Friends: 10 Reasons Why Ross Is The Worst Person Ever
Are we really supposed to root for this guy?
Every show has a main character whose antics drive the course of the show, and whilst Friends is a show about six people living in New York and stumbling their way through life together, it's Ross (and his relationship with Rachel) which sits at the core of the show.
Now, in order to make a solid protagonist for a sitcom, one attribute must shine through above all others, and that's their ability to be in some way endearing. However, looking back on the show, it's pretty clear that Ross Gellar, as played by David Schwimmer, is far from the most sympathetic or likeable character to ever grace our screens.
Now, it can't be said that Ross is all bad on the show - he gave us the wonderful "Pivot!" sequence, the leather pants incident, was (sometimes) actually quite a good friend, and came through in the end, giving the show a happy ending after finally, properly ending up with Rachel.
Unfortunately, all of Ross's high points are tainted by all the terrible, often inexcusable things he's done. From neglecting numerous relationships, letting his overwhelming selfishness get in the way of doing the right thing, or over-reacting to things he has no right over-reacting to, here are just a few reasons why Ross is both a terrible person, and a seriously unlikeable protagonist.
10. Making A Move On His Cousin
If you wanted this list to start slow and build up to Ross's worst moments, I'm sorry, but it would be better for everyone involved if this particular sequence is cast aside as quickly as possible.
During the show's seventh season, Ross and Monica (Courtney Cox) receive a passing visit from their cousin, Cassie (Denise Richards). Initially staying with Monica and Chandler (Matthew Perry) during her time in New York, Monica sends her to Ross's after Chandler finds it difficult to keep his eyes off her.
This is a poor enough development in an episode bursting with ill-advised character assassinations, but things reach a whole new level of wrong, unfunny and just plain awful when Ross himself realises he's attracted to his own cousin, and tries to kiss her. Instantly (obviously) rejected, he then decides to tell her he hasn't slept with anyone in a while, causing her to leave disgusted.
The whole thing is far, far too weird to be even remotely funny, and the episode acts as both a reminder that Ross is an awful, questionable person, and that the show was starting to lose its way.