Millennial Nostalgia in Gen Z Sitcom

Hulu's new sitcom, 'Not Suitable for Work,' offers a comforting throwback to classic shows like 'Friends' and 'New Girl.' Set in present-day New York, the series follows five twenty-somethings navigating their early careers and romantic lives in a charmingly improbable Manhattan apartment building. The show’s premise, featuring inter-apartment crushes and early-career woes, feels rooted in the 2000s, resonating with a Millennial sensibility rather than a distinctly Gen Z outlook.

The ensemble cast, comprising fresh faces and established actors, delivers likable performances and exhibits strong chemistry, making the show an easy and enjoyable watch. Characters like junior financial analysts, a celebrity stylist's assistant, an aspiring actor, and a network PA grapple with low-level job indignities and romantic entanglements. While the series eschews modern elements like dating apps and gig work, its focus on character relationships and lighthearted humor provides a sense of escapism and familiarity.