subscribe.
Matthew Perry’s career
Matthew Perry, a versatile actor known for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing in Friends, had a career that spanned both the small and big screens. He kicked off his acting journey with roles in ’80s sitcoms like Charles in Charge and Silver Spoons. He gradually made appearances in popular shows like Growing Pains, Highway to Heaven, and guest spots in Who’s the Boss? and Beverly Hills, 90210.
His movie roles included headlining films like The Whole Nine Yards and its sequel opposite Bruce Willis, Fools Rush In, Almost Heroes, Three to Tango, and Serving Sara. Following his acclaimed tenure on Friends, Perry took on lead roles in short-lived TV series such as Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Mr. Sunshine, Go On, and a 2015 revival of The Odd Couple that ran for three seasons. His untimely passing at the age of 54 marks the end of a career that enriched both television and film, with Friends being a cornerstone of his legacy in the entertainment industry.
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Memorable ‘Friends’ episodes featuring Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry delivered unforgettable moments as Chandler Bing in Friends, and it’s only fitting to celebrate his legacy through some of the best episodes of the iconic sitcom. His comedic timing and quirky persona brought Chandler to life and left a lasting mark on television. As we pay tribute to this talented actor, let’s revisit some of the standout episodes that showcase his brilliance in Friends, solidifying his status as a beloved character in the hearts of fans worldwide.
1. The One With the Blackout (season 1, episode 7)
Chandler Bing captured our hearts right from the first episode with his impeccable comedic timing and physical humour, bringing laughter not only from the live studio audience but also from devoted viewers tuning in. However, some of Chandler’s most side-splitting moments occurred during the blackout episode when he found himself trapped in an ATM vestibule with the stunning supermodel Jill Goodacre. What made this episode particularly hilarious were Chandler’s inner monologues, delivered through voiceovers. For instance, when he initially declines a piece of gum from Jill but quickly reconsiders, admitting, “On second thought, gum would be perfection,” it becomes clear that he’s his own harshest critic. And the moment he starts choking adds another layer of comedic genius to the scene. Chandler’s delivery of these lines is nothing short of brilliant and uproarious.
2. The One After the Super Bowl: Part 2 (season 2, episode 13)
By its second season, Friends had already become a television sensation, attracting guest appearances from renowned figures such as Brooke Shields, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chris Isaak, and the beloved rom-com star Julia Roberts. Roberts took on the role of Susie Moss, Chandler’s former childhood friend, in a memorable two-part episode following the Super Bowl. The backstory here involved Chandler’s childhood mishap of accidentally exposing Susie’s underwear on stage, leading to her enduring grudges against him. In the present day, Chandler finds himself smitten with Susie, oblivious to the fact that their date is part of an elaborate scheme for her to exact revenge. Ultimately, Susie engineers a situation where Chandler ends up stuck in a public restroom wearing only her underwear. It’s safe to say that Chandler’s past actions came back to haunt him, resulting in a genuinely hilarious twist of events.
3. The One Where Everybody Finds Out (season 5, episode 14)
Another iconic Friends moment emerged in this episode, epitomized by the famous line, “They don’t know that we know that they know we know.” This quip sparks a comical game of cat and mouse, with Phoebe unwittingly catching Monica and Chandler in a compromising situation, setting off a chain of hilariously awkward encounters between her and Chandler. Both Lisa Kudrow, who plays Phoebe, and Matthew Perry, portraying Chandler, deliver exceptional performances. Perry shines with his charmingly awkward attempts to seduce Phoebe, inviting her to “feel his bicep… and maybe more.” His impeccable delivery, such as his nonchalant “It’s very nice,” referring to Phoebe’s bra, and the heartfelt moment when he confesses his love to Monica, make this one of Chandler’s standout episodes. As a delightful bonus, this episode marks a touching moment when Chandler professes his love to Monica.
4. The One With Chandler in a Box (season 4, episode 8)
In the annual Thanksgiving episode of the fourth season, Chandler and Joey’s friendship takes center stage once again, but this time it faces a challenge when Kathy, portrayed by Paget Brewster, becomes a point of contention. The drama unfolds when Joey unexpectedly discovers Chandler and Kathy in a compromising situation and threatens to move out. In a bid to persuade his best friend to stay, Chandler reluctantly agrees to confine himself inside their entertainment center for a grueling six-hour period, reminiscent of a prior incident when Joey was trapped in the same unit by a burglar. The twist comes when Kathy decides to end her relationship with Chandler while he’s confined in the box, believing it’s the best way not to disrupt the deep bond between the roommates. Touched by Joey’s selfless gesture, he encourages Chandler to pursue Kathy.
5. The One With the Embryos (season 4, episode 12)
This classic episode marked the first appearance of the name “Chanandler Bong” when Ross concocts a trivia game, complete with an exhilarating lightning round, to determine which pair knows their friends better: Chandler and Joey or Monica and Rachel. The game unfolds as one of the most memorable sequences in all ten seasons of Friends, featuring hilarious moments from the TV Guide delivery addressed to “Ms. Chanandler Bong” to Chandler’s comical fear of Michael Flatley, the Lord of the Dance, whose leg movements appear entirely separate from his body. Furthermore, it’s in this episode that the enduring mystery of Chandler’s profession is raised, but as a spoiler, he’s definitely not a “transponster.”
6. The One With the Engagement Picture (season 7, episode 5)
Monica’s bright idea of featuring her and Chandler’s engagement photo in the newspaper quickly takes an amusing turn when she realizes Chandler’s less-than-photogenic qualities, to put it delicately. Whenever the camera lens focuses on him, even in moments of genuine laughter and smiles, Chandler’s expressions transform into a comically contorted grimace, creating some of the most entertaining physical comedy moments delivered by Perry in Friends’ decade-long journey. His consistently awkward “smile” in the photos never fails to elicit laughter, regardless of how many times it occurs in the episode.
7. The One With the Halloween Party (season 8, episode 6)
Monica plays the role of Halloween host, and she certainly outdoes herself by surprising Chandler with an unexpected pink bunny costume. The initial sight of Chandler transformed into a giant, fluffy, pink bunny is downright hilarious. In contrast, Monica looks stunning in her Catwoman outfit – but when does she not? It turns out Monica was the one who selected the pink bunny costume for Chandler, as she couldn’t find anything else. Her reasoning? “It was the pink bunny or no bunny at all,” she explains. Chandler, with his signature dry wit, immediately responds, “Always no bunny at all!” Things take a humorous turn when Ross arrives in his Spudnik attire, resembling a combination of a potato and satellite. Naturally, Chandler can’t resist making classic jokes about Ross looking like a “doody,” later noting that Ross appears “a little flushed.”
8. The One Where Estelle Dies (season 10, episode 15)
The concluding season ushered in a series of transformations for our beloved New York City friends, and this particular episode marked a significant shift for Monica and Chandler as they bid farewell to the bustling city life and settled into suburban bliss. Their quest to acquire their dream home takes an unexpected turn when they learn that another potential buyer is none other than Janice. While Season 9 witnessed Monica finally coming to terms with her past relationship with Richard, this episode offered Chandler the opportunity to find closure with Janice. It’s a memorable episode filled with touching moments and a heartfelt farewell to both Janice and their urban existence.
Rest in peace, dear Matthew!
Matthew Perry’s untimely passing has left an indelible void in the world of entertainment, especially for those who grew up watching him as the endearing Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom Friends. Perry’s comedic genius and exceptional timing brought countless moments of laughter and joy to audiences worldwide. His portrayal of Chandler is etched in our hearts, reminding us of the bond we shared with our favorite Friends. As we fondly reminisce Matthew Perry’s best Friends episodes, we also cherish the enduring legacy he leaves behind, not only through his remarkable career but through the laughter he gifted us, making him forever synonymous with the character who stole our hearts, Chandler Bing.
