I’ll be there for you – but maybe not for your kids: The popularity of 'Friends' continues to grow...but is it too mature for children?

Friends is approaching its 20th anniversary and its popularity continues to grow

The 1990s sitcom Friends is approaching its 20th anniversary, and its popularity among young people continues to grow.

On today’s TV schedule alone, Comedy Central is screening 16 episodes of the show over eight hours.

But Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay, said she was concerned the comedy was too mature for children. “It’s troubling that Friends is now one of the most wholesome TV shows,” she told The Sunday Times. “I’m not a prude but as a kid I knew they weren’t going to show me something I wasn’t ready for. I’m shocked when I see kids that weren’t even born when we started who are real fans.”

Friends boxsets may come with a 12 certificate, but parents should perhaps concentrate their worries on more recent young adult favourites. Not an episode of Game of Thrones goes by without violence and nudity, while viewers of Take Me Out – which occupies one of ITV’s Saturday primetime slots – are bludgeoned with innuendo.