Zoe Kravitz Reflects on the 90s: Nostalgia, Fashion, and Problematic Humor in Friends
Zoe Kravitz, known for her role in the movie Caught Stealing, expressed her nostalgia for the 90s while discussing her new film with Austin Butler. She mentioned how fun it was to revisit the era on set, playing with answering machines and VHS video machines. Kravitz appreciated the lack of cellphones and reminisced about the fashion and grunge of New York City during that time.
However, Kravitz also pointed out the problematic aspects of the 90s, specifically calling out the super homophobic jokes in mainstream television shows like Friends. She highlighted how watching Friends now reveals outdated and insensitive humor that was once considered acceptable. Butler was surprised by her observation but agreed that such content should stay in the past.
Interestingly, Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman shared similar sentiments in a 2019 interview, expressing regret over certain storylines and jokes in the show. She acknowledged that the lack of knowledge about certain issues back then led to inappropriate content being included in the series. Despite this, not all cast members share the same perspective, with David Schwimmer defending the show's humor and context at the time.
While some viewers, particularly millennials, criticize Friends for its outdated humor, the show continues to be popular and successful, even on streaming platforms like HBO Max. The series finale, which aired in 2004, was watched by millions of viewers, solidifying its status as one of the most-watched finales in U.S. history. Friends remains a cultural phenomenon, despite the evolving perspectives on its content.