Hill Harper, a star of The Good Doctor, recently shared his thoughts on the beloved sitcom Friends, calling it “ridiculous” in terms of diversity.
Harper, who has been a vocal advocate for social justice and equality, expressed that while Friends remains a cultural icon, its lack of racial representation is an issue that cannot be overlooked, especially in the context of today’s more inclusive entertainment landscape.
In his comments, Harper pointed out that the show, which ran for ten seasons and became a defining staple of 90s television, primarily featured a homogenous group of white characters living in New York City—one of the most diverse cities in the world. The absence of significant Black, Latino, or Asian representation among the main cast or even as recurring characters highlights the show’s failure to reflect the true diversity of its setting.
Harper acknowledged that Friends was a product of its time, but he argued that the show’s lack of diversity is glaring when compared to modern television, where creators are increasingly focused on telling stories that represent a broader spectrum of voices. As an actor and activist, Harper has always been passionate about seeing people of all backgrounds represented in media, and he believes that such representation is crucial for audiences to see themselves reflected in the stories they watch.
While Friends remains a beloved series with a lasting legacy, Harper’s comments reflect a growing movement within the entertainment industry to reassess older shows through a more critical lens, particularly when it comes to issues of diversity and inclusion. This conversation is part of a larger dialogue about how media influences societal perceptions and the importance of telling stories that reflect the diverse world we live in.
