5 Current Shows That Give Us Those "Friends" Vibes!

The iconic, trailblazing sitcom "Friends" debuted in 1994, becoming an instant classic. People became enchanted by the crew of quirky characters, laugh-out-loud humor, relatable relationships, both romantic and platonic, and real-life issues, as well as fierce '90s fashion. Many people to this day find themselves comfort re-watching this series, and who can blame them? Whether it be Phoebe’s zaniness or Chandler’s charm, the show has someone for everyone. So, if you’re considering booting up HBO Max to sink back into your tried and true comfort show, pause and take a moment to consider some of these contemporary shows that give us the same warm and raunchy "Friends" feelings!

1. "Adults"

"Adults" premiered its first season in 2025 on FX and has already been renewed for a second season. Starring an offbeat cast of five -- including famous influencer Jack Innanen and Owen Thiele -- twenty-something New Yorkers navigate the day-to-day chaos of young adult life. Sound familiar? Across the 8-episode first season, these friends tackle capital-R Responsibility through both comedic highs and lows in a relatably hilarious fashion. Plus, the last episode will leave you on a romantic cliff-hanger, desperately craving Season 2’s release! (Stream on Hulu)

2. "Overcompensating"

Also released in 2025, "Overcompensating" takes us back to college alongside Benny (Benito Skinner), harboring a secret he struggles to face. Despite not exactly mimicking the traditional "Friends"-style friend group, Benny navigates his friendship with Carmen (Wally Baram) and strenuous relationships with his older sister Grace (Mary Beth Barone) and her sleazy frat bro boyfriend Peter. This show is truly an ensemble performance that is only elevated by Charli XCX’s music production. At times hilarious and other times computer-shuttingly awkward, "Overcompensating" will keep you hooked until the very end, and luckily for us, we will be getting a much-desired Season 2! (Stream on Prime Video)

3. "I Love LA"

Created, written by, and starring the iconic Rachel Sennott of Bottoms and Shiva Baby fame, "I Love LA" is a witty and self-conscious satire about the modern influencer and chronically online Gen-Z culture. Just as New York City is brought to life through the characters of "Friends", "I Love LA" highlights Los Angeles’s atmosphere through Maia’s struggles as a talent agent and her codependent friend group’s challenges with aspirations and ever-evolving relationships. Odessa A’zion, True Whitaker, and Josh Hutcherson add to the chaos, cringe, and comedy, making this the perfect ensemble to fill the "Friends"-shaped hole in your heart. (Stream on HBO Max)

4. "The Sex Lives of College Girls"

This show follows the evolving dynamics of four college roommates, Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet), Leighton Murray (Reneé Rapp), Bela (Amrit Kaur), and Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott). Just like "Friends", this show throws viewers into the complicated and often hilarious antics of these four quirky and unique friends. The first season particularly shines in its ability to introduce and grow these characters in meaningful and often relatable ways, even as they work through the complexities of their relationships with one another and life as a college student. (Stream on HBO Max)

5. "Hacks"

Although not exactly a friend group of young adults, the dynamic between legendary but washed-out veteran stand-up comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and 25-year-old, green comedic writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder) leaves nothing to be desired emotionally or comedically. The mentor-mentee relationship highlights both the comedy in their professional and personal lives as well as developing characters audiences really relate to in their unabashed authenticity. You’ll find yourself cheering for, laughing, and yelling at them all at once, in true "Friends" fashion! (Stream on HBO Max)

As tempting as it might be to fall back into another "Friends" re-watch, these shows offer a wide array of characters and relationships to grow attached to, and potentially become the modern "Friends"-esque instant classics we so desperately want and need!