If you think you’ve seen this before, you probably have: A new television show focuses on an ensemble cast of people in their twenties, living in New York City, as they attempt to navigate their careers, relationships, and personal lives. This time, the show is called “Adults,” a new comedy series that premiered Wednesday on FX and is available for streaming on Hulu.

Created by “Tonight Show” writers Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw, “Adults” addresses the common criticism of “Friends” and its unrealistic depiction of young people affording massive Manhattan apartments. In “Adults,” the characters reside in the childhood home of Samir (Malik Elassal) in Queens.

The show seems very aware of the shows that came before it, such as “Friends” and “Girls.” “Adults” tries to emphasize its modern setting, showcasing young people engaging in contemporary behaviors related to sex and drug use. The characters also display a lack of understanding of basic job interview skills, a complaint frequently enough voiced by middle-aged managers in business publications.

The series is unclear about the characters’ employment and income.To avoid discussions about the high cost of living in New York City, the show establishes that Samir is letting everyone live in his house without paying rent.(Since Samir is unemployed, it might be wise for him to charge his freeloading friends a small fee to help cover his expenses.)

While the show has moments of humor, some of the cast members’ performances are over the top. “Adults” highlights the numerous attempts to replicate the success of “Friends.” During the height of “Friends'” popularity, it seemed like every new television season introduced another group of attractive young actors.

though, recreating the magic of “friends” is not easy. Despite its flaws, “Friends” had excellent cast chemistry and a consistent ability to deliver well-timed jokes.

Humor and Guest Appearances

The show has a manic energy that it has trouble wrangling into effective payoffs.

in “Adults,” the setups feel rushed, and the show struggles to turn its frantic energy into effective comedic moments. One of the funnier storylines involves Anton (Owen Thiele),who is portrayed as effortlessly charming. Anton’s phone is filled with contacts of people he has briefly met and formed strong connections with, including a handsome young man who turns out to be a local criminal.

The revelation of Anton’s frequent texting with these strangers (more often than with his housemate,Samir) is humorous. However, the criminal’s appearance at the house for paella night, where Billie (Lucy Freyer) and Issa (Amita rao) flirt with him and miss Anton’s attempts to signal the man’s identity, is less successful.

the appearance of Charlie Cox, known from Marvel’s “Daredevil,” as Billie’s former high school teacher, provides a welcome change of pace. Cox brings warmth and humor to the role, and the resolution of his storyline feels appropriate. In a departure from the norm for “Adults,” this plotline offers a meaningful commentary on young people seeking comfort in unhealthy relationships. perhaps there is potential in this premise after all.