Review: 'Adults' couldn’t have matured better

By Ridhi Dondeti     6/19/25 9:32pm

Score: ★★★★

Sitcoms are back, and they’re actually funny.

FX’s “Adults” is an original comedy following a friend group navigating New York and what it means to be an “actual adult.” From ever-mounting medical bills to chaotic dinner parties, the group attempts to tackle this new stage of life together, only to be met with varying levels of success. 

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One of the best characteristics of the show is the comedy and improv. While the dialogue and playful banter among the group might lend itself to some secondhand embarrassment among viewers, the show is overall very funny and has some great moments. Some sitcoms may try to force funny moments by overlaying laugh tracks throughout scenes, but “Adults” is a naturally comedic show, and does not force any scene deliveries. 

However, “Adults” is a comedy that is fit for the audience more than critics, since the humor is more tailored towards Gen-Z. This is reflected through a 15 percent difference between audience and top critics' reviews. This is good. Shows such as “Sex in the City” or “Friends” appeal to their own core audience, just as “Adults” does for young adults. 

While the show feels underdeveloped at times, or limits interactions among certain members of the group, it allows the personality of each character to shine. Each character has at least one episode where they are spotlighted. Specifically, the character will have a “flaw” that usually complements itself with another friend’s strength in the group, and the “flawed” character will learn more about themselves or how to become better through a chaotic, but realistic situation. This tends to be the general formula for each episode. 

The idea of spotlighting characters in each episode is ultimately a rational decision on writers Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw’s part. Much of the cast are actors new to the entertainment space, with “Adults” being either their first or one of their first projects. The exceptions are Owen Thiele (who stars as Anton and has recently appeared in “Overcompensating”), Charlie Cox and Julia Fox. Cox and Fox are guest stars on the show. 

Each character is developed enough to introduce their background or experiences that shaped them as a person within the first two episodes of the series. 

Moreover, “Adults” is a real sitcom. While the show presents its own niche references, each episode layers upon itself until the finale to showcase the relatability of the show. Even if the comedy does not appeal to everyone, there is at least one scene or moment that a viewer has experienced or may experience in the future. 

Ultimately, the show also grapples with hard realities such as expired green cards and limited access to abortion. The dynamic format of “Adults” ensures that, in addition to each character’s and the group’s strengths, the audience is left with hope that they can overcome the challenges that come with being an adult.   

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