Friends director defends show from critics, saying it's 'aged really well'

'I don't think much would change. It's a universal story'

(NBC via Getty Images)

When Friends began streaming on Netflix earlier this year, a whole new generation of TV watchers were introduced to the iconic sextet.

As a result, the show was reanalysed with modern sensibilities, and many people found various episodes problematic. One instance was when Ross wants his son to stop playing with Barbies – others were troubled by the constant fatshaming of his sister Monica in various throwback scenes.

Cast members have responded to the ensuing backlash, including Matt LeBlanc, who said the show will “stand the test of time” as the themes are universal.

Executive producer and director Kevin S Bright has now declared that the series has "aged really well", but said that certain elements would also be tweaked for today.

"I think, probably, if anything would change about the show, it would just be to reflect more what's going on in the world that's happening today, but not in a topical way – more in a cultural way," Bright told Digital Spy.

"So I think it would reflect that. But other than that, I don't think much would change. It's a universal story. It was never about gimmicks or aliens or crazy flashback episodes – though we had a couple of those, I guess. It was about simple stories about relationships and people trying to make it in the world – loves won and lost.

"They're very simple stories when you think about it, that just connect with everybody because that's what our lives are like."

After being made available on Netflix, Friends quickly became the most-watched streaming show in the UK, managing to beat The Grand Tour, The Crown, and Stranger Things.