I was just re-watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S for the 100th time, and I started listing down what I always noticed in the show – “Product Placement” and a lot of it too!

If you are a 90’s kid, there is a good chance that you are in love with F.R.I.E.N.D.S. The TV show was a companion to our school and college days and we all got some or the other aspiration from it. And this exactly is what makes it perfect for product placements.

Here are 8 most prominent and obvious product placements from the series:

1. Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren obviously invested a lot in the show. As Rachel works here, they mention the brand numerous times and there is a full episode in which “Kenny, the copy guy” pretends to be Ralph Lauren to get on with Phoebe. Ralph himself makes appearance twice in this episode.

2. Pottery Barn

“The one with the Apothecary table” showcases the whole showroom of Pottery Barn. Ross is indignant when he learns that Phoebe hates Pottery Barn. Phoebe irresistibly buys the pottery barn lamp from the showroom. The episode is filled with the brand’s glorification.

3. Nestlé Toll House

As an engagement gift, Monica asks Phoebe for her grandmother’s secret cookie recipe which later turned out to be of Nestle’s Toll House. In the episode, the cookies are the best chocolate chip cookies in the world throughout the episode.

4. Porsche

When Joey finds the key to a Porsche in the coffee house (I love Central Perk), he starts getting a lot of attention from the passers by as he stans near the car. The girls come over to talk to him and the guys stops to find out more about him, always assuming that he is rich and successful who has a place in the Upstate. The episode boldly shows brand association with luxury, speed and social status.

5. Bijan

The episode shows Joey working in the shop, giving out samples of Bijan cologne to the passing customers. Turn of events come when a new guy with cowboy costume starts performing better than him. In episodes Joey speaks of the brand name numerous times.

6. Boddingtons Beer

After Ross and his disastrous wedding with Emily, they come back home and reminiscent on all the fun they had while in London. They mention Boddingtons a couple of times and Joey says he is willing to walk back to London for a couple of those beers. When Ross tells him where it can be found in New York, Joey takes off immediately to get one for himself. The product’s quality and exclusivity is aptly highlighted.

7. Days of our lives

In F.R.I.E.N.D.S series, they keep mentioning the long-running TV show, Days of Our Lives. The show was Joey’s big break and they all like to watch the show together.

8. Barcalounger

Some of Joey and Chandler’s best moments revolve around these recliner chairs. This is one of the most frequently appearing product throughout the series. They even have a name for these – “Rosita.” The scenes emphasizes on the comfort of the chairs, with the long “owwww” when Joey or Chandler sits on them and also showcases the fun of it.

Final Words – Product Placements were very common in the series

F.R.I.E.N.D.S was the top grossing TV show of its time, making it a hot bed for brands. If you look carefully, you may see Monica reading “In Style” or a can of Coca-Cola kept on the table. The series is filled with product placements, some of them very subtle and some extremely obvious.