FX’s new sitcom “Adults,” executive produced by Nick Kroll, attempts to capture the essence of Gen Z youth but falls short in delivering a compelling and well-rounded portrayal of its characters. The show follows four twenty-somethings living together in Queens, navigating post-college confusion and ineptitude.
While the premise is relatable, with a focus on group dynamics and generational anxieties, “Adults” neglects to provide an equally potent distillation of overwhelmed, arrogant, hapless youth. The show’s attempts at capturing its moment come in form rather than content, relying on gimmicky bits that feel reverse-engineered rather than organic.
The characters are thinly sketched, with individual personalities defined only vaguely. Samir and Billie’s relationship is marked by a lack of depth, while Issa’s outspoken nature and Paul Baker’s pansexual identity feel more like caricatures than fully fleshed-out traits. The show’s reliance on genre conventions makes it difficult to discern its own voice and direction.
“Adults” feels uncertain and lacking in cohesion, mirroring the anxieties of its characters. With a limited six-episode preview, it’s unclear if the show can settle into a comfortable rhythm or develop a more distinctive take on urban aimlessness. Until then, “Adults” remains a show that fails to capitalize on its promising premise.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/tv/reviews/adults-review-fx-gen-z-1236411063