'Friends' creators defended Monica's character against network execs' outdated views

The creators of the iconic sitcom 'Friends', Marta Kauffman and David Crane, recently revealed to for the U.K. outlet The Times that they had to defend Monica Geller's character against outdated views from NBC executives. The network objected to Monica sleeping with someone on the first date in the pilot episode, deeming it inappropriate and predicting audiences wouldn't like her.

Crane and Kauffman argued that this plot point made Monica more relatable and sympathetic. However, the network remained unconvinced and even distributed a biased questionnaire to the audience during a dress rehearsal, attempting to prove their point.

The questionnaire asked whether Monica was a "slut" or a "harlot" for her actions. The audience overwhelmingly rejected these options, writing in that they found nothing wrong with Monica's behavior. This ultimately led the network to back down, allowing the creators to keep the storyline intact.

This incident highlights how the creators of 'Friends' challenged societal norms and pushed for more progressive portrayals of female characters on television.