If you’ve recently finished watching the entire series “Adults” on Hulu and found yourself captivated, you’re not alone! Even the talented singer-songwriter and popular pop star, Sabrina Carpenter, shares your admiration for it.
The original series on Hulu, titled “Untitled Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw Project,” boasts Nick Kroll and Stefani Robinson from “Big Mouth” as executive producers. It centers around a quintet of young adults residing in Queens, New York: Samir Rahman (Malik Elessai), Billie Schaffer (Lucy Freyer), Paul Baker (Jack Innanen), Anton Evans (Owen Thiele), and Issa (Amita Rao). In this sprawling New York City borough, Billie, Anton, and Issa share Samir’s childhood home as roommates. The first episode introduces us to Paul Baker, who is often called by his full name, and he moves in, rounding out the group of five.
As a gamer, I’m intrigued! So why does Carpenter fit into this story? Well, Thiele shared a playful TikTok video set to Carpenter’s tune “Taste,” from the upcoming 2024 album “Short n’ Sweet.” The video begins with Paul Baker and Issa in a sweet romantic moment, but then the camera pans to reveal Anton and Paul Baker locked in an embrace (which we’ll discuss later, as it ties into the season 1 finale). The singer of “Espresso” commented on this video, expressing her affection for both the people and the adult world.
A carpenter enthusiastically appreciates the new TV show, entirely aired on Hulu starting from May 28, 2025. However, it’s intriguing to consider the opinions of critics regarding this youthful comedy series that carries a vibe reminiscent of “Friends” tailored for Generation Z.
What do critics think of Adults?
On Rotten Tomatoes, the TV show “Adults” received an overall rating of 73% from critics, and their consensus is: “Each generation needs its own group of lovable misfits, and ‘Adults’ largely provides one for Gen-Z, offering a cast of funny and exasperating characters who strive.” Critics, much like the score suggests, were somewhat divided in their opinions.
In the opinion of Dustin Rowles for Pajiba, it’s fast-paced and often funny, but you might have to look past its philosophical depth and the nagging sensation that everyone could use a good shower and tidy their homes. At Paste Magazine, Rendy Jones drew a parallel with “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” describing it as a polished replica designed for the Zillennial audience, effectively encapsulating the feelings and life events of young adults embarking on their journey. Dave Nemetz concurred in his review for TVLine, stating that while the show is geared towards Gen Z, “Adults” still adheres to traditional sitcom structures and humor, providing a sense of comfort as it explores fresh laughs within a new generation.
As a gamer diving into the world of adult-oriented TV shows, I can’t help but find myself captivated by the quirky and amusing series titled “Adults”. Although it may not be destined to become a generational phenomenon, once it finds its rhythm, it proves to be an entertaining escape.
Much like The New York Times reviewer Esther Zuckerman, I too have felt moments when the show seems to tire me out with its intensity. Angie Han from The Hollywood Reporter echoes this sentiment, suggesting at times I wanted to gently nudge the show and encourage it to take a break. However, the vibrant and occasionally sweet nature of “Adults” leaves me hopeful that it will find its footing soon.
Similarly to Rolling Stone’s reviewer Alan Sepinwall, I appreciate the series for what it is – five talented individuals coming together to create humor without dwelling excessively on the characters’ age or how older generations perceive them. The show seems intent on focusing solely on its comedic elements rather than making a statement about aging. In my gaming perspective, it’s refreshing to see a series that can bring laughter and enjoyment without relying too heavily on stereotypes or preconceived notions.
Despite some unfavorable reviews, “Adults” hasn’t failed to generate positive buzz. Ben Travers from IndieWire found the characters too irritating to overlook, stating that they were too shallow and one-dimensional to become invested in. Alison Herman from Variety was more lenient, describing the show as unstable, much like its characters, reflecting the uncertain nature of many contemporary TV shows. However, there’s no denying that “Adults” is a unique, fresh series starring relatively unknown actors and boasting a major comedian as a producer. Its first season concludes on an intriguingly captivating note.
Here’s what you need to know about the first season of Adults
As a fan, I found myself utterly hooked by the first season of “Adults”. It fearlessly dives into a multitude of burning issues in a mere eight episodes. In the opening episode, Billie comes close to warning her superior about potential consequences while vying for a promotion. The narrative twists further as she encounters an unexpected medical crisis without a job or health insurance, which seems like a grim setup for a comedy series. However, the show brilliantly transforms these serious situations into hilarious scenarios. For instance, Samir insists that doctors carry out numerous tests on Billie simultaneously, assuming her job’s health insurance would cover the costs before she was officially let go (unfortunately, Billie learned that, as a contractor, she hadn’t been eligible for work-related coverage in the first place).
In other locations, Anton unsuccessfully seeks romance with his ideal man, even experiencing an eccentric episode involving him, Paul Baker, and Issa, who become obsessed with a lost AirTag they believe was placed in the bag of an attractive stranger. Unfortunately, the AirTag fell out of the bag and was taken by a rat before Anton visited his favorite restaurant. Sharing the same therapist who tragically passes away unexpectedly, Anton and Issa suspect their difficulties might have driven the therapist to such a desperate act. After losing her job, Billie becomes involved in an unwise relationship with her former high school teacher Andrew, portrayed by Charlie Cox (“Daredevil” fame), who is affectionately known as “Mr. Teacher”. If you’ve ever wanted to watch Cox act as if he’s tripping on drugs while interacting with Julia Fox (playing herself), the series “Adults” would certainly be your cup of tea.
Towards the end of the first season of “Adults,” an intriguing event takes place. Paul Baker, a Canadian resident, finds himself in a predicament where he must marry to remain in the U.S., as Issa isn’t ready yet. In a twist, he marries Anton. Their playful kiss reveals an undeniable chemistry (Paul Baker’s sexuality is fluid, as often mentioned), leaving them both pondering if they might seriously consider this relationship. As of now, “Adults” hasn’t been renewed for season 2 yet, but along with Sabrina Carpenter, we eagerly anticipate more from this quirky, amusing group of friends. You can catch the series on Hulu at present.
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2025-06-10 23:30