Friends ( season 3 ) - wikipedia Friends ( season 3 ) Friends ( season 3 ) Friends season 3 DVD cover Country of origin United States No. of episodes 25 Release Original network NBC Original release September 19, 1996 ( 1996 - 09 - 19 ) -- May 15, 1997 ( 1997 - 05 - 15 ) Season chronology ← Previous Season 2 Next → Season 4 List of Friends episodes The third season of Friends, an American sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, premiered on NBC on September 19, 1996. Friends was produced by Bright / Kauffman / Crane Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television. The season contains 25 episodes and concluded airing on May 15, 1997. Contents 1 Cast and characters 1.1 Main cast 1.2 Recurring cast 1.3 Guest stars 2 Episodes 3 Ratings 4 Awards and nominations 5 References 6 External links Cast and characters See also : List of Friends characters ( In particular, Introduced in season 3 or Only in season 3 ) Main cast Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green Courteney Cox as Monica Geller Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing David Schwimmer as Ross Geller Recurring cast Maggie Wheeler as Janice Hosenstein Jon Favreau as Pete Becker Steven Eckholdt as Mark Robinson Angela Featherstone as Chloe Giovanni Ribisi as Frank Buffay, Jr. Dina Meyer as Kate Miller James Michael Tyler as Gunther Teri Garr as Phoebe Abbott Jennifer Milmore as Lauren Guest stars Tom Selleck as Richard Burke June Gable as Estelle Leonard David Arquette as Malcolm Christine Taylor as Bonnie Larry Hankin as Mr. Heckles Isabella Rossellini as herself Robin Williams as Tomas Elizabeth Daily as Leslie Sherilyn Fenn as Ginger Billy Crystal as Tim Ben Stiller as Tommy Matt Battaglia as Vince Robert Gant as Jason Suzanna Voltaire as Margha Sam McMurray as Doug Episodes See also : List of Friends episodes No. overall No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Prod. code US viewers ( millions ) 49 `` The One with the Princess Leia Fantasy '' Gail Mancuso Michael Curtis & Gregory S. Malins September 19, 1996 ( 1996 - 09 - 19 ) 465251 26.8 Ross reveals his sexual fantasy to Rachel, which involves her being dressed up in Princess Leia 's bikini from Return of the Jedi. Monica suffers from insomnia after her breakup with Richard. And Chandler, willingly back together with Janice, wants Joey to bond with her. 50 `` The One Where No One 's Ready '' Gail Mancuso Ira Ungerleider September 26, 1996 ( 1996 - 09 - 26 ) 465252 26.7 Ross is in a hurry to get everyone dressed for an important banquet at the museum but everyone keeps delaying. Monica freaks when she hears an answer phone message from Richard, and Joey and Chandler fight over a chair. 51 `` The One with the Jam '' Kevin S. Bright Wil Calhoun October 3, 1996 ( 1996 - 10 - 03 ) 465253 25.2 Phoebe is stalked by a man who mistakes her for her twin sister. Ross and Rachel give Chandler `` boyfriend '' lessons. Monica uses her free time after breaking up with Richard to make jam and considers artificial insemination through a sperm bank. Guest star : David Arquette 52 `` The One with the Metaphorical Tunnel '' Steve Zuckerman Alexa Junge October 10, 1996 ( 1996 - 10 - 10 ) 465254 26.1 Phoebe pretends to be Joey 's agent and has some success in getting him auditions, however the initial rush soon wears off when she is forced to tell him why he is n't getting any parts. Ross is upset when Ben brings a Barbie doll on his weekend visit. Chandler is advancing in his relationship with Janice and, realizing that he has a fear of commitment, goes to the girls for advice. 53 5 `` The One with Frank Jr. '' Steve Zuckerman Shana Goldberg - Meehan & Scott Silveri October 17, 1996 ( 1996 - 10 - 17 ) 465255 23.3 Phoebe 's half - brother visits and she offers to give him a massage, but they have trouble bonding. Joey attempts to build an entertainment center. Ross is challenged to name the five celebrities he 'd like to sleep with most. Guest star Isabella Rossellini. 54 6 `` The One with the Flashback '' Peter Bonerz David Crane & Marta Kauffman October 31, 1996 ( 1996 - 10 - 31 ) 465256 23.3 When Janice asks the gang if any of them have ever slept together, the friends flash back to a time three years before, where some dark secrets are revealed among each other, that Ross kissed Phoebe, Joey got naked in front of Monica, and Chandler and Rachel both wanted to have sex with each other ( but did n't ). 55 7 `` The One with the Race Car Bed '' Gail Mancuso Seth Kurland November 7, 1996 ( 1996 - 11 - 07 ) 465257 27.4 When Monica buys a new bed from Janice 's soon - to - be-ex - husband, `` The Mattress King '', the wrong one is delivered. When she and Joey try to take it back, Joey sees Janice and The Mattress King in his office, kissing. Rachel tries to have her father and Ross bond by going to dinner but when Rachel 's abrasive father tips only 4 %, Ross adds 20 dollars to it and Rachel 's father thinks that Ross thinks he is cheap. Rachel sets up a brunch the day after but things go wrong when both men bond by criticizing her. Joey gets a job teaching a soap opera acting class when a student gets the same audition as Joey, forcing Joey to make a desperate decision. 56 8 `` The One with the Giant Poking Device '' Gail Mancuso Adam Chase November 14, 1996 ( 1996 - 11 - 14 ) 465258 28.7 When Chandler is about to buy Janice an expensive gift, Joey tells him that he saw Janice kissing her ex-husband. Meanwhile, Monica accidentally bumps Ben 's head into a post. Phoebe is convinced that she is cursed because every time she goes to the dentist, someone around her dies, and a toothache is forcing her to make another visit. After returning, she frantically tries to figure out who must have died. Everyone is accounted for until Joey notices that Ugly Naked Guy is n't moving. In an attempt to see if he 's dead or just sleeping, they tape together chopsticks to make a long stick with which they poke him through his window from the balcony and they confirm he 's still alive. 57 9 `` The One with the Football '' Kevin S. Bright Ira Ungerleider November 21, 1996 ( 1996 - 11 - 21 ) 465259 29.3 Emotions become the feast of the day when the gang plays a game of touch football on Thanksgiving when Ross and Monica 's competitive streaks flare up while Joey and Chandler argue over who gets to date a Dutch model that is watching the game. 58 10 `` The One Where Rachel Quits '' Terry Hughes Gregory S. Malins & Michael Curtis December 12, 1996 ( 1996 - 12 - 12 ) 465260 25.1 Rachel is tired of serving coffee and wants a career in fashion, but is n't sure what to do about it. Chandler advises her that she needs `` the fear '' of being unemployed to focus her on finding a new career. With that, Rachel promptly quits Central Perk but soon discovers that finding a new job is easier said than done and is left without any leads on her last day. Phoebe tries to help Joey when he gets a job selling Christmas trees. Ross accidentally breaks a girl 's leg, and attempts to make it up to her by helping her sell cookies to win a trip to Space Camp. 59 11 `` The One Where Chandler Ca n't Remember Which Sister '' Terry Hughes Alexa Junge January 9, 1997 ( 1997 - 01 - 09 ) 465261 29.8 Rachel is angry that her new job at Fortunata Fashions involves nothing more than serving coffee, which she had hoped to never do again. While venting her frustration to Monica she bumps into Mark, an employee of Bloomingdale 's who knows of a vacancy in his department. He gets her an interview and coaches her through it, however Ross is suspicious of Mark 's motives and is left unhappy when Rachel lands the job since she 'll be working directly alongside him. A drunken Chandler fools around with one of Joey 's sisters, but ca n't remember which one. 60 12 `` The One with All the Jealousy '' Robby Benson Doty Abrams January 16, 1997 ( 1997 - 01 - 16 ) 465262 29.6 Ross is jealous of Mark, thinking he is trying to steal Rachel away causing him to shower Rachel with romantic gifts at her workplace. Joey 's numerous lies on his resume catch up to him, as he is forced to teach a very hard dance to an entire Broadway cast. Monica dates Julio, a busboy from the diner who writes a poem for her called ' The Empty Vase '. Touched, Monica sleeps with him but is then told by Phoebe that the poem is referring to her, and uses an a capella group to get revenge. 61 13 `` The One Where Monica and Richard are Just Friends '' Robby Benson Michael Borkow January 30, 1997 ( 1997 - 01 - 30 ) 465265 28.0 Monica 's will power is tested when she runs into Richard at the video store. The two decide to be just ' friends ', but quickly start sleeping together again. Joey agrees to read Little Women while Rachel agrees to read The Shining. Phoebe 's athletic date has a problem with short shorts -- he is `` coming out '' and `` hanging brain ''. 62 14 `` The One with Phoebe 's Ex-Partner '' Robby Benson Wil Calhoun February 6, 1997 ( 1997 - 02 - 06 ) 465266 28.9 Phoebe is reunited with her former singing partner ( Elizabeth Daily ), who thinks `` Smelly Cat '' has hit potential. Chandler dates a woman with a prosthetic leg ( Sherilyn Fenn ). Ross, who is getting sick of Rachel 's long work hours, is happy to learn that Mark is leaving Bloomingdale 's, just to discover Rachel is still friends with him and are planning to attend a fashion seminar together. In order to make sure Mark ca n't go, Ross accompanies her instead but then quickly falls asleep which causes a fresh argument and leaves the relationship on very rocky ground. 63 15 `` The One Where Ross and Rachel Take a Break '' James Burrows Michael Borkow February 13, 1997 ( 1997 - 02 - 13 ) 465263 27.3 Chandler and Joey ponder a possible threesome with Chloe ( Angela Featherstone ), `` the hot girl from the copy place, with the belly button ring ''. Phoebe, after giving free massages `` to promote world peace '' in front of the UN building, dates an eastern Europe diplomat who needs an interpreter to communicate with her. Ross and Rachel 's relationship continues to deteriorate when she is forced to work on their one - year anniversary, and Ross ' attempt to bring the celebration to her only to find she has n't the time or the patience to deal with him, leads to a bitter argument and Rachel deciding the two need to go on a ' break '. Upset, Ross goes drinking with Joey, Chandler and Chloe where he decides to make up with Rachel and calls her. When he hears Mark 's voice in the background, Ross assumes the worst and ends up in the arms of Chloe. 64 16 `` The One with the Morning After '' James Burrows David Crane & Marta Kauffman February 20, 1997 ( 1997 - 02 - 20 ) 465264 28.3 Ross wakes up the next morning full of regret after sleeping with Chloe, and is forced to hide her when Rachel visits him hoping to make up. Although he is initially successful at keeping his actions secret, he is exposed when the information makes its way to Gunther who tells Rachel the whole story. The two go back to her apartment and have a huge fight, as the other four friends are trapped in Monica 's bedroom, forced to listen in. The argument lasts for hours, and although Ross is desperate for forgiveness Rachel refuses and ends the relationship completely, with both Ross and Rachel both devastated and completely heartbroken. 65 17 `` The One Without the Ski Trip '' Sam Simon Shana Goldberg - Meehan & Scott Silveri March 6, 1997 ( 1997 - 03 - 06 ) 465267 25.8 Ross and Rachel can no longer be in the same room as each other without arguing over who is to blame for their relationship ending, forcing the rest of the group to divide their time between them. When a lonely Ross is excluded from Rachel 's ski trip with her pals, he visits Carol desperate for sympathy and tells her an embellished version of the break - up. The group 's car breaks down and they end up calling Ross for help, and when he and Rachel begin fighting again Phoebe lays down the law : they have to be civil to each other or it 's the end of everyone 's shared friendships. They agree, and Ross politely declines going skiing and drives back to the city by himself. Meanwhile Chandler, reminded of his parents breaking up, starts smoking again. 66 18 `` The One with the Hypnosis Tape '' Robby Benson Seth Kurland March 13, 1997 ( 1997 - 03 - 13 ) 465269 28.1 A desperate Monica agrees to a date with one of her restaurant customers, who turns out to be very well off ( Pete, played by Jon Favreau ). Phoebe freaks when she finds out that her 18 - year - old brother is planning to wed a woman more than twice his age ( Debra Jo Rupp ). Chandler uses a hypnosis tape to quit smoking, but it is meant for women, which causes Chandler to act feminine. 67 19 `` The One with the Tiny T - Shirt '' Terry Hughes Adam Chase March 27, 1997 ( 1997 - 03 - 27 ) 465268 23.7 Rachel goes on her first date after splitting from Ross, with Mark from her office. Joey develops a crush on Kate ( Dina Meyer ), his costar in his new play. Monica continues to date Pete, even though she is still not attracted to him. 68 20 `` The One with the Dollhouse '' Terry Hughes Wil Calhoun April 3, 1997 ( 1997 - 04 - 03 ) 465270 24.4 Rachel regrets making a date for Chandler and her boss, Joanna. Joey 's interest in Kate intensifies after they sleep together. Monica 's aunt dies, leaving her a beautiful antique dollhouse, but it 's too elaborate to play with, so Phoebe makes her own dollhouse, but it meets a sad end. 69 21 `` The One with a Chick and a Duck '' Michael Lembeck Chris Brown April 17, 1997 ( 1997 - 04 - 17 ) 465271 23.2 Monica considers a dream job in Pete 's new restaurant, but Phoebe senses there is more to the deal. Joey and Chandler adopt a baby chick and a duck. Ross misses a panel for the Discovery Channel to help Rachel, who may have a broken rib, and she is amazed ( and impressed ) when she learns what he gave up to help her. 70 22 `` The One with the Screamer '' Peter Bonerz Shana Goldberg - Meehan & Scott Silveri April 24, 1997 ( 1997 - 04 - 24 ) 465272 22.6 Rachel dates a man ( Ben Stiller ) who turns out to be an aggressive, testosterone - fuelled bully who frightens and intimidates anyone who irritates him by viciously screaming at them, but for a long time the only one who is subjected to this is Ross and everyone thinks he 's just jealous because the guy 's dating Rachel. Joey and Kate break up when she gets a big job in Los Angeles and takes it. Phoebe is on hold for days with a company she needs to talk to before her phone warranty expires. 71 23 `` The One with Ross 's Thing '' Shelley Jensen Ted Cohen & Andrew Reich May 1, 1997 ( 1997 - 05 - 01 ) 465274 24.2 Afflicted with a mysterious skin condition on his back, Ross seeks advice from Phoebe 's herbalist ( Kevin McDonald ). Phoebe ca n't choose between dating a fireman or a Kindergarten teacher and attempts to date both, which is a problem when the fireman turns out to also be smart and the teacher turns out to be a hunk. Monica ca n't decide what to do about Pete when she thinks he is going to break up with her because Pete says when he gets back from Atlanta they `` need to talk ''. To Monica 's mix of relief and shock, Pete wants to tell her that he 's now going to pursue full - time his dream of being an Ultimate Fighting champion. 72 24 `` The One with the Ultimate Fighting Champion '' Robby Benson Story by : Pang - Ni Landrum & Mark Kunerth Teleplay by : Shana Goldberg - Meehan & Scott Silveri May 8, 1997 ( 1997 - 05 - 08 ) 465273 23.1 Monica tries to be supportive of Pete 's UFC dreams, but the brutal losing beatings he sustains leads her to tell him she ca n't stay with him if he keeps going because he 's going to end up crippled or dead. Chandler has a problem when his new boss keeps slapping him on the butt. Phoebe sets Ross up on a date with a gorgeous woman who used to be bald. This episode features a cameo skit by Billy Crystal and Robin Williams. 73 25 `` The One at the Beach '' Pamela Fryman Story by : Pang - Ni Landrum & Mark Kunerth Teleplay by : Adam Chase May 15, 1997 ( 1997 - 05 - 15 ) 465275 28.8 The gang goes to the beach. In search of a woman who was friends with her mom, Phoebe meets the woman ( who is also named Phoebe ) with links to her family 's past, who may know more than she 's letting on. Ross discovers that Rachel still loves him, and must choose between sex - crazy, but newly bald ( thanks to some subversive advice from Rachel ) Bonnie ( Christine Taylor ), and Rachel, the love of his life. Ratings No. in series No. in season Episode Air date Time slot ( EST ) Rating / Share ( 18 -- 49 ) Viewers ( m ) Weekly Rank Ref. 49 `` The One with the Princess Leia Fantasy '' September 19, 1996 ( 1996 - 09 - 19 ) Thursdays 8 : 00 p.m. 16.7 / 31 26.8 50 `` The One Where No One 's Ready '' September 26, 1996 ( 1996 - 09 - 26 ) 18.4 / 31 26.7 51 `` The One with the Jam '' October 3, 1996 ( 1996 - 10 - 03 ) 17.3 / 30 25.2 6 52 `` The One with the Metaphorical Tunnel '' October 10, 1996 ( 1996 - 10 - 10 ) 18.0 / 30 26.1 5 53 5 `` The One with Frank Jr. '' October 17, 1996 ( 1996 - 10 - 17 ) 16.1 / 26 23.3 5 54 6 `` The One with the Flashback '' October 31, 1996 ( 1996 - 10 - 31 ) 16.0 / 28 23.3 5 55 7 `` The One with the Race Car Bed '' November 7, 1996 ( 1996 - 11 - 07 ) 18.0 / 29 27.4 56 8 `` The One with the Giant Poking Device '' November 14, 1996 ( 1996 - 11 - 14 ) 18.8 / 30 28.7 57 9 `` The One with the Football '' November 21, 1996 ( 1996 - 11 - 21 ) 19.0 / 30 29.3 5 58 10 `` The One Where Rachel Quits '' December 12, 1996 ( 1996 - 12 - 12 ) 16.1 / 27 25.1 59 11 `` The One Where Chandler Ca n't Remember Which Sister '' January 9, 1997 ( 1997 - 01 - 09 ) 19.4 / 29 29.8 60 12 `` The One Where Monica and Richard Are Just Friends '' January 16, 1997 ( 1997 - 01 - 16 ) 19.4 / 29 29.6 61 13 `` The One with All the Jealousy '' January 30, 1997 ( 1997 - 01 - 30 ) 18.9 / 29 28.0 62 14 `` The One with Phoebe 's Ex-Partner '' February 6, 1997 ( 1997 - 02 - 06 ) 19.0 / 30 28.9 63 15 `` The One Where Ross and Rachel Take a Break '' February 13, 1997 ( 1997 - 02 - 13 ) 18.3 / 29 27.3 64 16 `` The One The Morning After '' February 20, 1997 ( 1997 - 02 - 20 ) 18.6 / 29 28.3 5 65 17 `` The One Without the Ski Trip '' March 6, 1997 ( 1997 - 03 - 06 ) 17.5 / 29 25.8 66 18 `` The One with the Hypnosis Tape '' March 13, 1997 ( 1997 - 03 - 13 ) 18.7 / 30 28.1 67 19 `` The One with the Tiny T - Shirt '' March 27, 1997 ( 1997 - 03 - 27 ) 16.0 / 28 23.7 68 20 `` The One with the Dollhouse '' April 3, 1997 ( 1997 - 04 - 03 ) 16.3 / 28 24.4 69 21 `` The One with a Chick And a Duck '' April 17, 1997 ( 1997 - 04 - 17 ) 16.0 / 28 23.2 70 22 `` The One with the Screamer '' April 24, 1997 ( 1997 - 04 - 24 ) 15.5 / 27 22.6 5 71 23 `` The One with Ross 's Thing '' May 1, 1997 ( 1997 - 05 - 01 ) 16.6 / 29 24.2 5 72 24 `` The One with the Ultimate Fighting Champion '' May 8, 1997 ( 1997 - 05 - 08 ) 15.6 / 27 23.1 73 25 `` The One at the Beach '' May 15, 1997 ( 1997 - 05 - 15 ) 16.5 / 29 28.8 Awards and nominations Association Recipient Results 8th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Television Comedy Series N / A Nominated 55th Annual Golden Globe Awards Best Television Series - Comedy or Musical N / A Nominated 9th Annual Nickelodeon Kid 's Choice Awards Favorite Television Actress Jennifer Aniston Nominated Courteney Cox Nominated 1st Annual Online Film & Television Association Awards Best Comedy Series N / A Nominated Best Direction in a Series Gail Mancusco Kevin S. Bright Steve Zuckerman Peter Bonerz Terry Hughes Robby Benson James Burrows Sam Simon Michael Lembeck Shelley Jensen Pamela Fryman Nominated Best Direction in a Comedy Series Nominated Best Writing in a Series Michael Curtis Gregory S. Malins Ira Ungerleider Wil Calhoun Alexa Junge Shana Goldberg - Meehan Scott Silveri David Crane Marta Kauffman Seth Kurland Adam Chase Doty Abrams Michael Borkow Chris Brown Ted Cohen Andrew Reich Nominated Best Writing in a Comedy Series Nominated Best Supporting Actor in a Series Matthew Perry Nominated Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated Best Supporting Actress in a Series Lisa Kudrow Nominated Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated Best Ensemble in a Series Jennifer Aniston Courteney Cox Lisa Kudrow Matt LeBlanc Matthew Perry David Schwimmer Nominated Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series Won 49th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for episode `` The One with the Metaphorical Tunnel '' + `` The One with the Flashback '' Lisa Kudrow Nominated References ^ Jump up to : `` Friends Nielsen Ratings Archive -- Season Three ''. Newmusicandmore.tripod.com. Retrieved July 31, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Nielsen Ratings ''. http://newmusicandmore.tripod.com/. Retrieved November 2, 2016. External link in website = ( help ) External links List of Friends episodes on IMDb Friends : Season 3 at Rotten Tomatoes hide Friends Characters Chandler Bing Phoebe Buffay Monica Geller Ross Geller Rachel Green Joey Tribbiani Episodes Season 1 `` The Pilot '' ( 1.01 ) `` The One with the Sonogram at the End '' ( 1.02 ) Season 2 `` The One with the Lesbian Wedding '' ( 2.11 ) `` The One After the Superbowl '' ( 2.12 -- 2.13 ) `` The One with the Prom Video '' ( 2.14 ) `` The One Where Dr. Ramoray Dies '' ( 2.18 ) Season 3 `` The One with the Princess Leia Fantasy '' ( 3.01 ) `` The One Where No One 's Ready '' ( 3.02 ) Season 4 `` The One with the Embryos '' ( 4.12 ) `` The One with Ross 's Wedding '' ( 4.23 -- 4.24 ) Season 5 `` The One After Ross Says Rachel '' ( 5.01 ) `` The One Hundredth '' ( 5.03 ) `` The One with All the Thanksgivings '' ( 5.08 ) `` The One with the Girl Who Hits Joey '' ( 5.15 ) `` The One Where Rachel Smokes '' ( 5.18 ) `` The One Where Ross Ca n't Flirt '' ( 5.19 ) `` The One with the Ride - Along '' ( 5.20 ) Season 6 `` The One After Vegas '' ( 6.01 ) `` The One with the Apothecary Table '' ( 6.11 ) `` The One with the Proposal '' ( 6.24 -- 6.25 ) Season 7 `` The One with Monica and Chandler 's Wedding '' ( 7.23 -- 7.24 ) Season 8 `` The One with Rachel 's Date '' ( 8.05 ) `` The One with the Rumor '' ( 8.09 ) Season 9 -- Season 10 `` The Last One '' ( 10.17 -- 10.18 ) Related articles Music `` I 'll Be There for You '' Joey Mad About You Awards and nominations Friends... ' Til the End Hello Friends Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Friends_(season_3)&oldid=849026202 '' Categories : Friends seasons 1996 American television seasons 1997 American television seasons Friends ( season 3 ) episodes Hidden categories : CS1 errors : external links Use mdy dates from May 2012 Infobox television season articles that use the season name parameter Talk Contents About Wikipedia Wikiquote Dansk Español Français Gaeilge Italiano Português Русский Suomi Türkçe 中文 3 more Edit links This page was last edited on 6 July 2018, at 00 : 18 ( UTC ). Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: what episode of friends do they play football
Answer: "The One with the Football"