For decades, movies about adolescence have depicted cartoonish cliques and underdog triumphs. But in Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade, 13-year-old Kayla is neither bullied nor popular, and her social fate changes little – a realistic take on teen life for a young audience craving relatability.

Stuck to their smartphones and accustomed to watching what they want, when they want, broadcasters have struggled to adapt to Gen Z’s TV viewing habits. But Skam, a Norwegian teen drama, is demonstrating how ‘real-time’ episodes and social media integration can keep teens hooked on a show.

Reality dating show Love Island is gaining popularity year on year– particularly with Gen Y. The show is endearingly relatable, offering a snapshot of human life and it makes for compulsive viewing that brings people together. So how can brands tap into its cult following?

Queer Eye has released its second season on Netflix. The show addresses issues relating to the LGBTQ+ community, mental health, and personal development. Unlike the previous series, which was “for the straight guy,” this season includes a woman, a gay man and a trans man.