'Friends' Creator: Phoebe Almost Had A Very Different Ending

"We sort of went back and forth," said David Crane.
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Phoebe Buffay may have sashayed with her guitar into the sunset with musician Mike when “Friends” concluded in 2004.

But things could have worked out, romantically, very differently for actor Lisa Kudrow’s character, according to the hit NBC sitcom’s co-creator David Crane.

Crane revealed in an interview with the U.K.’s RadioTimes published Monday that “there was definitely a possibility” that Phoebe could have ended up with former partner David (played by Hank Azaria) instead of Mike (Paul Rudd).

Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow, center) eventually chose Mike Hannigan (Paul Ruff, right) over David (Hank Azaria, left) in "Friends."
Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow, center) eventually chose Mike Hannigan (Paul Ruff, right) over David (Hank Azaria, left) in "Friends."
NBC via Getty Images

“I mean, we didn’t definitively know” who she’d end up with, said Crane.

“They’re both amazing actors. I mean, both Paul and Hank are fantastic, and fantastic with her. We sort of went back and forth,” he explained. “I don’t even remember all the pieces that led to where we landed. But yeah, it could have gone the other way. Phoebe would have been great with either one.”

Whether the fictional Phoebe and Mike are still together after more than 15 years remains to be seen.

Perhaps a rumored upcoming unscripted reunion special, reportedly to launch reruns of the show on HBO Max, will shed some light on the issue.

Mike Hannigan (Paul Rudd) and Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) tied the knot in the tenth and final season of "Friends."
Mike Hannigan (Paul Rudd) and Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) tied the knot in the tenth and final season of "Friends."
NBC via Getty Images

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