In the pilot episode of “Friends,” we’re introduced to the central characters: Rachel Green, a runaway bride seeking independence; Monica Geller, a meticulous chef with a penchant for organization; Ross Geller, Monica’s older brother and a recently divorced paleontologist; Chandler Bing, a sarcastic data processor with commitment issues; Joey Tribbiani, a struggling actor with a penchant for women and food; and Phoebe Buffay, a quirky and eccentric masseuse with a mysterious past. The episode begins with Rachel arriving at Central Perk, a coffeehouse, in her wedding dress after leaving her groom at the altar. There, she reconnects with her old friend Monica, who offers her a place to stay. As the group gathers at Monica’s apartment, the stage is set for the hilarious and heartwarming adventures that will define their lives over the next decade.