‘Friends’ creator says the transgender jokes would have been changed if the show was made today
The hit comedy series launched on Netflix but many argued that the show did not age well
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Friends creator Marta Kauffman has admitted she would have changed the transgender jokes if the show was made today.
The hit TV series ran for 10 seasons and the finale was one of the most watched episodes of all time and fans were delighted when every episode landing on Netflix.
But many argued that the show did not age well and is full of homophobic and transphobic jokes with the introduction of Chandler’s (Matthew Perry) dad – a transgender woman who has a Las Vegas show called Viva Las Gaygas played by the amazing Kathleen Turner.
Another joke saw Brad Pitt’s cameo special reveal that while in high school he spread a rumour about Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) being a hermaphrodite.
And while speaking to USA Today, Kauffman admitted the show would be different if it was made today.
She said: “I think we didn’t have the knowledge about transgender people back then, so I’m not sure if we use the appropriate terms.
“I don’t know if I would have known those terms back then. I think that’s the biggest one.
“I might have not done the hermaphrodite stuff today if I had that to do over in the one with Brad Pitt.”
Despite some arguing the show is homophobic and transphobic, the show is still a success on the streaming giant.