“Friends” enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to own a piece of sitcom history as original scripts from two 1998 episodes, “The One With Ross’s Wedding I” and “The One With Ross’s Wedding II,” are set to hit the auction block on December 12. The Hertfordshire, England auction house Hanson Ross will oversee the bidding, providing fans with a chance to secure these nostalgic artifacts.
According to Hanson Ross, the scripts were initially discovered in a trash bin 26 years ago, shortly after filming concluded at Fountain Studios, Wembley—an establishment that no longer exists. The scripts, meant to be destroyed by actors after filming to prevent plot leaks, were found by a now-retired 60-year-old former employee of the location. The diligent worker, responsible for maintaining cleanliness, stumbled upon the discarded scripts weeks after filming and decided to keep them, wondering which cast member they might have belonged to.
When he left his job at Fountain Studios a year later, the scripts were unintentionally packed into a cardboard box, forgotten until he stumbled upon them months later while sorting through paperwork. Placing them in his bedside drawer, they remained there for years until a recent rediscovery prompted him to get the memorabilia evaluated.
“It will be exciting to see what they make at auction,” the former employee told Hanson Ross. “Funnily enough, I’m not a big ‘Friends’ fan. I don’t dislike the show, but I only recently watched the episodes I have the scripts for. American humor is different to ours. These scripts deserve to be owned by a big ‘Friends’ fan.”
While Hanson Ross has estimated the scripts’ value at approximately £600-£800 ($765-1,021 USD), the enduring popularity of the show, its cult following, and the recent passing of star Matthew Perry may drive the bidding even higher.
Amanda Butler, head of operations at Hanson Ross, expressed amazement at seeing the original scripts. She explained, “Apparently, the cast and crew were ordered to destroy their copies so the ending wouldn’t be leaked. However, these two slipped through the net. We’re guiding them at £600-£800, but thanks to the show’s huge global appeal, who knows where the hammer may fall.”
The scripts in question are from the 1998 episodes “The One With Ross’s Wedding I” and “The One With Ross’s Wedding II.” In this two-part arc, main characters Monica, Rachel, Joey, and Chandler travel to London to witness Ross marrying Emily. Phoebe, heavily pregnant, remains behind. The story unfolds as Rachel decides to join her friends after initially planning to stay back, finding it challenging to witness her ex-boyfriend Ross tying the knot. The episodes end on a cliffhanger as Ross mistakenly says “I, Ross, take thee Rachel” during his vows, hinting at the inevitable reunion of Ross and Rachel.
Hanson Ross’s head of operations, Amanda Butler, emphasized the global appeal of “Friends” and speculated on the potential bidding outcome due to the show’s widespread popularity. The auction may attract higher bids, fueled by the timeless appeal and cultural significance of the iconic series.
As fans eagerly await the auction, the opportunity to own original scripts from pivotal “Friends” episodes adds an exciting chapter to the show’s legacy, allowing enthusiasts to connect with the beloved sitcom on a more personal level.