Zoë Kravitz and Austin Butler recently called out Friends for its problematic humor. The iconic sitcom, which aired from 1994 to 2004, is famous for following six friends in New York City, but not all its jokes have aged well.
While promoting their 2025 film Caught Stealing, Kravitz praised 90s culture but criticized Friends for its frequent homophobic jokes. Butler agreed, saying it was surprising even for such a popular show.
Kravitz said, “Things that aren’t punchlines are punchlines. It’s wild… we can keep that in the past.” Butler added, “Yeah, keep that in the ’90s!”
What This Means For Friends’ Legacy
At its peak, Friends was must-see TV and a cultural phenomenon. For many, its place in television history is secure. However, Kravitz and Butler’s comments highlight a growing reappraisal of the show.
While fans celebrate the characters and storylines, modern viewers also critique the frequent homophobic and transphobic jokes, showing that some aspects of Friends haven’t aged well.
Our Take on Friends’ Problematic Elements
Even during its peak, Friends wasn’t immune to criticism for being problematic. As someone who remembers the show’s immense cultural impact while it was airing, I also recall legitimate concerns about its lack of diversity.
At the time, there wasn’t as much public scrutiny over the show’s homophobic content, but looking back now, it’s understandable to call out those issues. The show has been off the air for more than 20 years, and it’s entirely reasonable to celebrate its strengths while still acknowledging its problematic aspects.
It’s easy to see why younger viewers, who didn’t grow up watching Friends in its heyday, might be shocked by some of the homophobic jokes it included. While the show can still be enjoyed today, Kravitz is right: the ‘90s may be back in style, but those types of jokes are best left in the past.
