Friends: How It Should Be Re-Cast In 2021

Monica's awkward, hysterical mother was originally portrayed by the wonderful Christina Pickles. Judy Geller needs to be played by an actress that can handle serious, emotional conversations, as well as being awkward enough to cringe at difficult moments with the Geller offspring.

For this role, one has to look to another hit US tv comedy, The Office. Melora Hardin's portrayal of the erratic Jan Levinson displayed her range. She had to deal with Michael Scott's antics throughout the majority of the show, all while struggling with her own mental difficulties. At points, she can seem unhinged and out of control.

During her run as Levinson, Hardin displayed a natural comedic timing and excellent rapport with her co-stars. She exhibits the same intrinsic talent that Pickles has done throughout her entire career.

It ought to be noted, also, that Hardin would actually also be returning to the cast, albeit in a much less obvious role than Paul Rudd. She made a brief appearance in the season one episode "The One With The Stoned Guy", as Ross' short-term girlfriend Celia. She was affectionately known by the Friends as "the bug lady".

Overall, Melora Hardin seems like an excellent candidate to take over the role of the Gellers' overbearing mother, in this hypothetical recasting.