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Gen Z, Alpha crave TV library comfort food

Source: latimes.com

TL;DR

Gen Z and Gen Alpha watch older TV shows for comfort and nostalgia, making up 60% of all TV consumption as library content.
Popular picks include Hannah Montana, Scrubs, and Malcolm in the Middle, with Disney finding 25% of kids' favorites predate 2010.
Streaming platforms like Disney gain from reboots, ad sales, and endless episodes that cut decision fatigue amid choice overload.

The story at a glance

Gen Z and Gen Alpha viewers dig into classic TV library shows on streaming services like Disney+ and Hulu. Executives at Disney and Philo explain the draw of nostalgia, social media clips, and long episode runs. The piece reports on this now around the holidays, when comfort viewing spikes. It echoes past generations' rerun habits but with TikTok as the spark.[[1]](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-12-23/why-gen-z-gen-alpha-are-feasting-on-tv-comfort-food)

Key points

National Research Group study: 60% of all TV watched is library content, not new shows.
Among Gen Z, 40% watch older shows for comfort and nostalgia reasons.
Disney research: 25% of kids' top programs were made before 2010.
Hits with young viewers: Hannah Montana (ended 2011), How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, Golden Girls, Scrubs, Malcolm in the Middle.
Social media like TikTok drives discovery via memes, clips, and fan talk, acting as a modern water cooler.
Older shows beat short new ones like Stranger Things (42 episodes) with hundreds of episodes for easy binges.
Disney greenlights reboots for Scrubs and Malcolm in the Middle after strong streaming numbers; advertisers chase the audience.

Details and context

Young viewers see early 2000s shows as simple and funny, offering escape from endless new choices and social media stress. COVID lockdowns boosted this, but it sticks because of predictable feel-good plots. Philo CMO notes long seasons let people watch in any order, easing pick paralysis.

This mirrors boomers with I Love Lucy or millennials with Gilmore Girls. Holiday specials add to the pull, even on cable. UCLA study ties it to a shift where 10- to 24-year-olds now prefer relatable stories over fantasy.[[1]](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-12-23/why-gen-z-gen-alpha-are-feasting-on-tv-comfort-food)

Key quotes

“The younger audience is drawn to the perceived simplicity of the old times and humor. These shows make them feel good.” — Kavita Vazirani, EVP of research at ABC News Group & Disney Entertainment Networks.[[1]](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-12-23/why-gen-z-gen-alpha-are-feasting-on-tv-comfort-food)
“A lot of seasons of available episodes ... in typically any random order, reducing decision fatigue.” — Nii Mantse Addy, CMO at Philo.[[1]](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-12-23/why-gen-z-gen-alpha-are-feasting-on-tv-comfort-food)

Why it matters

Library shows now anchor viewing for the youngest audiences, reshaping what streamers prioritize over fresh originals. Viewers get reliable comfort watches, while platforms like Disney lock in subs, reboots, and ad dollars from this crowd. Watch for more reboots and how TikTok trends keep surfacing old gems, though new hits could still break through.