The Friend who asks “How you doin’?” is Joey Tribbiani. Played by Matt LeBlanc, Joey uses the line as his signature flirtatious greeting throughout the sitcom Friends.
Joey’s full name is Joseph Francis Tribbiani Jr., and he is an aspiring actor whose confidence with women far exceeds his judgment. The phrase is usually delivered with exaggerated emphasis on “you,” turning an ordinary greeting into a playful pickup line. Its humor comes from Joey’s absolute faith in the technique, even when the situation clearly calls for more tact or intelligence.
The line became closely associated with Friends and Joey’s character, although the wording itself was not invented by the show. The sitcom popularized Joey’s particular delivery and helped turn the phrase into a widely recognized piece of television slang. In one memorable storyline, Joey teaches Rachel how to use it while she is trying to attract a man.
Joey is sometimes confused with Chandler Bing when viewers recall Friends catchphrases. Chandler is associated with “Could I be wearing any more clothes?” and “Could I be…” jokes, while Monica is known for her competitive intensity and Ross for “We were on a break!” The canonical answer to this question is therefore Joey.