Calling all “New Girl” fans, Hulu has a show just for you! On May 28th, 2025, the FX comedy “Adults” premiered on Hulu and was quickly renewed for a second season, which was released just last month.
Reminiscent of “New Girl” and “Friends,” “Adults” follows an unconventional group of friends living in Queens, New York City, rent-free in one of their childhood homes. The group is made of five 20-something friends—Billie, Samir, Anton, Issa, and Paul Baker, and follows them as they navigate adulthood, friendship, and the hardships of the modern dating scene.
To be honest, when I first started watching the show, I didn’t have high expectations. The premise sounded entirely too similar to “New Girl”, and the friendship dynamics reminded me too much of previous sitcoms. I couldn’t imagine this show was doing something new, but I was completely wrong.
“Adults” does what other shows haven’t—it doesn’t strive to recreate past nostalgia or redo a saturated trope. It aims to make you feel seen and meet us where we are in this ever-revolving world.
What drew me, and so many others, to shows like “New Girl” and “The Office” was not just the comedy, but the sense of community and relatability. But after entering adulthood and experiencing the job market and the harsh realities of the world, those shows have lost their resonation. They’re set in an entirely different time, one before increased cell phone use, ridiculous rent prices, and digital footprints.
That’s why “Adults” is special. It targets the unique experience of Gen Z, and this is the primary reason it has quickly become a favorite of mine and so many others! With episodes focusing on the challenges of media, trends, and professionalism in the workplace, this show directly relates with viewers. “Adults” focuses on the adversity of adults in this current climate and is catered toward a younger audience, focusing on Gen Z norms and values, which is undoubtedly the source of the show’s success and trend. From the unstable job market to identity struggles, “Adults” covers the reality of life after college, which is exactly the comfort we need when the future may be uncertain or daunting.
Billie is an unemployed journalist, and the childhood best friend of Samir. She is awkward, partially insufferable, but undoubtedly human. Her struggle is one that many of us can relate to—the anxiety of growing up. employment, and the uncertainty of the future. Similarly, Samir is unemployed, living in his parent’s home with his friends, grappling with the difficulty of trying to grow and be a true adult while still residing in his childhood home.
Issa is a dance teacher and is unapologetically herself. She’s loud, fashionable, and never apologizes for who she is. She’s inspiring to so many women who feel like they have to be as small as possible, and her character is a constant reminder that you’re allowed to take up space! Anton is similar, as he is a hilarious, charismatic, and overly friendly character, who struggles with feeling like he has a responsibility to be everything for everyone. He’s the college roommate of Samir.
The latest addition to the group of friends is Paul Baker, who is Issa’s boyfriend. He’s sexually fluid, sweet, and incredibly sensitive.
While this group may seem like an odd match, all held together by their connection to Samir, they actually work incredibly well. Even as the characters struggle with lovers, finances, and their livelihood, they always have each other. The world may be scary, but a good friendship helps you wait out the storm.
A heartfelt aspect of the show is how easily it weaves in important topics and themes of sexuality and gender. Anton is gay, Paul Baker is fluid, and it is not a big deal, or their defining characteristic. It’s who they are, and it is accepted by the entire friend group without any melodramatics. It’s refreshing to see important conversations and representation without it feeling performative or becoming an unreasonably big deal.
From belly-achingly hilarious comedic scenes to heartfelt romances, “Adults” on FX has surpassed my every expectation, and I recommend giving it a chance to become your new favorite sitcom.
