Friends (season 9)

Friends Season 9
Country of origin USA
No. of episodes 24
Broadcast
Original channel NBC
Original run September 26, 2002 – May 15, 2003
Home video release
DVD release date Region 1: March 8, 2005
Region 2: October 25, 2004
Region 4: October 4, 2006
Season chronology
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Season 10

The ninth season of Friends, an American situation comedy created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, premiered on NBC on September 26, 2002. Friends was produced by Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television. The season contains 24 episodes and concluded airing on May 15, 2003.

Contents

Season synopsis

Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) decide to have a child themselves but discover that they’re unlikely to conceive.

Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) begins dating Mike Hannigan (Paul Rudd), and chooses to be with him over her ex David (Hank Azaria) after some agonising ponderings. Rachel and Emma move in with Joey (Matt LeBLanc) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) finds herself kind off falling in love with him.

In the Friends season 9 finale, the gang travels to Barbados to hear Ross (David Schwimmer) give a keynote speech at a palaeontology conference.

Joey’s palaeontologist girlfriend, Charlie (Aisha Tyler), ends up kissing Ross. Meanwhile, Joey enjoys an end-of-season kiss with Rachel.

Cast and characters

See also: Characters of Friends

Main cast

Guest stars

Recurring cast

Episodes

See also: List of Friends episodes
№ # Title Directed by Written by Original air date US viewers
(million)
195 1 "The One Where No One Proposes" Kevin S. Bright Sherry Bilsing-Graham & Ellen Plummer September 26, 2002 (2002-09-26) 34.0[1]
After Joey accidentally proposes to Rachel, he tries to tell her it was an accident but can never find an opportune moment. Meanwhile, Monica and Chandler continue trying for a baby, while unbeknownst to Ross that Joey proposed to Rachel, plans to start things up again with Rachel. 
196 2 "The One Where Emma Cries" Sheldon Epps Dana Klein Borkow October 3, 2002 (2002-10-03) 28.9[2]
Rachel can't get Emma to stop crying after waking her. Chandler accidentally agrees to relocate to Tulsa, while Joey and Ross end up in the hospital, as Ross, still angry at Joey for proposing to Rachel, attempts to hit Joey after he asks him to but misses and hits a pole in the coffeehouse. 
197 3 "The One with the Pediatrician" Roger Christiansen Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones October 10, 2002 (2002-10-10) 26.6[3]
Phoebe and Joey set each other up on blind dates, and Joey finds a complete stranger named Mike (Paul Rudd) for Phoebe's date. Rachel takes Emma to the pediatrician - and learns that Ross is still a patient. 
198 4 "The One with the Sharks" Ben Weiss Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen October 17, 2002 (2002-10-17) 25.8[4]
Monica thinks Chandler is aroused by shark documentaries. Joey thinks he's already slept with the girl he's dating. 
199 5 "The One with Phoebe's Birthday Dinner" David Schwimmer Scott Silveri October 31, 2002 (2002-10-31) 24.5[5]
Phoebe plans a night out for her birthday, but only she and Joey are on time as all the other friends have issues which make them late. 
200 6 "The One with the Male Nanny" Kevin S. Bright David Crane & Marta Kauffman November 7, 2002 (2002-11-07) 27.5[6]

Ross and Rachel hire a male nanny (Freddie Prinze Jr.). Chandler freaks when Monica tells him that she has met somebody else who is the funniest man she has ever met. Meanwhile, Phoebe's scientist ex David (Hank Azaria) resurfaces, and this time, he meets Mike.

Note: This is the longest episode of Friends (apart of the two-part ones), running with 31:56. This is also the 200th episode. 
201 7 "The One with Ross's Inappropriate Song" Gary Halvorson Robert Carlock November 14, 2002 (2002-11-14) 25.3[7]
Ross finds a way to make Emma laugh by - singing "Baby Got Back". Phoebe meets Mike's parents and tries to impress them with a fake British accent. Chandler and Joey find a videotape in Richard's apartment with Monica's name on it. 
202 8 "The One with Rachel's Other Sister" Kevin S. Bright Shana Goldberg-Meehan November 21, 2002 (2002-11-21) 26.8[8]

Amy (Christina Applegate), Rachel's spoiled, irresponsible sister, shows up for Thanksgiving. The gang argues over who gets custody of Emma if Ross and Rachel die.

Christina Applegate won an Emmy Award for her guest-starring role in this episode. 
203 9 "The One with Rachel's Phone Number" Ben Weiss Mark Kunerth December 5, 2002 (2002-12-05) 25.4[9]
On a girls night out with Phoebe, Rachel gives a guy her phone number, but instantly regrets it after realizing she would need to move on from Ross. Joey thinks Monica is having an affair when Chandler claims he needs to work, as he does not want to lie to Joey about wanting to spend time with Monica, rather than going to a game with him. While Phoebe and Rachel are out, Ross invites Mike to hang out, but as Mike doesn't want to talk about his divorce and Ross hasn't got his keyboards with him, they realize they have little in common. 
204 10 "The One with Christmas in Tulsa" Kevin S. Bright Doty Abrams December 12, 2002 (2002-12-12) N/A
Chandler, stuck in Tulsa for Christmas, quits his job when a female co-worker (Selma Blair as Wendy, "the second prettiest girl in Oklahoma") makes a pass at him, and realizes he would rather be with Monica and his friends. 
205 11 "The One Where Rachel Goes Back to Work" Gary Halvorson Story: Judd Rubin
Teleplay: Peter Tibbals		 January 9, 2003 (2003-01-09) 23.7[10]

Rachel returns from maternity leave early when she finds out Ralph Lauren has hired a temp as her replacement, and she fears he might have the job permanently. Meanwhile, Phoebe works as an extra on Days of our Lives.

Special Guest: Phill Lewis 
206 12 "The One with Phoebe's Rats" Ben Weiss Story: Dana Klein Borkow
Teleplay: Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones		 January 16, 2003 (2003-01-16) 23.7[11]
Phoebe adopts an orphaned rat family. Ross and Rachel hire a new nanny, but Ross becomes worried when Joey starts hitting on her. Rachel continues to quarrel with Gavin, but at her birthday party, kisses him on Monica and Chandler's balcony. Unbeknownst to her, Ross, while caring for Emma, sees this and is shocked. 
207 13 "The One Where Monica Sings" Gary Halvorson Story: Sherry Bilsing-Graham & Ellen Plummer
Teleplay: Steven Rosenhaus		 January 30, 2003 (2003-01-30) 25.8[12]
Phoebe suggests that Monica sing at Mike's piano bar. After some doubt, Monica does. The audience love her but only because when the light is on her they can see her breasts as she isn't wearing a bra. Meanwhile, Ross, still shocked and angry at Rachel for moving on 'without the courtesy of telling', tries desperately to find a date. Rachel, wanting to talk with Ross, realizes their situation isn't working and decides to move back in with Joey, taking Emma with her. 
208 14 "The One with the Blind Date" Gary Halvorson Sherry Bilsing-Graham & Ellen Plummer February 6, 2003 (2003-02-06) 23.4[13]

To get Ross and Rachel to realize they're perfect for each other, Phoebe and Joey set them up on bad blind dates.

Guest starring Sam Pancake as the waiter. John Lovitz as Steve. 
209 15 "The One with the Mugging" Gary Halvorson Peter Tibbals February 13, 2003 (2003-02-13) N/A

Phoebe and Ross get mugged by one of Phoebe's old friends from the street (Kyle Gass), and Ross finds out that Phoebe was the person who had mugged him when he was a teenager. Meanwhile, Chandler gets a job in an advertising internship, but feels out of place due to his age. Joey auditions for a play starring Leonard Hayes (Jeff Goldblum), but must go to painful extremes to get the part.

Special Guest: Phill Lewis 
210 16 "The One with the Boob Job" Gary Halvorson Mark Kunerth February 20, 2003 (2003-02-20) 19.4[14]
Chandler and Monica each ask Joey for a loan behind each others back. When Chandler learns Monica asked Joey for money, even though he said that Bings never borrow money, Joey claims Monica needed the money for a boob job. Rachel tries to baby-proof the apartment but realizes she can't. Mike tells Phoebe that he never wants to marry again, which leads Phoebe to question if they should live together. 
211 17 "The One with the Memorial Service" Gary Halvorson Story: Robert Carlock
Teleplay: Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones		 March 13, 2003 (2003-03-13) 21.0[15]
Ross and Chandler post false information about each other on their college's alumni website, resulting in Chandler posted as being gay while Ross is dead. Meanwhile Joey and Emma fight over Joey's 'bedtime penguin pal' Hugsy. Phoebe asks Monica to help her get over Mike. 
212 18 "The One with the Lottery" Gary Halvorson Story: Brian Buckner & Sebastian Jones
Teleplay: Sherry Bilsing-Graham & Ellen Plummer		 April 3, 2003 (2003-04-03) 20.8[16]
The gang buys lottery tickets and Chandler waits for a promotion. Rachel and Ross anticipate Emma's first word. 
213 19 "The One with Rachel's Dream" Terry Hughes Story: Dana Klein Borkow
Teleplay: Mark Kunerth		 April 17, 2003 (2003-04-17) 18.3[17]
After seeing him practice a scene from Days of Our Lives and watching the filming of it, Rachel develops feelings for Joey. Phoebe performs at Monica's restaurant, much to Monica's dismay. Chandler plans a weekend away in Vermont with Monica, but has to take Ross instead. 
214 20 "The One with the Soap Opera Party" Sheldon Epps Story: Shana Goldberg-Meehan
Teleplay: Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen		 April 24, 2003 (2003-04-24) 20.7[18]

While Rachel is in the same position as Joey was a year ago, Joey holds a Days of our Lives party for the cast, but doesn't want any of his friends to come. Ross gets a crush on another professor, Charlie (Aisha Tyler), who has only ever dated "Nobel Prize" winners. He and Rachel catch her and Joey kissing at the party.

Guest star: Alex Borstein 
215 21 "The One with the Fertility Test" Gary Halvorson Story: Scott Silveri
Teleplay: Robert Carlock		 May 1, 2003 (2003-05-01) 19.0[19]

Chandler and Monica undergo fertility testing and are surprised when they encounter Janice. Rachel goes to the massage center where Phoebe works. Joey needs help advancing in his relationship with Charlie, and turns to Ross for advice.

Guest star: Maggie Wheeler 
216 22 "The One with the Donor" Ben Weiss Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen May 8, 2003 (2003-05-08) 19.6[20]
Chandler and Monica search for a sperm donor, but, after interviewing a potential donor, even though he is suitable — Chandler describes him as 'Spermtastic!' they realize they don't want a donor, so look to adoption. Phoebe finds out about Rachel's feelings for Joey, while, her and Rachel take Charlie shopping, and Rachel fears Charlie heard that she likes Joey. While getting ready to go to Mike's sister's party, Phoebe meets David, the scientist guy again. Ross has an interview for a conference in Barbados. Hank Azaria and John Stamos guest star. 
217 23 "The One in Barbados (1)" Kevin S. Bright Shana Goldberg-Meehan & Scott Silveri May 15, 2003 (2003-05-15)[21] 25.5[22]
The gang goes to Barbados for Ross's conference. David (Hank Azaria), Phoebe's Scientist Guy, almost proposes to her - but her ex-boyfriend Mike does so before he gets the chance. Ross and Charlie find they have a lot in common. Rachel and Joey get even closer. Monica's hair reacts to the humidity. (Unlike the London-set episodes, these were not filmed on location.) 
218 24 "The One in Barbados (2)" Kevin S. Bright Marta Kauffman & David Crane May 15, 2003 (2003-05-15)[21] 25.5[22]
Joey and Charlie break up when he realizes they have nothing in common. He sees Charlie and Ross kissing, and kisses Rachel. Monica and Mike play ping-pong to the distaste of Chandler and Phoebe. 

United States Ratings

Episode Episode Title Air Date Rating Share Viewers (millions) Weekly Rank
195 (9-01) The One Where No One Proposes September 26, 2002 20.3 31 34.01 #1
196 (9-02) The One Where Emma Cries October 3, 2002 17.6 28 28.93 #1
197 (9-03) The One with the Pediatrician October 10, 2002 16.6 26 26.63 #2
198 (9-04) The One with the Sharks October 17, 2002 16.1 25 25.82 #3
199 (9-05) The One with Phoebe's Birthday Dinner October 31, 2002 15.6 25 24.46 #2
200 (9-06) The One with the Male Nanny November 7, 2002 17.0 26 27.51 #2
201 (9-07) The One with Ross's Inappropriate Song November 14, 2002 15.8 25 25.35 #2
202 (9-08) The One with Rachel's Other Sister November 21, 2002 17.0 26 26.76 #1
203 (9-09) The One with Rachel's Phone Number December 5, 2002 15.8 24 25.43 #2
205 (9-11) The One Where Rachel Goes Back to Work January 9, 2003 15.2 24 23.67 #2
206 (9-12) The One with Phoebe's Rats January 16, 2003 15.1 23 23.66 #3
207 (9-13) The One Where Monica Sings January 30, 2003 16.3 25 25.82 #2
208 (9-14) The One with the Blind Date February 6, 2003 14.7 22 23.37 #4
210 (9-16) The One with the Boob Job February 20, 2003 12.8 19 19.52 #8
211 (9-17) The One with the Memorial Service March 13, 2003 13.5 21 21.00 #3
212 (9-18) The One with the Lottery April 3, 2003 13.0 21 20.79 #2
213 (9-19) The One with Rachel's Dream April 17, 2003 12.0 21 18.25 #2
214 (9-20) The One with the Soap Opera Party April 24, 2003 13.7 23 20.71 #3
215 (9-21) The One with the Fertility Test May 1, 2003 12.8 21 19.03 #3
216 (9-22) The One with the Donor May 8, 2003 12.8 21 19.55 #6
217 (9-23) The One in Barbados (Part 1) May 15, 2003 16.0 26 25.46 #1
218 (9-24) The One in Barbados (Part 2) May 15, 2003 16.0 26 25.46 #1

References

  1. ^ CBS wins premiere week in viewers and households. CBS PressExpress October 1, 2002. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  2. ^ CBS wins its second consecutive week in viewers and households. CBS PressExpress October 8, 2002. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  3. ^ CBS makes it 3 for 3. CBS PressExpress October 15, 2002. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  4. ^ CBS 8.4/14 8.1/13 +4%. CBS PressExpress October 22, 2002. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  5. ^ CBS back in the winner circle. CBS PressExpress November 5, 2002. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  6. ^ CBS wins in viewers and households. CBS PressExpress November 12, 2002. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  7. ^ "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" is the number one. CBS PressExpress November 19, 2002. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  8. ^ CBS places first in viewers and households. CBS PressExpress November 26, 2002. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  9. ^ "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" is the most-watched and rated program of the season. CBS PressExpress May 14, 2002. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  10. ^ CBS places first for the 12th time in 16 weeks with its best Households, Viewers, Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54 performance (sic); in nearly two years. CBS PressExpress January 14, 2003. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  11. ^ CBS dominates the week in viewers and households. CBS PressExpress January 22, 2003. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  12. ^ "CSI" is the week's real Idol. CBS PressExpress February 4, 2003. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  13. ^ CBS wins the week in viewers. CBS PressExpress February 11, 2003. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  14. ^ CBS wins extraordinary thursday showdown. CBS PressExpress February 21, 2003. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  15. ^ CBS places first in viewers and households for the sixth consecutive week and is a strong second in adults 25-54. CBS PressExpress March 18, 2003. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  16. ^ CBS places first in viewers, households and men 25-54. CBS PressExpress April 8, 2003. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  17. ^ CBS places second in an atypical week. CBS PressExpress April 22, 2003. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  18. ^ CBS places first in viewers and households. CBS PressExpress April 29, 2003. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  19. ^ CBS is number one in viewers and households. CBS PressExpress May 6, 2003. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  20. ^ CBS places first in viewers, households, adults 25-54 and is just one-tenth of a rating point from first in Adults 18-49. CBS PressExpress May 13, 2003. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
  21. ^ a b These episodes originally aired as a single double-length episode but are sometimes split into two episodes for syndication, reruns and DVD presentation.
  22. ^ a b CBS streaks toward the finish line with its fourth consecutive weekly win in viewers and households and 12th in the last 15. CBS PressExpress May 14, 2003. Retrieved July 10, 2010.
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