The narrative of adulthood has transformed dramatically from the early '90s depiction in Friends to the current representation in FX's Adults. While Friends showcased a whimsical version of adult life, emphasizing fun friendships and aspirational brands, Adults reflects a harsher reality characterized by strained relationships, unfulfilling jobs, and pervasive existential dread. The escapism once provided by marketing and media has evolved, with contemporary themes focusing on emotional struggles and personal disconnection, portraying a generation grappling with the weight of reality instead of the allure of fantasy.
In the early '90s, I was torn between pursuing comedy in LA and a marketing job in Massachusetts. Talent wasn't a strategy; I needed a plan.
Shows like Friends presented adulthood as aspirational, with characters enjoying chaotic yet charmed lives, contrasted sharply with today's reality in FX's Adults.
The new series Adults reflects a stark change, portraying 20-somethings facing challenges like existential dread and joyless jobs rather than a harmonious life.
Marketers have thrived on aspiration, using brands as identity markers, while today's culture deals with frayed relationships and unanswered messages.
Collection
[
|
...
]