Today’s generation surprisingly prefers a blast from the past when it comes to TV shows. Here are some of their favorites!
While there is no shortage of new content being made, today’s youth aka Generation Z finds themselves rejecting most new shows in favor of older choices from the late 1990s and 2000s. Their motto? Out with the new and in with the old! These shows have literally lived longer than their primary audience. Members of this generation may have been babies or toddlers when the shows first aired and yet, it is these very shows that keep the magic of classic TV alive and being one such member, let us tell you which of these old shows we love most:
1. The Glamourous High School Drama: Gossip Girl (2007)
To the delight of honorary “Upper-east Siders’ ‘ everywhere, Gossip Girl has returned to Netflix. It has made quite the comeback thanks to its loyal fanbase that is today’s youth. The nail-biting suspense coupled with the equally frustrating and entertaining drama makes for a great viewing experience. And of course, giving us a list of all the characters we love to hate.
Fans of the show also love to live vicariously through these characters. After all, who wouldn’t want to be rich, fabulous, and living in Upstate New York? Everyone needs a little drama as a form of escapism every now and then. Soon, it just becomes addicting, and you will find yourself invested in the awfully ridiculous things these characters do to each other. Of course, there’s the ever-present question of who plays the puppet master known as “Gossip Girl ” that pulls you in too.
This show is a perfect example of Gen Z favoring the oldies. The recent 2021 HBO reboot faced backlash from all the die-hard fans of the original show and as a result, ran for only two seasons. Many claimed it just “wasn’t the same”, due to the creators’ hesitation in portraying the characters as bad people. While many did hate the characters in the original for this very quality, one could at least appreciate its authenticity, something clearly lacking in this new reboot. This did come as a surprise to many, as the writers and producers of both shows are the same. Could Josh Shwartz really be losing his touch?
Gossip Girl, a beloved TV series, was brought to life by the skilled makers, including creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, who wove a captivating tale of privileged New York teens. The talented cast, led by Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, and Chace Crawford, delivered stellar performances, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
2. A Classic Story Of Camaraderie: Friends (1994)
This classic sitcom is loved by people of all generations, with Gen Z being the latest addition to the show’s fanbase. It is the camaraderie and chemistry that exists between these “Friends” that makes you want to be a part of their stories. Especially in a generation where human connections are rapidly changing, such deep connections between a group of people is truly heart-warming to see.
Each of these characters brings something unique to the show, making it versatile and thus you grow to love them. Couples like Ross and Rachel and Monica and Chandler contribute greatly to the popularity of the show, with many divided on their stance. What also adds to the charm of the show is the chemistry between the group, on and off stage. The actors have never been shied to share what goes on behind the scenes from innocent crushes to goofy antics. Friends quickly mastered the art of comedy, with jokes that never get old and will keep you laughing till your chest hurts. It truly is a go-to when in need of a mood booster. In fact, with 236 episodes, you’re sure to feel every emotion when watching the show.
Unlike Gossip Girl’s comeback, “Friends: The Reunion” (2021) received an overwhelmingly positive response. It brought all fans, new and old, together to acknowledge the place it all began and reminisce over the years passed since.
Friends, a timeless sitcom, owes its success to the brilliant creators, David Crane and Marta Kauffman, who masterfully crafted the lives of six close-knit friends in New York City. The iconic ensemble cast, featuring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, brought humor and heart to the show, etching their characters into the hearts of millions worldwide.
3. A Classic Pakistani Tale of Romance: Humsafar (2011)
A classic of a different kind, this Pakistani drama holds a sense of comfort for many Gen Z-ers today. It may have been a show they were forced to watch thanks to the older women of the household dominating the control of the remote each time the episode was to air but many did come to love it, both for the nostalgia it brings and the show itself. It was impossible to watch Ashar and Khirad face dire obstacles without rooting for them to come out stronger. The perfect combination of romance, family drama, and suspense, Humsafar will make you cry and laugh as it takes you on the couple’s journey.
Many teenagers do complain about how dramas are usually too dramatic to the point of ridiculousness which is why Humsafar is perfect for them. While having a fair share of drama woven into the plot, it’s all very real and authentic. This quality is refreshing to see in a Pakistani drama, making it more endearing. None of the characters are meant to be perfect, which makes it easier to root for them. The chemistry between them pulls you in and you can’t help but want more. The slow-burn aspect of this show definitely makes it worth the wait.
The show’s soundtrack is something else entirely and the hype that lasted years confirms that. While adding another layer of depth to the show itself it serves as the sound of one’s childhood, watching Humsafar on the TV with their Nani while still too young to fully understand.
Humsafar, a Pakistani romantic drama, owes its enchanting storyline and direction to Sarmad Khoosat, while the exceptional performances of Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan as the lead couple, Ashar and Khirad, left an enduring impact on viewers, making it a cherished drama in South Asian television history.
4. The Light-hearted Bingeable Rom-Com: Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat (2010)
Even without watching its prequel, Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat, one can appreciate the comedy and light-heartedness of this show. It’s nothing dramatic or too serious, offering a breath of fresh air from our stressful reality. The ridiculously bold nature of the characters adds to the comedic flair that makes this show so enjoyable. In fact, it’s such an easy watch it’s impossible to watch just once. You’ll find yourself rewatching the show again and again thanks to its binge-worthy quality. And yet, it never gets old!
The show served as an introduction to Bushra Ansari for many Gen Z and her on-screen presence is why many stayed for the rest of Dolly’s story. Others loved her story so much that they went back and watched Azar’s in order to get the full experience of the series. The fact that all characters get a well-deserved happy ending attests to the simple, fun-filled nature of the show. It is not meant to tug at your heartstrings or cry a river, just get a laugh out of you. This quality is appreciated by those youngsters who deem more emotional shows “corny” and dramatic. And the best part?
None of the comedy feels forced or unnatural or even cringe. The actors do a great job when it comes to comic art. While the show is a comedy it is able to perfectly weave in ideas of class consciousness through its characters, especially Dolly’s. High-spirited and hilariously brazen, Dolly is impossible to dislike. She portrays the typical societal obsession with materialistic things, and one’s looks. This adds to the show, making it more than just a comedy. There is something for everyone and this multifaceted quality is just another reason Gen Z loves it so much.
Dolly ki Ayegi Baraat,” a Pakistani comedy-drama, was skillfully directed by Marina Khan, who brought humor and heart to the series. The vibrant ensemble cast, including Bushra Ansari, Saba Hameed, Javed Sheikh, and Samina Ahmad, delivered memorable performances, making it a delightful and beloved show among audiences.
5. A Small Town Comfort Watch: Gilmore Girls (2000)
While taking you through a journey into their small town of Stars Hollow, Gilmore Girls gives you everything you could ask for. Drama, romance, quick-witted banter, and your typical small-towners. There’s the neighbourhood grump, the gossiping middle-aged woman, the town’s princess, the weirdo, and even a troubadour! When it comes to small-town fantasies, this show is the only way to experience exactly that.
The relationships in this show are what make it compelling. The friendships, heartbreak, and familial drama are very entertaining and the Gilmore girls themselves are very unique characters. In fact, even in the show, there is no one like them. Their relationship is heart-warming and it makes you wish you were one of them. It is the focal point of the show and its backbone. All the Gilmore women together portray what it’s like to be a mother and a daughter. The show portrays different types of mothers and all kinds of women in an attempt to help the audience understand how complicated and messy relationships between them can get. Yet these relationships are what the audience loves to see.
Gen Z-ers have termed the show to be one for the fall season when you want to curl up with a mug of coffee or tea for all the cozy vibes. It is also the go-to show for academic inspiration, with one of the two Gilmore girls, Rory Gilmore being a dedicated, hardworking girl who makes it out of her small town to Yale University. Her mother Lorelai Gilmore is equally inspiring having raised her alone at a young age while also opening her own successful business. These characters are well-loved among the fandom because they serve as an inspiration for all young girls watching. These characters, coupled with the small-town vibes are what make this show a source of comfort for young people everywhere.
Gilmore Girls, a beloved dramedy series, was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, whose witty writing and unique storytelling charmed audiences worldwide. The heartwarming performances of Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore and Alexis Bledel as her daughter Rory, along with a talented ensemble cast, contributed to the show’s enduring popularity and cult following.
Are you surprised by the taste of today’s generation when it comes to TV Shows? Or do you understand their POV and feel the same? Regardless, we hope you were at least reminded of all these good throwback shows and might be convinced to watch them if you haven’t.
