For many of us, “Friends” has become the ultimate comfort show.
Many older shows age well upon revisiting because their themes still feel fresh and relatable.
It features homophobic, transphobic, fatphobic, and sexist jokes that would be completely unacceptable today.
Somejokedthat they weren’t aware that “Friends” was supposed to be funny.
Otherspointed outthat they had a right to feel offended by the show’s themes.
Very fewagreedwith Aniston’s belief that people are overly sensitive now.
In fact, her “Friends” co-stars had some interesting things to say about the sitcom.
Interestingly, Kudrow felt that the sitcom’s themes were progressive for the ’90s.
She alluded to moments like Phoebe’s surrogacy and Ross' unconventional family life.
The actor also told theDaily Beastthe show’s lack of diversity might be because of the creators' backgrounds.
As Kudrow asserted, “You write what you know.
They have no business writing stories about the experiences of being a person of color.”
I would have been insane not to hire those six actors.
What can I say?
I wish Lisa was Black?"
But he noted that co-creator Marta Kauffman shared a different sentiment.
Kauffman explained that she was forced to confront her prejudices after George Floyd’s murder.
“I’ve learned a lot in the last 20 years,” she said.
“Admitting and accepting guilt is not easy.
It’s painful looking at yourself in the mirror.
I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know better 25 years ago.”
Kauffman stressed that admitting her shame wasn’t enough for her because her words wouldn’t change anything.
So, she promised to seek diverse actors and creators for future projects.
