Lisa Kudrow, best known as Phoebe Buffay on ‘Friends,’ has criticised contemporary multi-camera sitcoms for being “too afraid” to make audiences uncomfortable.
In a recent Interview, Kudrow said she is “not drawn” to new shows in the format, adding that comedy should include surprises and risk.
“I wish they were evolving. 30 Rock, Seinfeld and Friends were really funny and well-written. But I’m not buying new multi-camera sitcoms. I feel like we’ve been too afraid to make jokes that might make people uncomfortable,” she explained. Kudrow added that the best humour comes from jokes that shock or catch viewers off guard.
Reflecting on her iconic role, Kudrow said fans once labelled Phoebe a ditz, but she never saw her that way. “She wasn’t stupid. She just wasn’t toeing the line,” Kudrow said, highlighting the character’s free-spirited nature that helped Friends remain one of television’s most beloved sitcoms.
