What were Gen Z’s top television shows last year?

This should give you a clue as to what the top programme among viewers aged 13-17 was in 2023. (Netflix pic)

Netflix’s hit show “Stranger Things” continues to captivate Generation Z viewers, at least among Americans and Canadians aged 13-17. With its unique blend of mystery, supernatural phenomena and ’80s nostalgia, the show topped the list as the favourite series of this young group last year.

Among 18- to 24-year-olds, the show takes third place, behind “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Family Guy”.

These rankings, based on a YPulse survey, reflect young viewers’ taste for animated and comedy series. In addition to “Family Guy”, broadcast since 1999 on the Fox network, 18- to 24 year-olds are also fans of the animated sci-fi series “Rick and Morty” and “SpongeBob SquarePants”.

Younger viewers (13-17) also cite “South Park” – despite its risque nature; “The Simpsons”; and “Bob’s Burgers” among favourites.

Comedies feature significantly in the TV choices of North American Gen Z-ers, with “Young Sheldon”, a show based on “The Big Bang Theory”, and “Abbott Elementary” featuring on the list.

The latter sitcom, filmed in the style of a “mockumentary”, recounts the daily life of an elementary school in Philadelphia. It has been a critical hit, with numerous award nominations and wins, including the Best Lead Actress Emmy last month for series star and creator Quinta Brunson.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians”, based on the series of novels written by Rick Riordan, also joins the ranking. Available since last December on Disney+, it appeals, like “SpongeBob”, to the nostalgic tastes of young viewers who may have read the book as children.