If you grew up in the '90s, the names ‘Archie Comics’, ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’, and ‘The Addams Family’ likely bring back memories of carefree days, comic books, cartoons, and feel-good TV shows. The stories were simple, the characters were fun, and the shows were memorable.
Fast forward to today, and the same titles are being reimagined for Gen Z, but this time with a twist—darker, grittier, and laced with more complexity. Why is it that the treatment of the content being made for Gen Z, is so different from what appealed to millennials?
Jenna Ortega became a viral sensation thanks to her mind-blowing performance in ‘The Addams Family.’ ‘Wednesday’, a new take on ‘The Addams Family’, is yet another reimagining of a classic with a much darker twist. While the original ‘Addams Family’ was bizarre, funny, and slightly gothic, ‘Wednesday’ delves deep into mystery and horror, focusing on the titular character's journey through a supernatural academy.
The tone is more sinister, and the once-humorous characters now reflect darker personalities with complexities that appeal to Gen Z.
When ‘Archie Comics’ first debuted, it was a cheerful exploration of teenage life in the fictional town of Riverdale, with colourful characters like the all-American Archie Andrews and his love interests Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge. The plots revolved around relatable high school drama, first loves, and friendships, all wrapped in a lighthearted tone.
Cut to the present and we have a modern version - ‘Riverdale.’ The show reimagines the classic Archie Comics, blending dark twists with contemporary issues like mental health, identity, and friendship. Riverdale's edgy narrative and diverse cast provide a platform for Gen Z to see themselves reflected in the stories of small-town life.
Millennials grew up with ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’, a light-hearted, magical series blending comedy with teenage angst. The show was fun and whimsical, offering a nostalgic escape for a generation.
Fast forward, and Gen Z has embraced ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’, a darker, more complex reimagining of the same character.
The show introduces supernatural horror, dark magic, and psychological trauma, becoming a huge hit among audiences. However, the new Sabrina is no longer the bubbly teen we remember but a fierce, morally grey character navigating between light and dark magic in a world full of danger and betrayal.
Millennials love comfort-watching lighthearted old shows like ‘Friends’ for the hundredth time, and binging on 90s movies as a callback to the old days. However, that love for breezy narratives isn’t something that Gen Z seems to prefer.
This generation, accustomed to intense, fast-paced content, seeks stories that explore the darker sides of human nature and address real-world issues like mental health and societal struggles. So there is a clear distinction in what Gen Z enjoys and what millennials like. One has to then wonder if the older versions of these shows or comics that millennials grew up on, would appeal to Gen Z.
