Ross's Apartment
General Info
| City | New York |
|---|---|
| Area/Region | Manhattan |
| Country | USA |
| Location Name | Ross's Apartment |
Overview
Reflecting Ross' scholarly personality, the apartment exudes sophisticated charm and a welcoming, slightly academic feel. Natural history trinkets and leather-bound books adorn the living room, reminding visitors of Ross's profession as a paleontologist. Traces of his hobbies, such as an expensive keyboard and fossils, add personality to the space. Furnished in a definitive, somewhat old-fashioned aesthetic, the residence revolves largely around a large living room, which is often the main gathering place for the group. It also features a strategically dark bedroom, a modern kitchen stocked with gourmet coffee, and a guest bedroom that's been converted into little Emma's nursery.
From emotional Thanksgiving episodes to the iconic "highlight" scene, Ross's apartment gives viewers a glimpse into his private, personal side. From a bachelor apartment to a family apartment, it witnesses the growth and changes in the lives of Ross and the other Friends characters. He is an integral part of the Friends universe that, like the show itself, will live on in our hearts.
History
Ross's first apartment was introduced in season 4 of the series. This apartment was in the same building as his ex-wife, Carol, and his wife, Susan, for many episodes about co-parenting and navigating their complicated relationship. The public only caught a few glimpses of this space before Ross got the update.
Ross's second apartment, affectionately nicknamed the "Naked Boy Apartment", became the main residence of the character from the fifth season until the end of the series. The surprisingly spacious and beautifully decorated apartment gave us some memorable moments on the show, from Ross' disastrous attempts to Pivot! moving the sofa in his short-lived account as the building's Holiday Armadillo.
The main architectural feature that sets the Ross apartment apart from the others is the excellent kitchen. Countertops and cabinets neatly separated the kitchen and the living room, allowing the characters to communicate effortlessly across the rooms. This design is in stark contrast to Monika's apartment, where the kitchen is an extension of the living room.
Ross's second apartment also included a small guest bedroom with "museum-quality" humidity and temperature controls, emphasizing Ross's whimsical side as a paleontologist. The master bedroom, bathrooms and decorative elements emphasized a consistent theme of Ross' love of history, archeology and all things prehistoric.
Whether serving as key confrontational locations or simply as a backdrop to Ross's life, Ross's apartments have been central to his character development and changing relationships throughout the series.
Background
Ross, a paleontologist, moved into this spacious apartment in Season 5 after his second marriage ended in divorce. He liked the place and stayed there from season five to season ten, the final season of the series.
The apartment's comfortable and understated furnishings match Ross' reserved and practical personality. Impressive features include hardwood floors, cozy fireplace and open kitchen. Most of the key scenes shot in Ross's apartment focus on the living room, where the group gathers for conversations, games, and other social activities.
Perhaps the most memorable event in Ross's apartment was when Ross and Rachel had an intimate night, which resulted in the birth of their daughter, Emma. The apartment was also the location of Ross's infamous couch scene, which left fans in a tizzy. Also, Mike and Phoebe decided to move in together, which was another big step in their relationship. In short, the apartment is a symbol of Ross's growth and development, providing an oasis of calm between his tumultuous love life and the constant struggle to maintain his place among his distinctly different friends. He remains an extraordinary jewel in the rich tapestry of the Friends universe, whose moments have ranged from emotional revelations to periods of pure comedic gold.