As the world geared up for the turn of the millennium, Friends introduced one of its most unforgettable episodes. Premiering on Dec. 16, 1999, “The One With The Routine” unfolds as Chandler, Phoebe, and Rachel embark on a quest to discover Monica’s hidden Christmas gifts, aiming to outshine her in the gift-giving department.

The highlight of Season 6 comes when Monica, Ross, Joey, and his new roommate, Janine Lecroix (played by model Elle Macpherson), attend a taping of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. To secure a spot on a dance podium and ensure their appearance on the Rockin’ Eve special, Monica and Ross endeavor to impress a producer by performing “the routine,” a dance they choreographed together in the eighth grade.

While Monica and Ross find satisfaction in the cringe-worthy routine, not everyone shares their vision. A producer jokes about the performance, saying, “Make sure you get this; Dick will want it for the bloopers show.”

Later in the episode, Monica and Ross try to recreate the routine’s original ending, where Monica dramatically catches Ross. However, she exclaims, “I can’t do it,” before stepping aside.

Fans may be surprised to learn that a Hollywood professional was behind the choreography of the famous Friends routine. In a 2019 interview with Vanity Fair, choreographer and Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin disclosed that she was hired to create an “extremely silly” dance for the Season 6 episode. Antin recalled that it was a dance Monica and Ross would perform on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, describing their vision as “silly, fun, trying way too hard, over the top, really dancing, just thinking that they’re the best ever.”

The impact of Monica and Ross’ routine extends beyond its original airing. In 2021, Courteney Cox (aka Monica) recreated the dance with singer Ed Sheeran on Instagram, captioning it, “Just some routine dancing with a friend” and using the hashtag “ReRoutine.” Cox also shared that “The One With The Routine” remains one of her all-time favorite Friends episodes.