A recent study by the Center for Scholars & Storytellers (CSS) at the University of California Los Angeles finds that younger generations, specifically Gen Z and Gen Alpha, want to see more caring and emotionally available fathers and men in movies and television. The research indicates a strong preference among adolescents for portrayals of men who are affectionate, show vulnerability, and ask for help, including with mental health.
According to the CSS Teen Snapshot series, nearly 60% of young people surveyed requested more depictions of fathers openly showing love and enjoying parenting. Forty-six percent expressed interest in seeing male characters seek support or assistance. The survey involved 1,500 respondents aged 10 to 24 from across the United States.
Yalda Uhls, founder and CEO of CSS as well as adjunct professor in UCLA’s psychology department, stated: “Our findings reveal a profound cultural shift: Youth are craving a version of masculinity defined by emotional availability and joyful connection. By highlighting these narratives of partnership and care, storytellers can offer a vision of masculinity rooted in hope and love. For today’s young audiences, the most compelling hero isn’t the one standing alone, but the one who has the courage to be present.”
The data showed that demand for nurturing father figures was especially high among those aged 10 to 14—at an 11-to-1 ratio compared to those not wanting such portrayals—and remained strong even among older youth. Respondents from the American West led calls for emotionally connected male characters on screen.
Matt Puretz, CSS senior researcher and co-author of the Teen Snapshot report, commented: “It might be easy for someone making a teen or young adult show to say: This really only applies to younger kids. But we see from ages 15 to 24, young people still prefer nurturing, emotionally available men, who serve as positive models of masculinity for them.”
The CSS has previously influenced television production through its research-based guidance on representing boys and men on screen. In addition to this latest study, it released a tip sheet in 2020 aimed at storytellers and hosted an event in partnership with organizations like CAA Foundation and Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice in 2025.
The University of California Los Angeles is known for its excellence in scholarship, arts, athletics according to its official website, as well as fostering diverse perspectives through academic programs as noted on its site. The university operates within the University of California system and supports research activities on its campus.
