Jennifer Aniston has reignited a major cultural debate after stating that an entire generation of young people now considers Friends offensive. The iconic sitcom, which ran for ten successful seasons from 1994 to 2004, remains one of the most beloved television series of all time, with a massive fanbase that still enjoys rewatching its episodes decades after its original run. However, Aniston believes that in today’s climate, some of the show’s humor has not aged well and has led to backlash from younger audiences.
During her decade-long tenure as Rachel Green, Aniston became a household name, contributing to the sitcom’s worldwide success. Yet, as society continues to evolve, so do perspectives on humor, representation, and inclusivity. According to the actress, Gen Z viewers in particular are reevaluating Friends through a modern lens, with some calling out certain jokes and storylines as outdated or even problematic.
Her remarks have sparked a passionate debate across social media, with many agreeing that times have changed while others argue that Friends remains as enjoyable as ever.
There is evidence to support Aniston’s claims. Over the years, numerous discussions have emerged regarding elements of Friends that have not aged gracefully. Some of the most frequently cited criticisms revolve around the way the show depicted certain groups, including its portrayal of Chandler Bing’s transgender parent and the treatment of Carol and Susan, Ross’ ex-wife and her lesbian partner. Additionally, many have pointed out the near-total lack of diversity within the main cast.
Ross Geller’s behavior, in particular, has also come under scrutiny from younger viewers. Some argue that his actions, especially toward the women in his life, reflect attitudes that would not be acceptable in today’s cultural climate. One TikTok user voiced this sentiment by saying, “I could absolutely see Ross being the kind of guy who hurts the women in his life and doesn’t feel guilty about it.” A Redditor echoed this perspective, commenting, “Let’s be honest—this show hasn’t aged well. The humor doesn’t land with today’s generation.”
Even major media outlets have weighed in on the debate, with BuzzFeed compiling an extensive list of scenes from Friends that modern audiences find problematic.
However, despite the backlash, many fans argue that Friends is still widely adored, including by younger audiences. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “I’ve loved Friends for years and still rewatch it all the time. Yes, some things wouldn’t be written the same way today, and there are outdated jokes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still appreciate it for what it was. Both things can be true.”
Another person challenged the idea that Friends is now universally disliked, stating, “Celebrities need to stop acting like a small, vocal group of Twitter users represents an entire generation. Friends remains one of the most streamed and commercially successful shows ever. Yes, there are valid criticisms, but that hasn’t stopped Gen Z from keeping it relevant and beloved.”
Aniston herself acknowledges that comedy as a genre has undergone major shifts over the years, making it trickier for comedians and actors alike. Speaking about the changing nature of humor, she remarked, “Comedy has evolved, and now it’s much more complicated. You have to be extremely careful, which makes it harder for comedians. Comedy has always been about making fun of life, making fun of ourselves. That’s what makes it so relatable.”
She went on to explain that in previous decades, comedians could make jokes about offensive or ignorant people to highlight their absurdity, but now even those types of jokes are sometimes seen as unacceptable. “We used to be able to laugh at bigots because it showed how ridiculous they were. It was a way of educating people. But now, even that’s off-limits,” she said.
Reflecting on how Friends is perceived by younger generations, Aniston admitted, “There’s an entire generation of kids watching Friends now and finding some parts of it offensive. There were moments where things weren’t intended to be hurtful, and others where—yes, in hindsight—we probably should have been more thoughtful. But back then, people weren’t as sensitive to these issues as they are today. Everything feels far more divided now.”
This ongoing discussion raises broader questions about whether classic television shows should be viewed strictly within the context of their time or whether they should be held to modern standards of inclusivity and representation. Regardless of where one stands on the debate, Friends remains one of the most enduringly popular sitcoms in history, proving that even in a changing cultural landscape, its legacy is far from over.