Jennifer Aniston on the Current State of Comedy
Jennifer Aniston shared her insights into comedy nowadays and how its evolution has made the genre “tricky” ahead of the release of her latest Netflix movie, Murder Mystery 2. The star’s insights have led to a mixed reaction online.
Jennifer Aniston has made a name for herself as a comedic actor and star through iconic roles such as Rachel on Friends. In a conversation with AFP (via Yahoo News), the star shared her thoughts on the evolution of comedy during her time in the spotlight.
Aniston explained, “Now it’s a little tricky because you have to be very careful, which makes it really hard for comedians.” Aniston continued, “[In the past] you could joke about a bigot and have a laugh — that was hysterical. And it was about educating people on how ridiculous people were. And now we’re not allowed to do that.”
Aniston then addressed her time on Friends and how she feels public perception of the series has changed. The star claimed, “There’s a whole generation of people, kids, who are now going back to episodes of Friends and find them offensive.” Aniston explained that on the series, “There were things that were never intentional and others… well, we should have thought it through — but I don’t think there was a sensitivity like there is now.” The star’s comments have confused some, as younger people largely have not found Friends to be offensive.
right but people saying that some of the jokes are outdated (as expected from a show that ended almost 20 years ago) is not the same as calling a show offensive and it’s especially not the same as a “whole generation” finding the show offensive
— fwd: a 🧸 (@txtpayola) March 29, 2023
In her comments, Aniston emphasized the idea that “the beauty of comedy is [to] make fun of ourselves, make fun of life.” She concluded by exclaiming, “Everybody needs funny! The world needs humor! We can’t take ourselves too seriously. Especially in the United States. Everyone is far too divided.”
Fans have had mixed reactions to Aniston’s take on the present-day status of comedy. Many have noted that being sensitive is different than opposing harmful or offensive jokes and themes. It has also re-sparked the discourse surrounding the lack of diversity in Friends, especially for a series taking place in New York City. Some fans, however, agreed that people have become too sensitive.
And is this “generation” in the room with us right now. Saying “hey this scene was racist looking back at it” is not some awful thing. White adults heard of cancel culture once, and now when anyone makes an observation, they come out with this tired think piece. pic.twitter.com/3ePjPsbZvt
— Academic era (@deviouslez) March 29, 2023
No offence cos I love Jen but she’a joining this conversation a bit late. I watched all of it again recently and they really left out POC in a story taking place in NYC. It feels deliberate and dark even in the middle of the jokes.
— Lady Fear (@LadyFear1) March 29, 2023
Tbh she’s right that people are to sensitive now and almost seems like they’re looking to find things to be offended by.
— Josh 🦌 (@StolidSteves619) March 29, 2023
Feel like ppl should just accept things being products of their time rather than ‘cancelling’ or trying to erase them. Obvs there’s exceptions still
Aniston’s latest comedy, Murder Mystery 2, is set to release on March 31. The trailer is available to watch below.
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