Gen Z Chooses Stranger Things and Wednesday as Top Series

A recent report has unveiled the viewing preferences of Generation Z, highlighting that the top two series among this demographic are the retro horror drama Stranger Things and Wednesday, a spin-off based on The Addams Family. Conducted by the Centre for Scholars and Storytellers at the University of California, Los Angeles, the study, titled “Teens and Screens – Get Real: Relatability on Demand,” surveyed 1,500 US adolescents aged between 10 and 24 to delve into their entertainment habits.

The findings indicate that Gen Z watches more content than older generations assume, with a clear preference for relatable narratives over traditional fantasy or superhero themes. The report reveals that younger audiences prioritize friendships—especially those between different genders that do not evolve into romantic relationships—over sexual themes.

When asked about their desired content in film and television, respondents overwhelmingly indicated that they want to see “People with lives like mine.” Despite this strong desire for representation, the inclusion of “Non-binary and LGBTQIA+ Identities” ranked only 18th overall, trailing behind themes like “Uplifting Stories” and “Superheroes.” Yet, this identity category emerged as the top choice among LGBTQ+ respondents, showcasing the diversity in preferences within the demographic.

In a notable gender split, boys placed “Superheroes” at the top of their preferences, while girls leaned towards themes of “Family Life and Relationships with Parents.” Categories such as “Romance and/or Sex,” “Partying and/or Drugs and Drink,” and “Non-binary and LGBTQIA+ Identities” were less favored by both genders.

Animated Content Gains Popularity

The report also highlighted a significant preference for animated content, with nearly 50% of respondents expressing a stronger affinity for animation over live-action. Titles like KPop Demon Hunters emerged as favorites in this genre.

In terms of overall popularity, Stranger Things took the lead, followed closely by Wednesday. Both series are categorized as “Relatable fantasy,” set in a world that closely aligns with the experiences of ordinary viewers, despite incorporating supernatural elements. Other notable entries in the top rankings include SpongeBob SquarePants in third place, followed by Spider-Man and Family Guy in joint fourth.

Other properties that captured Gen Z’s attention included Dexter, Squid Game, Friends, and Game of Thrones.

The authors of the report conclude that Gen Z has not turned away from traditional television and film; rather, they have redefined how and where they engage with these media. They emphasize that shows and movies serve as vital tools for connection among peers. The report suggests that this generation seeks to create community through media, using it as a platform to explore their identities, process emotions, and establish shared cultural references with friends.

As the landscape of entertainment continues to evolve, understanding the preferences of younger audiences may prove invaluable for content creators seeking to resonate with this influential demographic.