With the 'Friends' reunion special dropping this week, we're looking back at the hit sitcom and the six lead characters that made it iconic. In our first installment of the series, we're checking out some highlights of Monica Geller.
Monica Geller is played by the fabulous Courteney Cox who, as fans likely know, was originally cast as Rachel Greene.
However she asked to play Monica instead as she felt the character was more like her.
Moreover Jennifer Aniston got cast as Monica Geller, but wanted to play Rachel, so it all worked out for the best.
While Rachel gets all the credit for being the style icon and hair goals of the series, Ross' little sister would have come immediately after her at the time in terms of being influential in style and fashion.
The character showed a range of qualities we all recognise in someone (most likely our moms).
With all that in mind, here's our case for Monica Geller being the best character on 'Friends'.
1. Her work ethic is next to none
Of course all the Friends work hard and love their careers. But none show the drive and commitment that Monica Geller does in her job as a chef.
She faces some tough gigs in her career, most notably when she's being bullied at Alessandro's, and humiliated as a waitress at the Moondance Diner. But she always picks herself up and perseveres.
It's been seen as OCD in the past, but that work ethic also applies to her cleaning. It's no wonder the gang loving hanging out as hers, as theirs nothing homier than a clean household.
She also works hard at impressing her parents, Jack and Judy. She's less successful in this venture, no thanks to their favourtism towards Ross. But she never stops trying to earn their approval.
2. She's so unlucky in love - and we've all been there
Especially in those first few seasons, Monica Geller seemed to be the prominent character who couldn't catch a break when it came to relationships. Even the pilot established her as such, tracking her misfortune with Paul the Wine Guy.
Season one also saw her meet hard luck with Alan, Fun Bobby and Young Ethan. Later, there was Julio and Pete, as well as the whole Richard saga for which your heart poured out for her...
But luckily Chandler Bing and Mon went from being friends to something more. The two got married, had kids and basically lived happily ever after. Awwww.
3. Her competitiveness is terrifying, hilarious, and admirable
Again, each of the Friends show a competitive streak in a few instances. But none match Monica Geller's combative streak.
There are so many instances, like the foosball, the dollhouses, the quiz which led to her losing her apartment, losing it at Rachel for "stealing her thunder."
She had a physical fight over a wedding dress, had to be crowned the "best worst massager" so as to feel like a winner, and there was that ping pong game with Mike later in the series.
Monica's crowning competitive moment though, in an honour she shares with her brother, has to be that Thanksgiving football game.
4. She's the most maternal character and really takes care of everyone (though she can be bossy)
Monica Geller is the very definition of a mother hen, and while she can be a busy body when it comes to other people's relationships, her intentions are good.
Let's not forget how often she has everyone to her apartment, feeding them not just at Thanksgiving but year-round. She organises great parties and is always on hand to give advice, even if it's of a slightly uncomfortable nature, for example, helping Joey find an appropriate disguise for his "downstairs" for an audition, and giving Chandler advice for Cathy ("SEVEN!").
5. Her struggles with conceiving and then adopting was heart-wrenching
'Friends' isn't particularly known for its sadder storylines. But the one that saw Monica and Chandler find out that they're infertile was beautifully done and really moving.
Since the start of the series, Mon had spoken about wanting a baby, so that made the turn of events all the more devastating. And when she almost loses out on adopting because they lied to Erica, Cox and Matthew Perry almost have us crying all over again.
Do you think Monica Gellar is the best character on 'Friends'? Or who's your favourite? Let us know in the Facebook comments.
