Is Friends Still Relevant To Younger Audience? 5 Reasons Why It's a Resounding Yes

This September marks the 30th anniversary of David Crane and Marta Kauffman's sitcom Friends. For those who watched the show when it first aired on NBC, Friends will forever remain the ultimate classic and the title to turn to in a pinch (like stress or the need for background noise).

But Friends is also popular with the younger generation of viewers who weren't born when the show premiered or even when its finale aired 20 years ago in 2004. After discovering the sitcom on various streaming platforms (mainly Netflix), younger viewers can't help but stay glued to their screens for all ten seasons, even if there are jokes that haven't aged well.

Here are five things that make Friends a sitcom beloved by multiple generations of viewers. Showrunners, take notes.

Friendships

At the heart of the show is a group of young adults living in Manhattan. They try to find their place in life, they love, they laugh, they cry, they grow. But most importantly, they are friends. No matter what happens to them or between them, they always support each other. It is this heartwarming 'found family' dynamic that appeals to people of all generations.

Relatable Themes

The show's ensemble cast are all very different personalities with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies. With six of them, it is easy to find one or two you can relate to. We follow their journeys from their mid-20s to mid-30s, and while some of the humor is dated, their challenges as young adults remain relevant in the 2020s. Climbing up in a career, anxiety about romantic relationships, the social issues. It all feels familiar and relatable today.

Nostalgia For Late 90s-Early 00s

The trend for everything related to the late 20th century/early aughts started a while ago, and has brought a new wave of attention to the shows from that era. Everything from Rachel's outfits and hairstyles to Monica's home decor looks desirable today and gets new fans every day. Plus, New York plays a big role in the show, and its 90s-2000s portrayals were the best.

History Lesson

There's no denying that Friends can come across as problematic. The lack of diversity, the homophobia and transphobia, the fat-shaming, the misogyny, the red flags, the toxic relationships, all of it can be found in the show if you look closely. But it never feels malicious. The sitcom is a product of its time, and a perfect way to show the newer generation how much we have grown as a society in the last three decades.

Feel-Good Vibes

The stories of the Friends characters are guaranteed to touch you, no matter how many times you watch them. But there is a perfect balance of drama and comedy that makes the show easy to watch without having to think too much about it. Friends has a uniquely cozy, therapeutic atmosphere that provides an escape every time you tune in. This is beneficial for all audiences, but may be especially important for the younger generation, who are susceptible to the anxiety and stress of today's world issues.