Gen Z and Gen Alpha have a message for Hollywood: stop making stories about them without asking them. A new study from the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA shows that young audiences are pushing to redefine modern storytelling — and what they want looks very different from the tired tropes studios keep serving up.
Young audiences at the movies (Credits: Variety)
Authentic Stories Over Fantasy
The study, the latest from the center’s annual Teens & Screens research, found that young viewers are rarely consulted about what they want to see on screen — even in projects made specifically for them. And when asked, their answers challenge industry assumptions.
The biggest shift: realistic and relatable stories have surged to the top of young audiences’ preferred genres, rising nine points from last year, while fantasy — last year’s leading genre — dropped eleven points to second place. Their top three topics of interest were “people with lives like mine,” “hopeful stories of people beating the odds,” and “friendship and social groups.” In other words, this generation craves stories that feel human and authentic over pure escapism.
Friendship Over Forced Romance
The findings also take aim at one of Hollywood’s oldest formulas: shoehorning romance into every plot. A striking 59.7% of respondents said they want more content where the central relationships are friendships rather than romances. Going deeper, 54.9% of adolescents want to see different-gender characters prioritize their friendship instead of being forced into a romantic relationship.
Researchers say teens are “over” forced and unrealistic romantic storylines. What they actually want is content, characters, and friendships that feel real and reflect everyday experiences they can genuinely relate to. And while interest in animated content has grown (48.5% prefer animation vs. 51.5% live-action), young viewers remain essentially platform agnostic — nearly 80% watch TV and movies on YouTube or social platforms at least sometimes.
The Industry Listens
The research matters because studios are paying attention. The findings will headline the 6th Annual Teens & Screens Summit on October 22 at UCLA’s Luskin Conference Center, where 200-plus industry leaders, scholars, and young people gather to discuss research-informed content. This year’s honoree for the Greg Berlanti Social Impact Award is Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground production company, recognized for shaping stories for young people.
The takeaway for creators is blunt: the days of 30-year-olds playing high schoolers and formula-driven romance plots are numbered. Young audiences want to see themselves — accurately, authentically, and on their own terms.
Also Read: ‘Industry’ Producer Jane Tranter’s Bold Advice to TV Bosses: ‘If Everyone Is Zigging, You Zag’
Source: Variety — read the full story there.
