DOES THE VIEWER WANT LESS SMUT IN TV SHOWS?
Stories in serial format are a popular form of entertainment. Shows from streaming outlets like Netflix or HBO in particular gain fame within the target 18-34 age range. Titles like Bridgerton (a sensual period drama) or Euphoria (a dark teenage drama) are two that attract a large audience. Wildly different in the stories they tell, what these two shows have in common is a tag of having smut in TV shows because of what they put into their stories.
Progressively though the many years of TV shows, there’s been a decline in how wholesome storytelling is. There is no line that isn’t crossed or if there are, they remain few. The lines that are crossed in shows like Bridgerton or Euphoria include, but aren’t the sum of, oral sex and inappropriate sexual acts. While both of these shows are, appropriately, tagged with the TVMA (for mature) rating, it doesn’t negate the fact that it is, in many ways, still too much.
Bridgerton likely has a wider age range for interest and marketing, but Euphoria is a show about teenagers likely marketing to the peers of its characters.
DISCUSSION | DEAR EVERYONE, PLEASE CALM DOWN!
DOES THE VIEWER WANT LESS SMUT IN TV SHOWS? Talking about a recent study that reveals #GenZ wants to see more platonic TV show relationships. #Culture #Discussion #Opinions Share on X
A recent survey reveals that almost 50% of Gen Zers want less sex in their TV shows. It’s an interesting stat (and read!), and one that I don’t disagree with. I’m not sure how accurate the study is, but if true, it’s good… albeit probably for the wrong reasons. It could also indicate that perhaps some people aren’t as desensitized as we assume. But of course, while trying to lessen its impact, the story also makes it sound as though it’s not that Gen Z doesn’t want these scenes, but rather that they “want more and different kinds of relationships reflected in the media they watch.”
The study further goes on to say that they want to see relationships that more accurately relate to their lives, including more platonic relationships. This begs another question, is there an entire generation that thinks sex is all love is?
As someone who loves a good romantic story, I cannot say that I want shows to start doing away with romance stories. I don’t. I do want writers to start telling good love stories, and if some of those stories also have strong platonic relationships, this too is something of interest. Sex does saturate culture. From the commercials we see to our television shows, it is a prominent feature in visual parts of culture. If this is teaching us that love is only one thing, then we’re failing badly.
Whether or not writers will start to change how they tell a story or not, well, only time will tell. But if culture is starting to realize how wearying this is, well, this is a step in the right direction, and I hope storytellers start to tell better stories that reflect deeper connections.
Have you read this story? What is your thoughts on smut in TV shows and its content? Do TV show ratings and content (in general) bother you? What’s your favorite good but still tolerable TV show? Comment all of your thoughts below. Let’s chat.
PINTEREST PIN – SAVE & SHARE
Thank you for visiting; please come back soon
This viewer would like less smut. It’s one of the reasons I’ve almost completely quit watching American programming. And it’s not just smut but the hardcore pushing of certain viewpoints while mocking others. Even commercials are no longer safe to watch. That’s why most of my entertainment choices now come from other countries who still produce “moral” programming.
I sure want to think we do. And I agree that content or messaging has become more prevalent. With humor, I do think culture has to “allow” for all viewpoints to be made fun of, but generally, culture protects certain viewpoints and encourages the dismantling of others. That said, I think in general, culture is in a sad state, and I like to think maybe this is a sign of something better. Like you, I so enjoy the TV shows that have more moral stories and characters. They’re usually better produced, too!! Glad you stopped by – and I hope you’re well. :)