After leaving Barbados, Joey and Ross both attempt to come clean to each other that they're dating Rachel and Charlie, however, various obstacles constantly get in their way. Meanwhile, Monica gets a new haircut much to Chandler's dismay and Phoebe finds out that Mike has another girlfriend.
After Ross finds out about Joey and Rachel's relationship, he invites Rachel, Joey and Charlie to a dinner party at his apartment, which ends up being really uncomfortable for everyone involved. Meanwhile, Monica and Chandler are overwhelmed by various adoption options and Phoebe suggests talking to a couple that has gone through the process. Unfortunately things go sideways when Chandler can't keep his big mouth shut. Also, Phoebe is visited by her brother, Frank Jr., who is desperate because he can no longer cope with his precocious triplets.
Ross goes to a spray-on tanning salon but fails to follow the 'simple' instructions. Meanwhile, Joey and Rachel struggle to make the transition from friends to lovers. Also, Monica and Phoebe try to avoid an annoying woman that used to live in their building.
On Emma's first birthday, Ross and Rachel convince everyone to delay their plans so they can attend her party, however plans go awry when Emma's birthday cake is revealed.
To help her younger sister, Amy, become a more responsible person, Rachel overrides Ross' strong protests and allows Amy to baby-sit Emma but soon regrets that decision. Meanwhile, Joey volunteers to write a recommendation letter for Monica and Chandler's adoption agency, however, he's concerned about not sounding smart. Also, Phoebe unknowingly thwarts Mike's "anniversary" surprise for her.
Ross has a chance to be selected by Dr. Benjamin Hobart for an esteemed paleontology grant. Unfortunately, Hobart happens to be Charlie's obsessed ex-boyfriend. Meanwhile, Phoebe tries to give a hideous painting she created to an extremely reluctant Monica and Rachel. Also, Joey is offended when Chandler lies about viewing Joey's bizarre audition tape reel.
Monica and Chandler nervously prepare for a visit from an adoption worker who will decide if they would be suitable parents. Meanwhile, Phoebe and Mike keep changing their minds about donating their wedding money to a children's charity. And Ross tries to help Rachel overcome her fear of swing sets so that baby Emma can enjoy the playground.
Joey, Ross, Rachel and Phoebe convince Monica and Chandler to host a Thanksgiving dinner, however the four of them end up arriving an hour late as the boys decide to go to Rangers game, while the girls take Emma to a baby beauty pageant. This enrages Monica and she refuses to let the famished guests into her and Chandler's apartment which causes even bigger problems.
Nervous and excited, Monica and Chandler travel to Ohio to meet a young pregnant woman, Erica Simmons, who is considering allowing them to adopt her child when it's born. Upon meeting her they discover that due to a mix-up at the adoption agency, Erica thinks that Monica is a reverend and Chandler is a doctor. Meanwhile, Joey dates Phoebe's friend but annoys her with his territorial eating habits. Also Rachel picks out an outfit for Ross to wear on a date but due to a mix up he ends up in an awkward position.
After Phoebe and Rachel catch Chandler getting into a car with an unknown blonde woman, they follow them to the suburbs. Fearing that Chandler is cheating on Monica, they inform her and learn that the woman is a real estate agent. The pair has been secretly shopping for houses and struggling with how to tell their best friends about their plans. Together the friends reminisce about their good times in the apartment.
Joey is a celebrity contestant on "The $100,000 Pyramid," with its actual host, Donny Osmond. Meanwhile, Phoebe's bachelorette party features a rather unexpected surprise when the stripper shows up. Also, Chandler and Ross attend a college reunion and flash back to 1987 to reflect on a pact they made when they were in college.
As the big day approaches, Phoebe's wedding planner, Monica, makes everyone around her crazy because according to her - every little thing needs to happen around schedule. This doesn't sit well with Phoebe and she fires her. Unfortunately, on the wedding day New York is hit with the worst snowstorm its seen in 20 years, forcing plans to change. As a substitute for Phoebe's incarcerated father, Joey takes his role much too seriously. Meanwhile, Chandler and Ross discover that neither of them has a part in the wedding; however, after one of Mike's groomsmen is unable to attend, they compete for the open position by any means necessary.
Joey implores Francophile Phoebe to teach him French before an important audition, but she quickly becomes exasperated. Meanwhile, surrogate mom Erica is visiting town and tells the Bings that the baby's father may be a shovel killer. Also, Ross and Rachel grow closer after her sarcastic father, Dr. Green, suffers a heart attack.
Monica and Chandler visit their potential new house and bring Joey along, who's still upset about them moving, so he's determined to change their minds. Meanwhile, Phoebe learns that she can legally change her name to whatever she wants, so she considers something more exotic. Also, Ross gets tenure at his job, while Rachel's unfortunate job interview actually leads her to some new career opportunities.
After Rachel makes a startling announcement about her possibly accepting a new job offer in Paris, Ross secretly schemes to get her former job back at Ralph Lauren. Joey is so flustered by all of the upheaval in his friends' lives that Phoebe prevents him from learning about the sudden death of his agent Estelle. Meanwhile, Monica and Chandler check out the house for sale next door to their new suburban home and make a stunning discovery.
Extremely pregnant Erica visits Monica and Chandler just as they are preparing to move to their new house in the suburbs. At the same time Rachel has packed and ready for her move to Paris, so on her last night in New York the gang hosts a farewell party for her. She says goodbye to each of her friends individually, except for Ross and he's offended. However, before the night is over, there will be more surprises.
Erica goes into labor and the new parents, Monica and Chandler, get a bit more than they bargained for. Meanwhile, Joey gets them a housewarming gift - Chick Jr. and Duck Jr., who unfortunately get trapped inside the foosball table. Also, after their night together, Ross realizes that he's still in love with Rachel and doesn't want her to leave. Other friends convince him to go after her and Phoebe races Ross to the airport in a bid to stop Rachel from leaving for Paris. The six friends prepare to say goodbye and embark on the next chapters of their lives.
