5 Reasons Why Even Gen Z Loves Friends (Despite Every Joke That Aged Poorly)
Friends may be problematic in some ways, but there are still many reasons to love it 28 years after its premiere.
It's been almost 19 years since the finale of Friends aired on NBC, but the show is still going strong on various streaming networks. The COVID pandemic pushed the modern generation of viewers to discover popular projects from the late 1990s and early 2000s, and Friends was definitely among them, according to Netflix viewership numbers.
Even though the new young adults, aka Gen Z, criticized Friends for a number of storylines and jokes that did not age well, the cult sitcom was not 'canceled,' and the joy of watching it trumped the red flags.
Here is why Gen Z viewers love Friends, despite its sometimes problematic plotlines and humor.
Friendship
The main theme of Friends is, of course, the friendship between six New Yorkers who face many challenges as they grow personally and professionally but never fail to support and help each other. Some friendship stories are hilarious, some are heartwarming and sweet, some are heartbreaking, but they all create that sense of connection that all people of all times strive for.
Relatable characters
Friends has no obvious protagonist. All six main characters are equally important and well-developed, and each is unique and relatable in their own way. In terms of age, they go from mid-20s to mid-30s over the course of the show, and that's the most relatable age for Gen Z.
Social norms and beliefs change, but the issues young adults face remain largely the same.
The 90s nostalgia
The current nostalgia for the 1990s played a big role in the new wave of Friends popularity. Everything from Rachel's hairstyles and outfits to Monica's home decor looks stylish today and has found its fans and millions of likes on social media.
Societal growth
To a modern eye, Friends might seem problematic, with elements of homo- and transphobia, fat-shaming, misogyny, and toxic relationships. But it was never meant to be malicious.
The show is a product of its time, and Gen Z viewers might find it interesting to see how society has grown in the 28 years since the show premiered.
Cozy vibes
The main reason Friends remains a favorite background show for many viewers around the world is its cozy atmosphere that people can tune into and get lost in. This comforting nature appeals to any generation of viewers, but even more so to Gen Z, who often find themselves stressed out by what is happening in the world today.