Coming-of-Age TV: From Grit to Spectacle

Television's portrayal of adolescence has evolved, moving from glossy depictions to more unflinching dramas that question societal support for young people navigating complex issues. Shows such as Skins, Chewing Gum, Sex Education, and Euphoria initially explored power dynamics affecting youth through themes of drugs, humiliation, and self-destruction. These dramas aimed for lifelike honesty, often drawing from real-life experiences to connect with audiences.

However, a recent turn in high-end television, exemplified by Euphoria's later seasons, suggests a broader failure in its treatment of youth. Characters once depicted as conflicted and vulnerable now appear as vehicles for outrage and spectacle. This shift is partly aesthetic and economic, influenced by streaming platforms and social media's reward structures where easily clip-able controversy garners attention. The genre risks losing its creative spark if outrage replaces nuanced storytelling.

The best television about adolescence has historically made visible the confusion and vulnerability of young people. When drama mistakes spectacle for truth, it fails to sustain the conversations it can initially provoke. The shift from authentic portrayal to mere shock value endangers the genre's capacity to explore the realities of growing up in a complex world.