Why a Gen Z 'Friends' Sitcom Is So Hard to Make
Over twenty years have passed since Friends concluded, yet numerous series such as New Girl (2011-2018), How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014), and The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) have attempted to capture its charm, particularly among millennials. Nonetheless, no contemporary show has achieved a similar cultural significance with Generation Z, attributed to their unique media consumption habits and different societal contexts. FX's Adults, which debuted its second season on Hulu in late August, draws inspiration from Friends in its setting. Meanwhile, Mindy Kaling's Not Suitable for Work was axed after one season for not effectively showcasing digital culture, unlike Rachel Sennott's I Love LA, which does so more successfully. The diversity and economic struggles of Gen Z further complicate representation, while shorter seasons restrict character development.
Key facts
- Friends ended over 20 years ago but remains popular among younger generations.
- Shows like New Girl, How I Met Your Mother, and The Big Bang Theory adapted the hangout comedy formula for millennials.
- No recent series has achieved the same cultural impact for Generation Z.
- Adults, produced by FX and streaming on Hulu, is considered one of the closest attempts; its second season premiered in the U.S. in late August and will be available in Italy from September 30 on Disney+.
- Adults is set in Queens, New York, and features five friends living together, explicitly referencing Friends.
- Not Suitable for Work, created by Mindy Kaling, was canceled after its first season due to poor reception.
- Critics noted Not Suitable for Work's failure to accurately portray digital culture, such as dating apps.
- I Love LA, created by Rachel Sennott, better integrates digital culture, following two aspiring influencers in Los Angeles.
- Pew Research Center states that Gen Z Americans are more ethnically diverse than any previous generation.
- Friends is criticized for its unrealistic lifestyle and lack of engagement with historical events, yet remains popular for nostalgia.
- Gen Z faces high unemployment, unlike the optimism of the 1990s.
- Modern streaming series have shorter seasons (8-9 episodes) compared to Friends' 22-25 episodes, limiting character development.
- The fragmented streaming landscape prevents collective viewing experiences that made Friends a cultural touchstone.
Entities
Artists
- Mindy Kaling
- Rachel Sennott
- Emily Maskell
- Max Gao
Institutions
- FX
- Hulu
- Disney+
- BBC
- Pew Research Center
Locations
- New York
- Queens
- Los Angeles
- California
- United States
- Italy