More than two decades after Friends wrapped with a record-breaking finale, a newly resurfaced behind-the-scenes story is setting fandoms buzzing again — and it reveals that Joey was not NBC’s first choice for a spin-off.
According to industry chatter now circulating widely among TV historians and fan forums, NBC executives initially wanted to keep the spotlight on Monica and Chandler, not Joey Tribbiani. In a bid to preserve the momentum of the Friends phenomenon in 2004, the network allegedly pitched a follow-up series to Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox centered on their beloved characters.
The proposed show, tentatively titled The Bings, would have followed Monica and Chandler as they left Manhattan for suburban Westchester, tackling married life, homeownership, and the chaos of raising twins far from Central Perk. NBC reportedly believed their grounded chemistry and massive fan appeal made them the safest bet for extending the Friends universe.
Insiders claim Perry and Cox seriously considered the idea, intrigued by the chance to explore a new chapter for the couple. Ultimately, however, both actors walked away — determined to distance themselves from their iconic roles and wary of immediate typecasting after ten intense seasons.
Only after The Bings concept was quietly shelved did the network pivot to the cast member most open to continuing, clearing the path for Matt LeBlanc’s Joey and his move to Los Angeles.
The revelation has reignited debate online:
Would a Monica-and-Chandler family sitcom have been a hit?
Did NBC choose the wrong spin-off?
Could “The Bings” have aged better than Joey?
While The Bings never made it past the pitch stage, the story adds a fascinating “what if” to Friends history — and proves that even 20 years later, the show still has new secrets capable of shaking up pop culture conversations.