Gen Z Not Interested in Sex, Romance, or Love Triangles in Movies or TV, Study Suggests
Move over, steamy love scenes and dramatic love triangles—Gen Z is tuning out. A recent study reveals young audiences are losing interest in traditional romantic plots, favoring narratives about friendship, self-discovery, and social issues instead. The findings are reshaping how filmmakers and content creators approach storytelling.
Key Findings: Gen Z’s Changing Preferences
A global media research firm surveyed 5,000 Gen Z respondents (18-25) across multiple countries, including India, and found:
- 75% called romantic subplots “predictable” or “unnecessary.”
- 68% said love triangles feel “overused.”
- 62% prefer stories focused on platonic bonds or personal growth.
- Only 23% consider romance essential in their favorite content.
Shows like Stranger Things (friendship-driven) and Squid Game (societal critique) ranked higher than romance-heavy series.
Why Gen Z is Skipping Romance
Experts highlight four key reasons:
1. Realism Over Fantasy
With economic instability, climate anxiety, and social media pressures, Gen Z finds escapist love stories irrelevant. “Why watch cliché romance when I’m stressed about jobs or student loans?” said a 22-year-old respondent.
2. Demand for Diverse Representation
Heteronormative, formulaic romances feel outdated. Gen Z connects more with shows like Heartstopper (authentic LGBTQ+ relationships) and Sex Education (identity-driven storytelling).
3. Friendship & Found Family Resonate More
Loneliness drives interest in deep platonic bonds. Series like Brooklyn Nine-Nine (workplace camaraderie) and Never Have I Ever (cultural identity + grief) reflect this shift.
4. Exhaustion with Overused Tropes
From enemies-to-lovers to miscommunication drama, Gen Z is tired of recycled plots. “If I see one more airport chase scene, I’ll scream,” joked a 19-year-old.
How Bollywood & OTT Platforms Are Adapting
Bollywood’s classic romances (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge) are making way for films like:
– Gehraiyaan (toxic relationships)
– Gully Boy (ambition > romance)
OTT hits like Kota Factory (academic pressure), Delhi Crime (social justice), and Made in Heaven (complex marriages) prove love stories don’t need to dominate plots.
The Future of Entertainment
Expect more:
✔ Ensemble casts (Money Heist, Mirzapur)
✔ Genre hybrids (sci-fi + politics, thrillers + mental health)
✔ Unconventional romance (asexual leads, trauma-free queer stories)
As filmmaker Anurag Kashyap noted, “Audiences don’t hate love stories—they hate bad storytelling.”
Final Takeaway
Gen Z isn’t anti-love—it’s pro-substance. The demand is clear: prioritize depth over clichés.
Do you agree with Gen Z’s take? Share your thoughts in the comments!
— By [Your Name], NextMinuteNews
