The Search for a Gen Z Hangout Sitcom: Can ‘Adults’ Fill the Gap?
In an era where television shows are often defined by their generation, it seems that Gen Z is yet to find its equivalent of the iconic sitcoms that have become synonymous with previous generations. Shows like ‘Friends’ for Gen X and ‘New Girl’ and ‘Happy Endings’ for millennials have left a void in the world of television, with many creators and writers struggling to replicate the same magic for the younger generation. According to a review by Rolling Stone, the new FX/Hulu comedy ‘Adults’ may be just the ticket.
Created by ‘Tonight Show’ writers Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw, who were just 27 when they sold the show to FX, ‘Adults’ follows a group of friends navigating their post-college years in the Queens childhood home of Samir, played by Malik Elassal. The show boasts a talented young cast, including Lucy Freyer, Amita Rao, and Owen Thiele, who bring to life a group of friends who are equal parts silly and endearing. As Rolling Stone notes, “The chemistry among the leads, and the sense of extreme, detailed intimacy the writers give the characters, makes it all work.”
The show’s tone is quickly established in the opening scene, where Issa, played by Amita Rao, decides to take a stand against a subway masturbator by loudly gratifying herself, much to the surprise and delight of the other passengers. This sets the stage for a series that is unafraid to push boundaries and challenge social norms. As Rolling Stone observes, “‘Adults’ wastes no time getting its tone across, with an opening scene where Issa decides the best way to combat a subway masturbator is to loudly gratify herself at the same time, not noticing or caring that everyone else in the car is now filming her — and that the pervert she’s trying to shame is aroused by her stunt.”
One of the standout aspects of ‘Adults’ is its ability to balance farce, social satire, and character comedy. In one episode, Paul Baker, played by Jack Innanen, and Samir visit a pawn shop to try to sell a gun, but Paul Baker struggles to connect with the owner, who seems progressive but uses outdated language. As Rolling Stone notes, “Paul Baker tells him that nobody uses that word anymore: ‘The cast of Glee kinda did that through the power of song.'” This episode is cited by Rolling Stone as a highlight of the series, showcasing the cast’s chemistry and the writers’ ability to craft nuanced characters.
The show’s use of cringe comedy is a bit hit-or-miss, with some episodes feeling more uncomfortable than others. However, the cast’s chemistry and the writers’ attention to detail make even the most awkward moments feel authentic and engaging. As Rolling Stone comments, “Mostly, though, the chemistry among the leads, and the sense of extreme, detailed intimacy the writers give the characters, makes it all work.”
In contrast to other shows that have attempted to speak for an entire generation, ‘Adults’ avoids making grand statements or declarations. Instead, it focuses on telling the story of five funny people being funny together. As Rolling Stone notes, “No good comes from a comedy trying to declare itself a standard-bearer for its entire generation… Fortunately, ‘Adults’ doesn’t try.”
The first two episodes of ‘Adults’ debut on May 28 on FX, with later episodes releasing weekly. All eight episodes begin streaming on May 29 on Hulu. With its talented young cast and nuanced writing, ‘Adults’ may just be the show that Gen Z has been waiting for. As Rolling Stone concludes, “Anyone who watches this show (all at once on Hulu or weekly on FX) will be much more amused than annoyed.”
Source link
