Friends: 10 Most Heartbreaking Episodes

10. The One With The Monkey (S1, Ep 10)

At this early point in the show, we were still getting to know the individual traits of the six main characters and, ten episodes in, Phoebe was probably the one least explored. We knew virtually nothing about her love life, and so it was a thrill when we got to see her explore her feelings with someone for the first time.

Scientist David will always be Phoebe's first love, and it was evident from their first encounter in Central Perk that this was someone Phoebe was serious about. Their affection for each other is very moving: we see a socially-awkward pair find confidence and affection with each other, over a number of short but fulfilling scenes in David's lab where the two really connect.

So of course, the reason their story makes this list is their initial farewell at Monica's New Year party. Many of us have been in similar shoes - after David turns down a move to Minsk for his relationship, Phoebe makes him go, realising that she cares about him so much she doesn't want to be the person who hinders his career. Their farewell at the stroke of midnight is relatable, moving and terribly sad to watch.

Managing to fit an in-depth love story of this level in a 20-minute sitcom really is brilliant writing indeed.