What would have happened if Monica and Joey ended up together? 

Let's be honest, nobody saw Monica and Chandler coming. When they first hooked up in London, it was one of the most surprising (but perfect) twists in Friends. But here's something that'll make you go "hmm"... what if Monica had walked into Joey's hotel room that night instead? Would we have gotten "Joeyna"? (Yeah, that doesn't sound right either.)

Remember that iconic London episode? Ross was busy marrying Emily (well... almost), and poor Monica was feeling awful after being mistaken for Ross's mom (rude!). Needing comfort, she turned to Chandler – her sarcastic, nervous, wouldn't-know-romance-if-it-hit-him friend. And somehow... magic happened.

The crazy part? The writers originally planned this as just a fling. But Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox's chemistry was so good that Mondler became the heart of the show.

Fun fact: Early on, the writers actually considered pairing Monica with Joey. Think about it — in Season 1, Joey was constantly flirting with her. That time, he tried to teach her how to seduce a guy? Classic Joey.

But here's why it wouldn't have worked

We all know Joey and Monica might have made an attractive couple on the surface, but their relationship would never have lasted. Joey had some great qualities — his killer smile and natural charm made women feel special — but when it came to serious commitment, he was completely clueless.

To Joey, "long-term relationship" probably sounded like some fancy Italian dish he couldn't pronounce. Meanwhile, Monica was looking for a real partnership — someone who wanted marriage, kids, and a future together. Joey's idea of commitment was remembering to call a girl the next morning... sometimes.

This is exactly why Chandler was perfect for Monica. Their relationship worked because it was built on years of genuine friendship first. They already knew and accepted each other's quirks — like Chandler's weird third nipple or Monica's obsession with cleaning.

They balanced each other out perfectly: Monica's high-strung personality needed Chandler's calming humor, while Chandler's self-doubt needed Monica's encouragement. The most beautiful part was watching them grow together — Chandler transformed from the guy who joked about everything to avoid real feelings into someone capable of deep, meaningful love.

That kind of real, messy, beautiful relationship is exactly what Monica needed — and exactly what Joey could never have given her.

Picture this: Monica walks into Joey's room instead. Here's how it plays out:

• That Night: Fun, flirty, probably involves Joey's "How you doin'?" line
• Next Morning: Joey's confused why she's still there
• Three Days Later: Monica's frustrated he won't commit
• By Season 5: They're awkwardly avoiding each other at Central Perk

Bottom line? We might've gotten some funny moments, but we'd have missed out on:

• "You make me happier than I ever thought I could be."
• The proposal that still makes us cry
• Those two adorable weirdos adopting twins

While Joey and Monica could've been fun for an episode or two, Chandler was always endgame. Their love story worked because it felt real, messy, funny, and full of heart. And let's be real... the world needs more love stories where the guy falls asleep during Flashdance.

Without Mondler, Friends would have been a completely different show. Their relationship brought warmth, stability, and some of the most touching moments in the series.

If Monica had found Joey in that London hotel room instead of Chandler, Friends wouldn’t have had one of its most beloved couples. While Joey and Monica might have had fun for a while, their relationship wouldn’t have lasted. Joey’s fear of commitment and Monica’s need for stability made them incompatible in the long run.

Luckily, the writers chose to bring Monica and Chandler together, creating one of the most heartwarming love stories in TV history. Their relationship was built on friendship, love, and emotional growth — something Monica and Joey could never have had.

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