Superheroes once ruled teen entertainment. Capes, cosmic battles, and lone saviors filled theaters and streaming queues. That interest is starting to cool. New research shows that young viewers want something more grounded and more personal from male characters.
The latest “Teens & Screens” survey from the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA highlights a clear shift. Instead of another Doctor Strange–style figure, many teens prefer characters who reflect emotional connection and real-life responsibility. In simple terms, less Doctor Strange and more Dr. Robby.
The 2025 “Teens & Screens” study was conducted in August 2025. It surveyed 1,500 adolescents ages 10–24 across the United States. The findings point to a strong demand for more connected portrayals of masculinity.
By a 5-to-1 margin, respondents said they want to see fathers enjoying parenting and openly showing love to their children. Very few asked to see less of these dynamics. That margin sends a direct message to studios and writers.
According to the report’s authors, “Young people are not just asking for better dads; they are asking for a reimagining of how men show up in the lives of others. Whether it is a father, mentor, coach, or teacher, the message from the audience was the same.”
Moving Beyond the Stoic Hero
Instagram | bamfstyle | Noah Wyle’s portrayal of Dr. Robby in "The Pitt" defines the series through a grounded and deeply human mentorship.
For years, executives assumed that young male audiences preferred stoic, independent heroes. As a result, screens were filled with lone warriors saving the world.
According to the report, that familiar portrayal may no longer reflect what young viewers want. It explains, “For decades, the media has relied on the ‘stoic provider’ or the ‘distant hero’ as the default for adult men. Our data shows that by primarily showing men in positions of power or physical strength, we ignore the roles that young people value, defined by empathy, patience, and emotional availability.”
One clear example appears in Noah Wyle’s portrayal of Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in the HBO Max series “The Pitt.” In the show, Dr. Robby works inside a Pittsburgh trauma center, where he acts as a mentor who is both imperfect and deeply compassionate. Viewers respond less to heroic strength and more to his recognizable humanity.
Teen audiences are not abandoning action entirely. What they seem to want instead is balance. Emotional insight, mentorship, and visible care resonate more strongly than distant hero archetypes. Studios that recognize this shift may better connect with younger viewers.