Friends: 25 Greatest Episodes
17. The One Where Ross And Rachel Take A Break (S3E15)
The Episode
Ross and Rachel get into a big fight, which leads to them taking a break and Ross sleeping with another woman. Phoebe dates a diplomat, but needs to bring a translator along on their dates, with Monica joining them as well.
Why It's Great
The beginning of the end of Ross and Rachel, with the break that would become so iconic. There is a fair bit of humour in the episode, with the bickering of between Monica and Phoebe excellent (see also: The One With Rachel's Dream for more of this kind of thing), along with Joey and Chandler's attempts at being wingmen.
It also offers up plenty of frustration at Ross' efforts to spend time with Rachel and his jealously over Mark, which expertly builds towards the taking of said break and, eventually, those closing moments. The episode deftly switches between silly and serious, in heartbreaking fashion for anyone invested in 'Ross and Rachel' (which, let's be honest, should've been everyone).