Gen Z actually is spending a lot of time watching TV with sexy plotlines. Despite headlines claiming that Gen Z only wants to see friendship on screen, in tandem with young people having less sex themselves, viral shows like Tell Me Lies and Heated Rivalry are proving intimacy is appealing to this gen. The driver is their storylines exploring messy desire, flawed relationships, and real emotional connection in ways young viewers crave—a.k.a the yearning. (And some say it lets them process what dating feels like without the vulnerability of actually doing it.) These shows are driving IRL connection too, not embarrassment—bars are hosting watch parties, a Heated Rivalry look-alike contest in NYC drew over 2K RSVPs, and their online communities are booming. (USA Today)
👀 Read more from YPulse: 2026 is Gen Z’s Year of Yearning: What Brands Should Know
