Revisiting FRIENDS New Year Resolutions and Why Joey’s Was the Most Hilarious of Them All

Hey there, fellow FRIENDS enthusiasts! Remember that iconic episode where our favorite six characters made their New Year’s resolutions? Of course, you do! We’re talking about The One With All The Resolutions (Season 5, Episode 11), which aired on January 7, 1999.

A still from FRIENDS | Credits: NBC

Looking back at this episode now, it’s incredible how the writers managed to create such memorable moments from something as mundane as New Year’s resolutions. Let’s dive deep into each character’s resolution and discover why Joey’s musical journey stands out as the comedic masterpiece of them all.

Monica Geller: The enthusiastic photographer

Courteney Cox in FRIENDS | Credits: NBC

Oh, Monica (played by Courteney Cox)! In true Monica fashion, her resolution to document more group moments through photography isn’t just about taking pictures – it’s about capturing EVERY SINGLE MOMENT perfectly. Throughout the episode, Monica’s obsession with her new film camera becomes increasingly apparent. She interrupts conversations, demands multiple retakes, and essentially turns every casual moment into a photo shoot.

What’s particularly interesting is how this resolution serves as a subtle commentary on Monica’s need to control and preserve memories, a characteristic that had been consistently developed throughout the series. The writer cleverly uses this resolution to amplify her endearing yet sometimes overwhelming perfectionism, creating numerous laugh-out-loud moments as she forces her friends into increasingly awkward posed photos.

Phoebe Buffay: Reaching for the stars

Lisa Kudrow in FRIENDS | Credits: NBC

Let’s talk about our favorite free spirit! Phoebe’s (played by Lisa Kudrow) resolution to pilot a commercial jet is perhaps one of the most outlandish yet perfectly in-character decisions we’ve seen. What’s fascinating about this resolution is how she genuinely sees no reason why she couldn’t just decide to pilot a commercial aircraft without any prior experience.

The way Kudrow delivers Phoebe’s complete conviction in this resolution, coupled with her friends’ resigned acceptance of her bizarre goal, creates a beautiful moment that reinforces why Phoebe’s character worked so well within the group dynamic. Her unwavering optimism and complete disregard for conventional limitations make this resolution both hilarious and heartwarming.

Rachel Green: The gossip embargo

Jennifer Aniston in FRIENDS | Credits: NBC

Here’s where things get really interesting! Rachel’s no-gossip resolution quickly becomes her personal nightmare. Within 48 hours of making the promise, she discovers Monica and Chandler’s secret relationship through an explicit phone message.

Jennifer Aniston‘s physical comedy really shines here – the way she portrays Rachel’s internal struggle is absolutely brilliant. She technically does not break her resolution; she only blurts it out when she realizes that Joey knows as well. So, did she keep her resolution or not, that’s still up for debate.

Chandler Bing: The joke-free challenge

Matthew Perry in FRIENDS | Credits: NBC

Could this BE any more challenging for Chandler? His forced resolution to stop making fun of his friends (with a $50 bet on the line) is a perfect example of how well the writers understood their characters. What’s particularly clever about this resolution is how it strips Chandler of his primary defense mechanism – his sarcasm.

Matthew Perry‘s physical portrayal of Chandler’s struggle is a masterpiece in itself. Watch carefully, and you’ll notice how he practically vibrates with contained witty remarks, his face contorting as he physically restrains himself from making obvious jokes. In the tag scene, when Chandler walks into Central Perk, pays up the $50 bucks to Ross, and lets it out

I can’t take it anymore, so you win, okay? Here. Pheebs? Flying a jet? Better make it a spaceship so you can get back to your home planet. And Ross, phone call for you today. Tom Jones, he wants his pants back! And “Hornswoggle”? What are you, dating a character from “Fraggle Rock”?

Anyone would be lying if they did not breathe out a sigh of relief along with Mr. Chanandler Bong.

Ross Geller: The daily adventure seeker

David Schwimmer in FRIENDS | Credits: NBC

Let’s take a moment to appreciate Ross’s ambitious resolution to try something new every day, be happy in 1999, and have only one divorce in 1999. Honestly, kudos for the realistic goals. The writers cleverly use this resolution to put Ross in increasingly uncomfortable situations, culminating in the infamous leather pants incident.

David Schwimmer‘s shines by showing how Ross deals with the consequences of his resolution. The whole fiasco involving baby powder, lotion, and Ross being trapped in a bathroom, attempting to pull up pants that refuse to cooperate with his sweaty legs was peak humor. The resolution serves as a perfect vehicle for showcasing both Ross’s determination and his tendency to get himself into increasingly awkward situations.

Joey Tribbiani: The would-be guitar hero

Matt LeBlanc in FRIENDS | Credits: NBC

Now, folks, let’s talk about the crown jewel of this episode – Joey’s resolution to learn guitar. This storyline is absolute comedy gold, and here’s why: it perfectly combines Joey’s endearing determination with his characteristic inability to grasp even the most basic concepts. What makes this resolution particularly brilliant is how it pairs Joey with Phoebe as his teacher, creating a dynamic that’s both hilarious and surprisingly touching. Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow’s chemistry really shines here.

The genius of this storyline lies in its layered approach to comedy. First, you have Joey’s genuine desire to legitimize his resume by actually learning one of the skills he claims to have. Right off the bat that is something quite a few can relate to as people do tend to exaggerate in their CVs (allegedly).

Then, you add Phoebe’s teaching methods which are as unique and quirky as her, with terms like “Bear Claw,” “Turkey Leg,” and “Old Lady” for chords. It’s this beautiful combination of character-driven humor, physical comedy, and genuine heart that makes Joey’s resolution stand out as the most hilarious of them all.

Looking back at this episode, it’s clear why it remains a fan favorite even years later. While each resolution brings its own flavor of comedy, it’s Joey’s musical journey that perfectly encapsulates what made FRIENDS special. The combination of Phoebe’s eccentric teaching methods, Joey’s genuine confusion, and their hilariously mismatched student-teacher dynamic creates a storyline that keeps on giving with each rewatch.

In fact, this episode proves that sometimes the best comedy comes from the simplest setups: just take six friends, add some improbable New Year’s resolutions, and watch the chaos unfold. And if you ever find yourself teaching someone to play guitar, remember – always start with the “Bear Claw.” Or don’t. Phoebe’s method hasn’t been scientifically proven… yet.