Lisa Kudrow has shared her thoughts on the current state of television comedy, saying modern sitcoms are often “too afraid to make jokes that might make people uncomfortable.”
In a conversation with Interview Magazine, the ‘Friends’ alum noted that classic comedies like Friends, Seinfeld, and 30 Rock set a high standard for clever, bold humor that newer shows rarely match.
Kudrow on Comedy and Audience Fear
Kudrow criticized multi-camera sitcoms filmed in front of live audiences, saying, “I’m not drawn to new sitcoms that are multi-camera in front of an audience because I’m not buying it.” She added that comedy today often avoids jokes that might challenge viewers, stating, “I feel like we’ve been too afraid to make jokes that might make people uncomfortable.”
She highlighted that single-camera formats, which she now prefers, allow for more natural storytelling and unexpected comedic moments. “They’re jokes that are kind of, ‘I can’t believe you just said that.’ Comedy is about surprise. You need things you didn’t see coming,” she said.
Return to Television
This commentary comes as Kudrow returns to television with the final season of The Comeback, which premiered in March. The show, first debuting in 2005, is a reflection of Kudrow’s unique comedic voice and highlights her continued influence on the comedy genre.
