Teens Say They Want Stories About Real Male Emotions Instead of Superhero Battles

Younger viewers are turning away from the classic superhero model, preferring men on screen who show emotion and connection, according to a new study from the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA.

The report, based on the 2025 “Teens & Screens” survey of 1,500 young people across the U.S., shows that Gen Z and Gen Alpha want to see men being present, empathetic, and emotionally available rather than invincible lone heroes.

Instead of superheroes like Doctor Strange, teens are drawn to characters like Dr. Robby from HBO Max’s hit medical drama The Pitt. “Fathers enjoying parenting” and “fathers showing love to kids” were cited five times more than characters that didn’t show these qualities.

The audience isn’t just asking for better dads—they want men in all kinds of roles, from mentors to teachers, to display patience, empathy, and emotional support. Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, embodies the kind of male character teens are asking for.

As a flawed but deeply human mentor in a Pittsburgh emergency room, he shows that heroism can come from simply being there for others. “By focusing primarily on men in positions of power, the media has long ignored empathy and emotional availability,” the report noted.

This represents a shift from decades of the stoic provider trope. Teens and younger audiences are looking for stories that reflect real emotional challenges rather than escapist fantasy.

The popularity of The Pitt proves this point. Its first season won multiple Emmys and a Golden Globe, and Wyle was named Television Showperson of the Year by the Publicists of the International Cinematographers Guild. The second season, which premiered in January, continues to draw top viewership and critical praise.

Outside The Pitt, Wyle’s classic sci-fi series Falling Skies has found a new audience on Netflix, and he remains involved in Leverage: Redemption, a popular streaming crime drama.

Earlier this year, he even served as the Orpheus Monarch during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The show’s attention to realism, supported by on-set medical consultants, has helped it resonate with audiences seeking authentic drama.

Wyle’s role as actor, director, and executive producer ensures that Dr. Robby’s mentorship and the focus on connected masculinity will continue in the third season, already confirmed for 2027.

The survey shows that teens want a new kind of hero—one who demonstrates emotional intelligence and care. Noah Wyle and The Pitt are leading the way, showing Hollywood that heroism is evolving.

What do you think about teens turning away from superheroes in favor of men who show empathy on screen? Share your thoughts in the comments.