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Milind Soman: 'Seinfeld', 'Friends' Humor Wouldn't Fly in Today's Sensitive Climate

Milind Soman believes the humor in classic sitcoms like 'Seinfeld' and 'Friends' would not be acceptable to today's more sensitive global audiences. He states that creators "can't talk freely" as people are now more vocal about being offended by certain content. The actor clarifies this shift is a worldwide phenomenon, not restricted to India. He concludes that navigating this landscape ultimately comes down to an individual's choice in what they choose to say.

Key Points: Milind Soman Says 'Seinfeld', 'Friends' Humor Not Acceptable Today

  • Global shift in audience sensitivities
  • Iconic sitcom humor deemed unacceptable now
  • Objections to content are more vocal
  • Freedom of speech becomes an individual choice
2 min read

Milind Soman says 'Seinfeld', 'Friends' humour wouldn't work in today's times: You can't talk freely

Actor Milind Soman argues global sensitivity shifts mean iconic sitcoms' humor "can't talk freely" today, affecting content creation worldwide.

"You look at 'Seinfeld'... or 'Friends'... the kind of things they used to say... you cannot say today. - Milind Soman"

Mumbai, March 23

Actor and fitness enthusiast Milind Soman believes that the kind of humour and conversations that were seen in popular global sitcoms like Seinfeld and Friends, that made the shows rule the roost back then, would not be acceptable in today's time due to the changing sensitivities of audiences of current times.

Speaking about the shift in content globally, Milind, in an exclusive conversation with IANS, said, "If you look at television series or movies that are produced today, you can't talk freely."

Cuting examples of popular sitcoms, the actor further mentioned, "You look at 'Seinfeld', a very famous comedy series, or 'Friends', one of the most popular series ever made the kind of things they used to say in the series, you cannot say today. Even they can't say it now, in America also."

He added that this particular change related to freedom of speech, is not just restricted to India but is being witnessed worldwide.

"It has changed all over the world, not just here. Today, there are people who object, 'you can't say things like this', 'this is not funny'. Earlier, people may have been offended, but they didn't say anything. Now they will say it, so you know they are being offended," he said.

When IANS asked the actor whether, according to this, it affects freedom of speech, he maintained that it ultimately comes down to an individual choice.

"There are still people who say whatever they want and they don't care. And there are people who do care because they can see that others are offended. It's your choice whether you want to say those things or not. You can think of them, but to say them, well that's your choice," he added.

The actor has always called spade a spade, putting his outspoken personality to display, something that also has reflected in his choice of projects as well.

The 60 year-old actor is all geared up for his upcoming project, Kaattaan alongside South Star Vijay Sethupathi.

The show airs from the 27th of March in Jio Hotstar.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I disagree a bit. Some jokes in those old shows were genuinely hurtful and based on stereotypes. It's good that we're more aware now. But yes, finding the balance is key. We shouldn't lose all sense of humour in the process of being politically correct.
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Rohit P
True for Indian TV also. Remember the comedy shows from the 90s and 2000s? They were so direct and funny. Now everything feels so sanitized and safe. Creativity is taking a hit because writers are always walking on eggshells.
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Sarah B
It's a global shift, not just an Indian one. Look at the backlash comedians face in the US and UK. Milind makes a valid point about individual choice. You can think it, but saying it publicly has consequences now. The audience holds the power.
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Vikram M
Good observation by Milind Soman. But I feel the real issue is with social media. Earlier, if you were offended, you just changed the channel. Now you start a Twitter trend to cancel the show or actor. The outrage machine is always running.
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Karthik V
Interesting take. Maybe it's not about "can't talk freely," but about talking more thoughtfully. There's still great comedy being made, it just requires more clever writing than relying on cheap shots or stereotypes. Looking forward to his new project with Vijay Sethupathi!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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