# 1990s Sitcom 'Friends' Gets an AI Twist with 'Bad Cat' With a smoking feline protagonist, 'Bad Cat' is captivating millions of viewers worldwide. - **Source:** [Fast Company](https://www.fastcompany.com) - **Published:** 2026-09-02 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/82b15eb8-a9a1-455a-b174-bac0774d1902 ## AI Meets 90s Nostalgia Created by Daria Zabnieva, 'Bad Cat' reimagines the iconic atmosphere of 'Friends' with AI technology. The show's purple NYC apartment and sharp-tongued protagonist offer a fresh take amidst slop content fatigue. Audiences are loving the blend of 90s sitcom aesthetics with modern AI innovation. ## The Smoking Cat Phenomenon The show's blue-eyed, cigarette-smoking feline protagonist has gone viral on social media. This unconventional character has captured viewers' attention, with producers crediting its defiance of 'slop fatigue' as key to the show's success. ## Millions of Viewers Captivated 'Bad Cat' quickly amassed millions of views across platforms, becoming a global phenomenon. Particularly popular among Gen Z, the series showcases the potential of AI-generated content in entertainment. ## Echoes of Friends The show's set design and character dynamics evoke 'Friends' memorable atmosphere, but AI technology brings a completely new perspective. Viewers enjoy getting lost in this familiar yet original world. ## An Antidote to Slop Fatigue Amid growing viewer fatigue with slop content, 'Bad Cat' offers a refreshing alternative. AI-assisted scripts and characters open new horizons in content creation while delivering novel experiences. ## Production Process and Technology AI tools were instrumental in every production stage, from character design to dialogue generation. Deep learning algorithms created remarkably natural movements and expressions for animated characters. ## Social Media Impact Short clips shared on TikTok and Instagram significantly boosted the show's popularity. Scenes featuring the smoking cat were shared millions of times, creating organic marketing success. ## The Future of AI Content 'Bad Cat's success hints at the future potential of AI-assisted content. The fusion of traditional formats with cutting-edge technology may herald a new era in entertainment, revolutionizing content creation processes. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.fastcompany.com/91600783/bad-cat-ai-slop-sitcom-spin-1990s-friends-people-cant-look-away — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._