In Los Angeles, bars are hosting watch parties for the highly-anticipated weekly releases of "Tell Me Lies." And in New York City, more than 2,000 people have RSVPed for an upcoming “Heated Rivalry” look-alike contest.
Both shows have captivated young viewers enough to create a cultural moment rarely seen outside of sports in today's couch potato, streaming-friendly TV era: They're getting people out of the house to gather with other fans.
These shows are also hot, filled with sex-scenes, body parts and lots of forbidden and fiery romantic interactions.
And yet, research shows that Gen Z — the cohort born between 1997 and 2012 — is having less sex than prior generations.
For young viewers who aren’t engaging in sexual activities themselves but are seeking out emotional validation and connection, these stories may help fill a gap, explains Virginia Gramarosso, a 25-year-old Chicagoland health educator who works with middle schoolers, high schoolers and young adults.
