Are you in need of a good, new show to watch? Are you a fan of “Friends” or “New Girl”? Do you ever think about moving into a small apartment with your dysfunctional friend group? Well, a short piece of advice: don’t do the latter, but instead watch FX’s new show “Adults” on Hulu or Disney+! Trust me, you’ll thank me.
I must start off with a warning: this show contains secondhand embarrassment. A lot of it. Maybe too much of it. But hey! Nothing like a little exposure therapy… right? I promise you, if you can make it past the cold open of episode two, you can make it past anything.
“Adults” follows the lives of five friends: Anton, Issa, Billie, Samir and Paul Baker. They’re a group of twenty-somethings trying — and failing — to navigate life in New York City.
Why should you give this show a chance? Well, firstly, it’s relatable. Modern issues require modern problems, and that’s just what “Adults” delves into. Have you ever been too friendly for your own good? Well, so has Anton, so much so to the point he accidentally befriended a stabber. Have you ever been nervous about introducing one friend group to another group? Well, so has Paul Baker, when he introduced the cast to his frat-boy archetype friends. There are many different situations pictured in the show that represent basic inconveniences faced by us all. This show simply takes it up a notch and makes it a hilarious scene for us to laugh at (and to hopefully never experience).
Secondly, it understands our generation. There are certain easter eggs that require a specific amount of screen time to understand. There’s a plot line in season two where the character Paul Baker struggles with being “too approachable”. This leads him to being featured on several man-on-the-street type of interviews. At the end of the episode, the show features multiple cameos of famous man-on-the-street web-series, including “Recess Therapy”, the “Are You Okay?” show, the “Track Star” show and “Gaydar.” Many of these featured web-series are popular on TikTok and Instagram, and these shows primarily have a Gen Z audience. Honestly, it was hilarious seeing shows that constantly come up on my for you page appear on my TV screen.
Lastly, the representation is impeccable. This show has so much subtle representation, it’s refreshing. This show balances a blend of characters of different races, sexual orientations and religious beliefs, but does so in a way that portrays them in the most accurate way you can: as normal people.
Personally, I market “Adults” on being the Gen Z version of previously mentioned sitcoms, “Friends” and “New Girl.” This show is quite short and extremely bingeable. There are two seasons, both being around eight episodes each. I was able to finish the entire show in about two days! If you’re in need of a little escapism, you should give “Adults” a try.