With the tragic loss of Matthew Perry still reverberating around the world, we aim to seek comfort in the countless laughs he provided as Chandler Bing in Friends.
Friends is one of the most beloved and iconic sitcoms in television history. Central to the show’s success was the ensemble cast of six friends living in New York City, each with their unique quirks and personalities.
Among these characters, Chandler Bing, portrayed by the late Matthew Perry, stood out for his sarcastic humour and endearing awkwardness. Chandler’s wit and sarcasm made him a fan favourite, and he had some truly memorable moments throughout the series.
Chandler Bing, with his quick wit and lovable awkwardness, contributed significantly to the enduring appeal of Friends. These ten episodes showcase the best of Chandler’s humor, personality, and character development. Whether he’s making a sarcastic remark or expressing his love for Monica, Chandler’s moments in the series continue to entertain and resonate with fans, making him one of the most iconic characters in television history.
Below, we’ll explore the ten best Chandler Bing episodes of Friends.
The 10 best Chandler Bing episodes of Friends:
‘The One with All the Poker’ (Season 1, Episode 18)
In this episode, Chandler displays his competitive side when the gang plays poker. His humour and one-liners make the game even more entertaining, and it’s a prime example of Chandler’s unique brand of comedy.
‘The One Where No One’s Ready’ (Season 3, Episode 2)
As Ross attempts to get everyone ready and out of the door in time for a big work event, a hilarious duel rages between Chandler and Joey as the fight it out over a seat.
Having verbally sparred, raced across the room and just generally duked it out over the comfy chair, Chandler hides Joey’s clothes as he attempts to get ready. It leads to one of the most memorable moments in Friends history. “LUNGES!”
‘The One with the Proposal’ (Season 6, Episode 24)
It’s not all jokes. Perry’s ability to add tenderness to the usually sarcastic coldness of Chandler is what brought an extra dimension to his narrative arc.
Chandler’s proposal to Monica is a touching and iconic moment in the series. His heartfelt speech mixed with his signature humor creates a perfect blend of emotions, making it one of the most memorable Chandler-centric episodes.
‘The One with the Rumor’ (Season 8, Episode 9)
A guest star may steal the show, but Chandler’s ability to float in the background yet still get the biggest laughs, proves what perfect comedic timing Matthew Perry possessed.
Chandler and the gang discover that an old schoolmate, Will Colbert (played by Brad Pitt), is coming to Thanksgiving dinner. This episode is full of witty exchanges between Chandler and Will, and it gives viewers a glimpse into Chandler’s past issues with Thanksgiving.
‘The One with the Red Sweater’ (Season 8, Episode 2)
While the focus of the episode is finding out who the father of Rachel’s baby is, it is some of Perry’s finest work as Chandler.
He accidentally kisses another woman, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and mishaps. His reactions and attempts to make amends provide some classic Chandler moments.
‘The One with the Late Thanksgiving’ (Season 10, Episode 8)
While some would argue that Friends waned in the later years, this was a piece of sitcom perfection.
In this Thanksgiving episode, Chandler tries to bond with his future father-in-law, played by Elliott Gould. The humorous interactions between Chandler and his in-laws-to-be add a special touch to this holiday-themed episode.
‘The One with Chandler in a Box’ (Season 4, Episode 8)
Perry brings heartfelt emotion to this episode as he understands his betrayal of Joey, his best friend, and the subsequent need to repair it, is more important than any love interest.
Chandler’s decision to spend Thanksgiving in a wooden box as a gesture of goodwill towards Joey is a memorable moment of self-sacrifice and humour. It perfectly encapsulates his character’s evolution throughout the series.
‘The One with Chandler’s Work Laugh’ (Season 5, Episode 12)
As Monica and Chandler continue their secret relationship, they revel in the chance to be a proper couple away from the gang. But things soon go awry.
Chandler’s infamous “work laugh” and his colleagues’ relentless teasing provide some laugh-out-loud moments in this episode. His struggle to fit in at his new job is relatable and amusing.
‘The One with All the Thanksgivings’ (Season 5, Episode 8)
Continuing on the theme of Thanksgiving, which acts as a coduit for Chandler’s narrative arc, this one is perhaps the best of them all.
Chandler’s unique dance moves and the story of how he lost his toe create a hilarious Thanksgiving episode. This episode also reveals how Chandler and Monica first got together, adding a heartwarming touch to the laughter.
‘The One with the Jellyfish’ (Season 4, Episode 1)
There are fewer double episodes of a sitcom better than when Friends went to the beach. With shaved heads, a rekindled love and the invention of strip Happy Days game, season three hangs on these episodes. And the gang keep things going with the first episode of season four.
This episode features Chandler’s witty banter and awkwardness as the group deals with some unusual situations at the beach. It’s a classic example of Chandler’s humour and his unique role in the ensemble cast.
