What is the plot?

The episode begins with Ross entering Monica and Chandler's apartment, excitedly discussing his upcoming tanning appointment. He is eager to achieve a perfect tan for an event he is attending. Monica and Chandler are skeptical about Ross's enthusiasm, but he brushes off their concerns, insisting that he knows what he's doing.

Ross arrives at the tanning salon, where he is greeted by a technician named "Tina." She explains the tanning process to him, and Ross, feeling confident, decides to go for a "dark" tan instead of the lighter option. He is unaware of the potential consequences of this decision. As he prepares for the tanning booth, he is nervous but excited, wanting to impress everyone with his new look.

Meanwhile, Rachel is at the apartment with Monica and Chandler, discussing her recent breakup with Joey. She expresses her feelings of loneliness and uncertainty about her future. Monica tries to comfort her, suggesting that she should focus on herself and her career. Rachel appreciates the support but still feels lost.

Back at the tanning salon, Ross steps into the tanning booth. He is instructed to stand still while the machine sprays him with the tanning solution. However, he misinterprets the instructions and ends up turning around, resulting in an uneven tan. When he emerges from the booth, he is shocked to see that his front is a deep, dark brown while his back remains pale. Ross panics, realizing he looks ridiculous.

The scene shifts back to Monica and Chandler's apartment, where Ross arrives, proudly showing off his new tan. However, his friends are taken aback by the stark contrast between his front and back. They burst into laughter, unable to contain themselves. Ross, feeling embarrassed, tries to defend his appearance, but the laughter continues. He becomes increasingly frustrated as he attempts to explain that he wanted a perfect tan.

In another subplot, Joey is trying to impress a woman named "Kathy" by showcasing his acting skills. He practices a monologue from a play, but his performance is over-the-top and not well-received. Joey is determined to win her over, but his efforts seem to be falling flat. He seeks advice from Chandler, who suggests that Joey should be more genuine in his approach.

Back to Ross, he decides to take matters into his own hands and attempts to fix his tan by using a self-tanner. However, he misapplies it, leading to even more disastrous results. His skin becomes streaky and uneven, and he is horrified at how he looks. Ross's frustration grows as he realizes that he cannot go out in public like this.

The episode culminates in a scene where Ross, desperate to hide his embarrassing tan, wears a long-sleeved shirt and pants, despite the warm weather. He meets up with his friends at Central Perk, where they all notice his odd attire. Ross tries to act nonchalant, but his friends are suspicious. Eventually, they confront him about his appearance, and Ross reluctantly reveals the truth about his tanning mishap.

As the episode wraps up, Ross's friends continue to tease him about his tan, but they also show their support. They remind him that everyone makes mistakes and that he should embrace his flaws. Ross, while still embarrassed, begins to laugh along with them, realizing that his friends will always have his back, no matter how ridiculous he looks. The episode ends on a light-hearted note, with Ross accepting his tan as a funny story to share in the future.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "The One with Ross's Tan," Ross ends up with an uneven tan after a mishap at a tanning salon. He tries to impress Rachel with his new look, but instead, he looks ridiculous. Meanwhile, Monica and Chandler are dealing with the stress of preparing for their upcoming parenthood, and Phoebe is trying to help Joey with his acting career. The episode concludes with Ross's embarrassment over his tan, leading to a humorous moment that highlights the group's camaraderie.


As the episode unfolds towards its conclusion, we find ourselves back in Monica and Chandler's apartment. The atmosphere is filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety as Monica and Chandler prepare for their future as parents. They are surrounded by baby supplies, and the reality of their impending parenthood is beginning to sink in. Monica is particularly focused on ensuring everything is perfect, reflecting her nurturing nature and desire for control.

Meanwhile, Ross is at the center of the comedic chaos. After deciding to get a spray tan to look good for Rachel, he enters the tanning booth with high hopes. However, he misreads the instructions and ends up with a drastically uneven tan. The scene cuts to Ross emerging from the booth, his skin a shocking shade of orange, with dark streaks on one side of his body. His initial excitement quickly turns to horror as he realizes the extent of the mishap.

In a desperate attempt to salvage the situation, Ross tries to cover up his tan with clothing, but it only accentuates the absurdity of his appearance. He heads to Monica and Chandler's apartment, where he hopes to impress Rachel. As he walks in, the reactions from Monica, Chandler, and Phoebe are immediate and filled with laughter. They can't help but tease Ross about his ridiculous look, which only adds to his embarrassment.

Rachel arrives shortly after, and Ross, filled with a mix of hope and dread, tries to play it cool. However, Rachel's reaction is one of shock and disbelief. She struggles to contain her laughter as she takes in Ross's orange hue. Ross's internal motivation to impress Rachel is clear, but the outcome is far from what he envisioned. The humor of the situation is palpable, showcasing Ross's vulnerability and the group's playful dynamic.

As the episode wraps up, we see Joey in a subplot trying to land a role in a new movie. He is excited about the opportunity but is also feeling the pressure of his career. Phoebe, ever supportive, encourages him, showcasing her loyalty and friendship. The camaraderie among the group is evident as they rally around each other, even in the face of Ross's tanning disaster.

The final moments of the episode bring the group together in laughter, highlighting the importance of friendship and support. Ross, despite his embarrassment, is embraced by his friends, reminding viewers that even in moments of humiliation, the bonds they share are what truly matter. The episode closes with a light-hearted tone, leaving the audience with a sense of warmth and connection among the characters. Each character's fate is intertwined with the others, emphasizing their collective journey through life's ups and downs.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In the episode "The One with Ross's Tan," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main storyline and character interactions throughout the episode, which centers around Ross's mishap with a tanning booth and the humorous consequences that follow.

What happens to Ross when he goes to get a spray tan?

Ross decides to get a spray tan to improve his appearance for a date. However, he misinterprets the instructions and ends up getting sprayed on one side of his body multiple times, resulting in an uneven and comically exaggerated tan. This leads to a series of embarrassing moments as he tries to hide his mismatched skin tone.

How do the other characters react to Ross's tan?

The other friends are initially shocked and amused by Ross's uneven tan. They tease him about it, with Chandler and Joey making jokes at his expense. Monica and Rachel also find it hilarious, but they express concern about how Ross will handle the situation, especially since he is trying to impress a date.

What is the significance of the tanning booth scene for Ross's character?

The tanning booth scene highlights Ross's insecurities and his desire to look good for his date. It showcases his tendency to overthink situations and his lack of awareness, which often leads to humorous outcomes. This moment serves as a comedic reflection of Ross's character, emphasizing his struggles with self-image.

What advice does Joey give Ross about the tanning process?

Joey, who has experience with tanning, advises Ross to go for a 'full body' tan. However, he fails to mention the importance of following the instructions carefully. This lack of guidance contributes to Ross's disastrous tanning experience, as he ends up with a tan that is far from what he intended.

How does Ross's date go after he gets the tan?

Ross's date goes poorly due to his ridiculous tan. When he meets his date, she is taken aback by his appearance, which leads to an awkward and uncomfortable interaction. Ross's confidence is shattered, and he struggles to maintain a conversation, ultimately resulting in the date not going as planned.

Is this family friendly?

In "The One with Ross's Tan," there are a few elements that might be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

  1. Body Image and Tanning: Ross's experience with a tanning booth leads to humorous but exaggerated physical comedy regarding his appearance, which may touch on themes of body image.

  2. Innuendos and Adult Humor: The episode contains some innuendos and adult humor that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

  3. Relationship Dynamics: There are discussions and situations involving romantic relationships that may include misunderstandings or jealousy, which could be complex for younger viewers to grasp.

  4. Mild Language: There are instances of mild language that may not be appropriate for all children.

Overall, while the episode is comedic and light-hearted, these elements could be sensitive for some viewers.