This Isn’t Your Parent’s TV Show…Oh Wait, It Is

Abstract

Popular conception holds that Millennials and Gen Z’ers do not like old stuff. Whether it be old games, books, technology, movies, or TV shows, the prevailing thought is that the younger generation prefers newer things. While this view may be perpetuated online and in popular press, it may also be less than accurate as data actually shows younger generations preferring older content. Utilizing Uses and Gratifications Theory, this research tests this assumption by tracking favorite TV shows of Millennials and Gen Z’ers over a seven-year period. Results show that these individuals actually prefer non-current TV shows and that the level of “noncurrentness” of their preference is growing over time.