If 2025 has proven anything, it’s that television doesn’t stay in the past for long. Despite dozens of new streaming originals launching each month, audiences are increasingly reaching backward rather than forward, pressing play on shows that ended years ago. Three titles in particular—Friends, Malcolm in the Middle, and Gilmore Girls—are trending hard this year, topping binge lists, fueling endless TikTok edits, and even generating new merchandise sales.

Why the renewed love? Part of the explanation is rooted in the concept of comfort TV. In a fast-paced world where content overload and streaming fatigue are real, viewers are choosing shows that feel safe, familiar, and endlessly rewatchable. Instead of investing in a brand-new series with 10 complex episodes, people are returning to classics that deliver quick laughs, cozy storytelling, and characters who already feel like old friends.

There’s also the nostalgia factor. For millennials, revisiting these shows offers a sense of security and childhood connection. For Gen Z, who are discovering them for the first time, these shows feel refreshingly different from today’s prestige dramas—less dark, more hopeful, and often more relatable. Social media has amplified this trend by reviving iconic moments through memes, edits, and clips that give old shows new cultural relevance.

In the following sections, we’ll break down why Friends, Malcolm in the Middle, and Gilmore Girls are each experiencing their own renaissance in 2025—and what it says about how we consume entertainment today.
 

Why Friends Is Still Everyone’s Favorite Sitcom
 

Few sitcoms have managed to remain as universally beloved as Friends. Nearly three decades after its 1994 premiere, the show continues to dominate streaming charts and remains one of the most quoted, meme’d, and GIF’d series on the internet. In 2025, it’s trending again for several key reasons.

First, Friends offers timeless relatability. Its premise is simple yet universal—six twenty-somethings navigating love, careers, and personal growth in New York City. The situations they face, from job insecurity to awkward dating experiences, remain relevant today. Audiences across generations see themselves in Rachel’s career hustle, Monica’s perfectionism, Chandler’s sarcasm, Joey’s ambition, Phoebe’s quirkiness, and Ross’s perpetual “bad luck.” That relatability explains why the show continues to resonate with new fans.

Second, the social media effect has kept Friends alive in the cultural conversation. Iconic scenes—Ross yelling “We were on a break!” or Joey struggling with French—resurface constantly on TikTok and Instagram Reels. These short clips act as gateways for younger viewers who may have never watched the show in full, sparking curiosity and leading to new binge sessions.

Third, accessibility through streaming platforms ensures the show is never far from reach. On HBO Max and regional Netflix libraries, Friends is easy to rewatch in short, digestible episodes. Its 22-minute format is perfectly suited for today’s background viewing habits, making it an ideal “comfort show.”

The Friends Reunion in 2021 also gave the series fresh cultural fuel, reintroducing the cast to a new generation and reminding older fans why they loved the show. Add in a steady stream of themed merchandise, Central Perk cafés, and pop-up experiences, and it’s clear that Friends is more than just a show—it’s a lifestyle brand that continues to expand.

In 2025, Friends is trending hard because it offers something rare: familiarity that doesn’t feel outdated. The jokes still land, the friendships still warm hearts, and the nostalgia still hits, proving that some sitcoms never age.
 

The Underdog Appeal of Malcolm in the Middle
 

While Friends has always been a global juggernaut, Malcolm in the Middle is enjoying a quieter but equally fascinating resurgence. First airing in 2000 and running for seven seasons, the show has found fresh life on Disney+ and Hulu, where a new generation of viewers is falling in love with its quirky, offbeat humor.

What sets Malcolm in the Middle apart is its unconventional storytelling style. Breaking away from the laugh-track sitcoms of its era, the show embraced single-camera filming, fourth-wall breaks, and absurd yet grounded humor. Malcolm speaking directly to the audience about his dysfunctional but lovable family created a unique viewing experience that feels surprisingly modern even in 2025.

The show’s characters resonate in new ways today. Malcolm’s struggle as a gifted child pressured to succeed reflects current concerns about academic burnout and societal expectations placed on young people. Lois, the tough-as-nails mother, is now celebrated as one of TV’s most underrated maternal figures, with fans praising her balance of discipline and love. Hal, played by Bryan Cranston, has become a cult favorite thanks to the actor’s later fame in Breaking Bad. Viewers revisiting his comedic turn as a bumbling but affectionate dad often find themselves shocked at his versatility. Meanwhile, Dewey, once the underdog younger sibling, has become a TikTok icon with endless edits celebrating his eccentric personality.

Social media plays a massive role in the show’s comeback. Viral clips of Hal roller-skating, Reese cooking chaos in the kitchen, or Malcolm delivering cutting observations regularly rack up millions of views, introducing the show to younger audiences who find its mix of chaos and relatability refreshing.

Most importantly, Malcolm in the Middle thrives in today’s cultural climate because it celebrates imperfection. Unlike the glossy apartment settings of Friends or the cozy small-town vibe of Gilmore Girls, this show embraces the messy realities of working-class family life. That authenticity resonates with viewers tired of overly polished storytelling.

In 2025, Malcolm in the Middle is trending because it feels like an underdog gem rediscovered—a sitcom that was ahead of its time, now finally getting the recognition it deserves.
 

Why Gilmore Girls Still Feels Like Home
 

Few shows capture the essence of coziness and belonging like Gilmore Girls. First airing in 2000, the series about Rory and Lorelai Gilmore’s mother-daughter bond in the idyllic town of Stars Hollow has endured as a seasonal rewatch tradition. In 2025, its popularity has only grown, with fans returning each year for comfort and new viewers discovering it for the first time.

One of the show’s biggest draws is its aesthetic appeal. Stars Hollow, with its small-town festivals, quirky neighbors, and constant stream of coffee from Luke’s Diner, has become synonymous with cozy, feel-good television. Every autumn, social media buzzes with “Gilmore Girls fall rewatches,” complete with candles, sweaters, and mugs of coffee, turning the show into a lifestyle as much as a viewing experience.

The dialogue and writing style also set Gilmore Girls apart. The fast-paced banter between Rory and Lorelai, packed with pop culture references, witty comebacks, and heartfelt moments, appeals to viewers who crave smart but approachable storytelling. Unlike heavy dramas, the show strikes a balance between lighthearted humor and emotional depth, making it endlessly rewatchable.

Another reason for its longevity is its intergenerational relevance. Millennials who first watched it as teens now rewatch with their own kids, while Gen Z connects to Rory’s academic ambitions, love life dilemmas, and identity struggles. Debates over “Team Dean,” “Team Jess,” or “Team Logan” continue to fuel online discussions, keeping the fandom active and engaged.

The 2016 revival, A Year in the Life, reignited conversations about unfinished storylines, with fans still speculating in 2025 whether Netflix or another platform will greenlight a continuation. This ongoing speculation keeps the show alive in the cultural conversation.

Ultimately, Gilmore Girls trends year after year because it represents comfort and connection. It’s not just about watching a TV show—it’s about revisiting a place that feels like home, filled with characters that feel like old friends.
 

The Bigger Picture: Why Classic TV Is Trending in 2025
 

The resurgence of Friends, Malcolm in the Middle, and Gilmore Girls is part of a broader entertainment trend: audiences are turning back to comfort TV in response to today’s streaming landscape.

One major factor is streaming fatigue. With endless new content and increasingly fragmented platforms, viewers are overwhelmed. Instead of investing in unfamiliar shows, many opt for proven classics with guaranteed emotional payoffs.

Another factor is the social media renaissance. TikTok edits, fan theories, and meme culture breathe new life into old shows. A single clip of Joey Tribbiani making a goofy face, Hal Wilkerson panicking over a bee, or Lorelai Gilmore delivering a coffee-fueled quip can go viral, sparking millions of rewatches.

There’s also the element of shared culture. These shows bridge generations, allowing parents and kids to watch together and discuss characters who feel timeless. Rewatching a show becomes a ritual—a way to connect across age groups and build shared memories.

Finally, the rewatchability factor makes these series uniquely positioned for long-term success. Their episodic formats, balance of humor and heart, and shorter runtimes make them ideal for both background viewing and immersive binges.

In essence, the renewed popularity of these classics reveals that while television evolves, the qualities that make a show beloved—strong characters, humor, and emotional resonance—remain timeless.