Two of at the moment’s largest film stars have referred to as out Mates for being problematic. Simply one of the vital profitable sitcoms of all-time, Mates targeted on a gaggle of six buddies dwelling their lives and in search of love in New York Metropolis. Mates aired from 1994 till 2004, however remained so related {that a} extremely anticipated reunion was launched in 2021.
Just like viewers who liked Seinfeld’s characters, many Mates viewers could not get sufficient of the present. Nevertheless, even many followers who love the present will skip some Mates episodes throughout rewatches. Two film stars have lately gone additional than that by arguing that one a part of Mates needs to be left previously as a result of it was so problematic.
In August 2025, Zoë Kravitz and Austin Butler have been interviewed by Individuals whereas selling their film Caught Stealing. For the reason that film takes place in 1998, Kravitz instructed the outlet about how a lot she enjoys the tradition from the Nineties throughout the dialogue. Try Kravitz’s feedback beneath:
Kravitz: [I’m] actually nostalgic for that point… Then additionally the style, all that stuff’s so cool. New York Metropolis and the grunge. … It is a good time.
Individuals then requested Kravitz to call a facet of Nineties tradition that she would go away previously. After taking a second to contemplate that query, Kravitz referred to as out the homophobic jokes that have been featured on Mates. After listening to Kravitz’s remarks, Butler agreed, and each actors argued that homophobic jokes like those from Mates needs to be left previously.
Kravitz: Tremendous homophobic jokes on mainstream tv. If you happen to watch Mates now you are like, ‘Whoa, that is….’
Butler: Wow, even in Mates?
Kravitz: Oh, a lot in Mates. Like, issues that are not punchlines are punchlines. It is wild. So perhaps that? We are able to preserve that there.
Butler: That is loopy. Yeah, preserve that within the ’90s!
What This Means For Mates’ Legacy
Mates the group at Monica’s house watching TV
On the peak of Mates’ success, the present was a cultural juggernaut that was thought of must-see TV. For many individuals who grew up throughout that period, the present’s place in tv historical past stays unquestionable. Nevertheless, the feedback that Kravitz and Butler made show that Mates’ legacy has gone by means of a reappraisal by many.
Whereas followers love inspecting issues like how Mates’ foremost characters all met, there are some individuals who concentrate on how problematic the present was. The truth that Mates featured many homophobic and transphobic jokes are examples of what makes the present problematic by means of a contemporary lens.
Our Take On Mates’ Problematic Components
Mates The One The place Ross is Nice
Even on the peak of Mates’ mammoth success, the present wasn’t immune from criticisms of being problematic. As somebody who remembers how huge a cultural icon Mates was when it was airing, I additionally recall extraordinarily legitimate complaints concerning the present’s lack of range.
Whereas there wasn’t practically as a lot public outcry about Mates being homophobic when it was nonetheless airing, it is smart to name the present out for that now. The present has been off the air for over 20 years, and it’s honest to reward its highlights, whereas nonetheless recognizing its problematic components.
I can utterly perceive why younger viewers who do not bear in mind Mates’ heyday can be shocked by the homophobic jokes that the present featured. Whereas the present can nonetheless be loved, Kravitz is true that whereas the ’90s is common once more, these sorts of jokes are greatest left previously.
Mates
8/10
Launch Date
1994 – 2004
Showrunner
Marta Kauffman
