Jennifer Aniston has been reminiscing about her time on the hit TV show “Friends,” and she’s come to a realization: the world has changed, and comedy has had to adapt. While promoting her new Netflix movie, “Mystery 2,” Aniston spoke to AFP in Paris about the challenges of making comedy in today’s sensitive world.
Aniston acknowledged that comedy has evolved significantly since “Friends” first aired in 1994. “Now it’s a little tricky because you have to be very careful, which makes it really hard for comedians,” she said. The beauty of comedy, Aniston explained, lies in its ability to poke fun at ourselves and life. However, with the increased sensitivity of modern audiences, comedians must now tread carefully to avoid offending anyone.
Aniston also touched on the cultural shift that has taken place since “Friends” debuted. A new generation of viewers has discovered the show, and many are finding it offensive. “There’s a whole generation of people, kids, who are now going back to ‘Friends’ episodes and find them offensive,” Aniston said. She acknowledged that the show’s lack of diversity was a major issue, and that some jokes and storylines were not intentional but still hurtful.
The lack of diversity on “Friends” has long been a point of contention. Last year, co-creator Marta Kauffman expressed her regret over the issue. “It’s not easy to admit and accept guilt,” Kauffman said. “I regret not having more knowledge twenty-five years ago.” Aniston’s comments echo Kauffman’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of sensitivity and awareness in comedy.
As the world continues to evolve, comedy must adapt to reflect the changing times. Aniston’s reflections on “Friends” serve as a reminder that even the most beloved shows can be reevaluated through the lens of modern sensitivity.
