Friends from College (2017)
A sharp, cringe-laced Netflix comedy about Harvard graduates whose messy adult lives collide twenty years after leaving campus.
Friends from College - Series Information
- Original Title: Friends from College
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Francesca Delbanco, Nicholas Stoller
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: July 14, 2017 (United States - TV-MA), July 14, 2017 (Canada - 18+), July 14, 2017 (United Kingdom - 18), July 14, 2017 (Germany - 12), July 14, 2017 (India - A), July 14, 2017 (New Zealand - 16), July 14, 2017 (Australia - M), July 14, 2017 (Brazil - 14), July 14, 2017 (Mexico - C), July 14, 2017 (Spain - 12), July 14, 2017 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Netflix
- Production Companies: Stoller Global Solutions
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Παλιοί Συμφοιτητές (GR), 大学同学 (CN)
Friends from College - Plot
Twenty years after graduation, a tight-knit group of college friends reconnects and discovers that love hasn't gotten easier with age.
Friends from College - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits this group of overgrown college friends:
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Friends from College - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Francesca Delbanco
- Nicholas Stoller
Main Cast
- Keegan-Michael Key
- Cobie Smulders
- Annie Parisse
- Nat Faxon
- Fred Savage
- Jae Suh Park
- Greg Germann
- Billy Eichner
- Zack Robidas
- Jeté Laurence
Writers
- Nicholas Stoller
- Francesca Delbanco
- Andrew Gurland
- Ron Weiner
- Justin Nowell
Executive Producers
- Francesca Delbanco
- Nicholas Stoller
- Brittney Segal
- Jane Wiseman
- Kristen Zolner
Friends from College - FAQs
Why was Friends from College cancelled after two seasons?
Netflix cancelled Friends from College in 2019 after two seasons of eight episodes each. While the show attracted a loyal audience, it received mixed critical reviews and never broke through to become a mainstream hit. The creators had reportedly envisioned a longer run, but viewership numbers weren't enough to secure renewal.
Is Friends from College worth watching?
If you enjoy cringe comedy and ensemble casts, Friends from College delivers plenty of both. The show shines brightest when its talented cast — led by Keegan-Michael Key and Cobie Smulders — leans into the awkward, messy dynamics of adult friendships. It's a breezy, imperfect watch that goes down easily.
Where can you stream Friends from College?
Both seasons of Friends from College are available to stream on Netflix, including via Netflix Standard with Ads for subscribers on that tier. With just 16 episodes across two seasons, it's an easy weekend binge for anyone curious about the show.
Is Friends from College based on a true story?
The series isn't based on a specific true story, but creators Francesca Delbanco and Nicholas Stoller drew on their own experiences as Harvard graduates navigating adult friendships and relationships. The show's emotional core — the push and pull of long-term friendships — feels grounded in real, relatable human experience.
Who are the main characters in Friends from College?
The ensemble centers on Ethan Turner (Keegan-Michael Key) and his wife Lisa (Cobie Smulders), alongside college friends Sam (Annie Parisse), Nick (Nat Faxon), Max (Fred Savage), and Marianne (Jae Suh Park). Their intertwined histories — including a long-running secret affair — fuel most of the show's drama and comedy.
Who created Friends from College?
The series was created by Francesca Delbanco and Nicholas Stoller, the married writing duo behind films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Neighbors. Stoller also directed several episodes. Their personal familiarity with the Harvard social world and long-term friendships clearly informed the show's tone and character dynamics.
How was Friends from College received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed. Reviewers praised the talented cast but often found the characters too self-absorbed to be fully sympathetic. Season 2 was generally considered an improvement over the first, with critics noting a sharper comedic focus. Audience response was warmer, with many viewers appreciating its honest take on adult relationships.
What shows are similar to Friends from College?
Fans of Friends from College tend to enjoy Master of None, Community, and How I Met Your Mother for their blend of comedy and heartfelt ensemble dynamics. Will & Grace and Friends also share that warm, long-term-friendship energy. For something with a similar adult-life-in-crisis tone, Master of None is the closest match.
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