Zoe Kravitz Calls for 'Friends' to Stay in the '90s: Criticizes Outdated Jokes

ZOE KRAVITZ CALLS OUT FRIENDS FOR ITS NOW-DEPLORABLE HOMOPHOBIC JOKES

In a scathing critique, actress Zoe Kravitz has blasted the iconic sitcom Friends for its cringeworthy jokes that didn't age well past the '90s. The 36-year-old star of the hit movie Caught Stealing, which hits theaters this month, expressed her distaste for the show's outdated humor in an interview with People.

As she reflected on her latest project, a crime-thriller set in 1998 New York City, Kravitz couldn't help but reminisce about the decade. "I'm really nostalgic for that time," she gushed to her co-star Austin Butler. The pair shared their fondness for retro gadgets like Nintendo 64 and VHS tapes, and even poked fun at their own lack of cell phones.

However, Kravitz's nostalgia quickly turned into disdain when discussing the show's content. "Even just being in the apartment [on set] and seeing the Nintendo 64 on top of the TV," she began, before dropping a bombshell about Friends. "We had the GoldenEye [video game], I saw that." Butler chimed in, recalling his own experience with old-school tech.

But then came the punchline – or rather, the punchline that didn't quite land as intended. Kravitz continued: "Then also the fashion, all that stuff's so cool. New York City and the grunge. It's a good time." However, her tone shifted as she made it clear what she would leave behind. "Super homophobic jokes on mainstream television," she declared.

Butler looked taken aback by Kravitz's candidness. "Wow, even in Friends?" he asked. Kravitz nodded solemnly: "Oh, so much in Friends. Like, things that aren't punchlines are punchlines. It's wild."

The actress' sentiments echo those of the show's creators, Marta Kauffman and David Crane, who have previously admitted to some questionable choices made during their time at the helm of Friends. In a 2019 interview with USA Today, Kaufman confessed: "Every time I watch an episode, there's something I wish I could have changed. All the time."

However, not everyone shares Kravitz's perspective on the show. David Schwimmer, who played lovable but awkward Ross Geller on Friends, has come to its defense in the past. In 2020, he told The Guardian: "The truth is also that show was groundbreaking in its time for the way in which it handled so casually sex, protected sex, gay marriage and relationships."

Schwimmer's argument may have resonated with some fans, but Kravitz isn't convinced. When asked about Schwimmer's response, she simply shook her head: "I'm not saying I agree or disagree, but...it's just that times were different." She paused for a moment before adding: "But maybe we don't need to be reminded of how 'different' things were back then."

Kravitz's comments have sparked debate among Friends fans, who are now re-evaluating the show's legacy. With its mix of laughter and tears, friendships and love triangles, Friends remains one of the most beloved sitcoms in TV history. But as Kravitz so aptly put it: "We can keep that [in the '90s] – not on our modern screens."

The Scholarly Note

As we navigate the complexities of nostalgia and social commentary, one thing is clear: Zoe Kravitz's sharp tongue has left its mark on the world of entertainment. With a growing voice in Hollywood and a passion for sparking conversation, this talented young actress is sure to be at the forefront of the industry for years to come.