How Streaming Services Are Competing for the Next Friends

Back in the 1990s, hanging out sitcoms became all the rage. Shows like “Living Single,” “Seinfeld,” and “Friends” captured audiences with their relatable humor and everyday situations. These shows were not about the workplace or family drama, but about friends just hanging out and chatting. Think moving a couch upstairs or searching for a car in a parking garage.

Shows like “Cheers” in the 1980s paved the way, but it was “Friends” that truly broke the mold. This show resonated with Gen Xers entering adulthood and set the standard for what a hangout sitcom could be. After that, everyone in the television industry was on the hunt for the next big hit like “Friends.”

Enter the streaming era. With the rise of platforms like Hulu, Prime Video, and FX, finding the next popular hangout sitcom has proven challenging. Some believe it’s because our culture is so diverse now, or maybe it’s the constant news cycle anxiety. But the truth is, streaming platforms are just not set up to nurture the next “Friends.” They are more focused on instant success than allowing shows to find their footing over time.

Prime Video recently premiered “Overcompensating” and Hulu launched “Adults,” two shows that have been generating buzz for their diverse casts and contemporary humor. Although these shows are not trying to be the next “Friends,” they are created by creators who grew up in a world where “Friends” was a cultural phenomenon. Both shows offer new perspectives and voices, tackling important social issues in an entertaining way.

When it comes to streaming, shows are expected to hit the ground running. Unlike traditional TV, where shows like “Friends” got a boost from airing after popular programs like “Seinfeld,” streaming platforms don’t offer the same support or exposure. This can make it challenging for new shows to find their audience and grow over time.

In the end, the quest for the next “Friends” continues, but as the television landscape evolves, it’s clear that streaming platforms are changing the game. While we may never find another show quite like “Friends,” the variety and diversity of content available today is a testament to how far television has come.