The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Friends fan spots major continuity blunder in season 8 episode ahead of reunion show
'How have I never noticed this before?' one confused fan asked
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A continuity error in Friends recently left some fans feeling rather confused.
With the reunion show nearing, many people are passing the time by re-watching the beloved sitcom’s 10 seasons.
One such person was TikTok user bronniiiieee, who noticed that the father of Ross and Monica, usually played by Elliott Gould, took on a completely different appearance in one episode.
The instance occurs in the eighth season’s 18th instalment, which is titled “The One in Massapequa”. It sees the main characters attend Ross and Monica’s parents’ 35th wedding anniversary party
At one stage, when Ross turns to his dad, Gould is nowhere to be seen.
In his place is an unidentified actor who looks nothing like Gould, prompting the TikTok user to ask: “In all my Friends fans years, how have I never noticed this guy before?”
Digital Spy cleared up the blunder, though, when a fan pointed out a similar occurrence in the past.
These "errors" are due to how the series is now shown compared to how it was filmed.
Back when Friends was first airing on TV, it was shown in a 4:3 aspect ratio.
However, it's the wider version of the show that has now become standard, which means that viewers are able to see the stand-ins and extras they would have never seen before.
This man was merely standing in for Gould and was always intended to remain off-camera. Case closed.
RELATED: Every episode of Friends, ranked from worst to best
Friends: The Reunion will air on HBO Max in the US on 27 May 2021. A UK airdate is yet to be announced.
All six of the sitcom’s original stars, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, will appear.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments