Adam Goldberg criticizes 'Friends' for lack of diversity, reflects on past experiences

Adam Goldberg has spoken out about the lack of diversity in "Friends," describing it as an "incredibly unrealistic portrayal" of New York City. In an interview with The Independent, Goldberg, who played Eddie, Chandler Bing's roommate, criticized the show for its absence of racial diversity, stating, “In terms of diversity, looking back, it seems insane.” He noted that it was the "norm" at the time, and highlighted how the lack of inclusive representation was reflective of broader societal attitudes.

Goldberg also shared his own experiences, revealing that he received feedback about not being “all-American enough,” which he believes would be unacceptable today. He acknowledged that the show's portrayal of New York was unrealistic, questioning how the characters could afford their apartments.

The Friends showrunners have previously addressed this issue. Executive producer Kevin Bright stated in 2021 that an all-white cast would likely be different if the show were made today. Creator Marta Kauffman also admitted in 2022 to feeling "embarrassed" about the show's lack of diversity, reflecting on the lessons learned over the years.

Despite these criticisms, Goldberg expressed gratitude for his role on the iconic sitcom, praising the achievements of his co-stars, particularly Jennifer Aniston, for her expansive career.

"Friends" remains available for streaming on Max.