Marta Kauffman on why ‘Friends’ lacked diversity: ‘My own ignorance’

On Sunday’s CNN special History of the Sitcom, a conversation about the classic show Friends brought up what has become a common theme lately: the show’s lack of diversity. The topic was broached by former Designing Women actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph, who said: “I never watched Friends because they could not possibly find a way to add anybody of color.”

The show was based on actual life experiences of the it’s co-creators, Marta Kauffman and David Crane. And while Kauffman has already apologized for the show’s diversity issue in the past, she gave further explanation as to how it came to be on Sunday.

“It was to a certain extent a product of the time period, and of my own ignorance,” Kauffman said. “There were black shows and there were white shows. There weren’t a lot of shows that were interracial. I guess at the time I was thinking, ‘This is what I know. This is what I know,’” Kauffman said.

Video Transcript

SHERYL LEE RALPH: I never watched "Friends" because they could not possibly find a way to add anybody of color.

HOST: On the CNN special "History of The Sitcom," a look back at the hit show "Friends," brought up a common sentiment: the show's lack of diversity. Expressed by Designing Women actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph, on the special and countless others over the years.

And while "Friends" co-creator, Marta Kauffman, has apologized for the show's diversity issue in the past, on Sunday, she gave further explanation as to how it came to be.

MARTHA KAUFFMAN: It was to a certain extent a product of the time period and of my own ignorance. There were black shows and there were white shows. There weren't a lot of shows that were interracial."

HOST: "Friends" which ran from 1994 to 2004, featured six white friends living in New York City along with mostly white recurring guest stars. With the exception of two of Ross's girlfriends, which is something actor David Schwimmer told the guardian last year that he pushed for.

But for Kauffman, the show was simply just based on the life experiences of her and her longtime friend and co-creator, David Crane.

MARTHA KAUFFMAN: I guess at the time I was thinking, "This is what I know. This is what I know."