Survey Finds Teens Prefer Movies Showing Emotional Men Over Superhero Action

In a shift that might surprise Hollywood executives, younger audiences are trading in their capes for stethoscopes—at least metaphorically. A recent report from the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA suggests that Gen Alpha and Gen Z are moving away from the “Doctor Strange” model of the invincible, lone hero.

Instead, they are gravitating toward characters like “Dr. Robby,” favoring grounded figures who prioritize emotional connection over superpowers. The 2025 “Teens & Screens” survey, which gathered data from 1,500 young people across the United States, revealed a significant preference for realistic male roles.

Participants expressed a desire to see “fathers enjoying parenting” or “fathers showing love to kids” by a staggering 5 to 1 margin compared to those who wanted less of those themes. It appears the era of the distant, stoic provider is being replaced by a demand for empathy and patience.

The report’s authors noted that the message from the audience was consistent across various roles, including mentors, coaches, and teachers. Young people are not just asking for better dads; they are asking for a reimagining of how men show up in the lives of others, the study noted.

This challenges the long-held industry assumption that young men only want to see independent warriors saving the world through physical strength. One of the standout examples of this new archetype is Noah Wyle’s character, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, in the HBO Max hit series The Pitt.

As a flawed but deeply human mentor in a Pittsburgh emergency room, Dr. Robby embodies the qualities today’s teens value most. The study argues that by focusing primarily on men in positions of power, the media has long ignored the importance of empathy, patience, and emotional availability.

For decades, the default for adult men in entertainment has been the “stoic provider,” but the data suggests that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are “over” that trope. They are looking for narratives that reflect the psychological challenges of a post-pandemic world rather than fantasy escapism.

This shift in interest highlights a growing need for characters who can be heroes simply by being present and emotionally available for those around them. Noah Wyle, the veteran actor behind the beloved Dr. Robby, has been riding a massive wave of success this year.

After The Pitt secured multiple Emmy wins and a Golden Globe for its first season, Wyle was recently honored as the Television Showperson of the Year by the Publicists of the International Cinematographers Guild. He continues to serve as a writer, director, and executive producer on the medical drama, which premiered its second season in January to chart-topping viewership.

In addition to his work on The Pitt, Wyle’s classic sci-fi series Falling Skies found a new audience after being added to Netflix on January 1. He also recently made headlines in a very different arena, reigning as the Orpheus Monarch during the Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans this February.

Outside of his hospital scrubs, he remains committed to the crime drama Leverage: Redemption, which continues to be a fan favorite on streaming platforms. Looking ahead, The Pitt has already been renewed for a third season, ensuring that Dr. Robby’s mentorship will continue through 2027.

The show’s realistic portrayal of the healthcare system, supported by on-set medical consultants, has made it a critical darling and a staple for viewers seeking authentic drama. Whether he is directing episodes or leading the ensemble cast, Wyle remains at the forefront of this new era of empathetic television.

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