Audience Demand For Black Y/A Shows, 'Friendship' Brings The Laughs, 'Meet The Parents 4'
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Viewers Are Loving Black Young Adult Content. Studios Should Listen.
Oh, to be a kid again! Shows like ‘The Wonder Years,’ ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ and ‘Boy Meets World,’ encouraged nostalgic viewers to reminisce on the past, and gave young adults something they could relate to. Of course, these shows aren’t known for having particularly diverse casts. But Black audiences deserve to see “Coming Of Age” stories too! And if you haven’t noticed, there’s been a wave of them popping up across networks and streamers.
Netflix has a mega-hit in Mara Brock Akil’s Judy Blume adaptation, ‘Forever,’ securing a second season just days after its launch. ‘All-American’ is on its seventh season, becoming a CW mainstay in a time of content transition for the network, and sparking a spin-off. The Fresh Prince adaptation, ‘Bel-Air,’ is one of Peacock’s best performing shows, and is gearing up for it’s fourth and final season. “Grown-Ish” had a strong six year run. And Apple TV’s “Swagger,” while canceled after Season 2, is seeing a resurgence.
Major studios would be smart to make cancellations like that of “Swagger” rare, and put forward the marketing and investment to help Black Y/A shows grow. There’s clearly a strong audience for them.
Review: ‘Friendship’ Finds The Funny In Painfully Real Male Loneliness Problem
In ‘Friendship,’ director Alex Garland (in an unexpected comedic turn) brings together the unlikely duo of Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd for a buddy comedy that leans hard into the awkward, the uncomfortable, and—somehow—the deeply human. What starts as a cringe-filled romp through two men’s unraveling bromance turns into one of the most honest depictions of the male friendship problem in recent memory. It’s enough to make you ask: “Are Men Ok???”
Robinson, best known for his hilarious Emmy-winning sketch show, ‘I Think You Should Leave,’ brings his signature brand of squirm-inducing humor to the role of Dave, a middle-aged man stuck in a personal and professional rut. Enter Paul Rudd as Brad—a charming, effortlessly cool local meteorologist, who is completely oblivious to the emotional chaos he’s soon to cause just by being the new neighbor. The film plays out like a long form episode of, ‘I Think You Should Leave’ — things get weird. I’ll save some of the details for you to find out for yourself. You’ll be watching through your hands—and laughing through them too.
‘Friendship’ is packed with laugh-out-loud moments (I estimate every five minutes) that feel ripped from real life, and for the socially awkward out there, may feel especially relatable. If you’re familiar with that distressing feeling of a joke or comment going too far, and the stares and awkward silence it brings, this is your type of humor! Its comedy lives in the cracks of human connection, those moments when people try, and fail, to say and do the right thing. Beneath the absurdity, there’s something that makes you feel empathy for the characters, no matter how cringe their actions are.
Robinson and Rudd have electric, off-kilter chemistry. Rudd’s eternal boyishness plays beautifully against Robinson’s tightly wound energy, creating a dynamic that feels both hilarious and, at times, uncomfortable.
In a world of polished punchlines and formulaic plots, ‘Friendship’ stands out by letting things get messy—and trusting that the audience will find something beautiful in the chaos. It’s another hit A24 can notch on it’s belt, and a terrific cinematic debut for Tim Robinson.
Civil War (HBO Max) - It’s a war movie unlike any other. Alex Garland spins a tale in a not-too-distant dystopian future, where political divisions have led to a new civil war in America. The film follows photojournalists documenting the saga. It’s ambiguity on its politics upset me for many reasons, but many disagree with me. Check it out for yourself and tell me your thoughts.
Blood Of Zeus (Netflix) - Greek mythology nerds, this animated series is for you! But don’t let the format hold you back. Blood Of Zeus is a refreshing spin on Greek lore, as Gods and Titans of legend clash. It’s an easy, action-packed, and strongly scripted drama.
Clint Eastwood Is Directing Another Movie - He’s the spry age of 95.
Ariana Grande Stars In ‘Meet The Parents 4’ - She’ll join returning cast members Ben Stiller, Robert DeNiro, Teri Polo and Blythe Danner. In theaters on November 25, 2026.
Netflix’s TUDUM and CCXP Mexico This Weekend - Expect to learn more at these events about anticipated releases like ‘Stranger Things,’ ‘Knives Out 3,’ ‘Gen V,’ ‘Dexter: Resurrection,’ and more!