Why I Hate Teen Dramas Despite Being in Their Target Audience

As someone who falls within the target demographic for teen dramas, one might think I would be a fan of these shows. However, I often find myself disliking teen dramas, and this article aims to explore why.

The Dumbing Down Fallacy

One of the main reasons for my dislike of teen dramas is the frequent mistake of dumbing down the content for the target audience. A common misconception is that making material simpler for a younger audience equates to improving its overall quality. This belief is flawed, and it can be detrimental to the storytelling and the viewers' experience.

Stupid writing and acting are not just a problem for teen dramas. They are a critique that can be applied to any kind of content, regardless of the target age group. Just as bad writing would not be acceptable in an Oscar-contending film for adults, it shouldn’t be acceptable in teen dramas either.

The Example of Disney and SpongeBob SquarePants

To illustrate this point, consider the example of popular shows like Disney and even SpongeBob SquarePants. These shows are tailored for a younger audience, but they still manage to engage viewers of all ages. The success of these shows lies in their ability to balance simplicity with depth, appealing to a wide range of audiences. Clearly, the idea that you only need to engage a narrow segment of the market is misguided and can result in content that fails to capture anyone's interest.

Personal Preference and Genre Diversion

Another factor contributing to my dislike of teen dramas is my personal preference for other genres. While I may be in the target audience, I do not have a particular affinity for the drama genre. Instead, I might prefer crime and mystery shows or fantasy dramas. For a drama to truly resonate with me, it needs to be more than just a teen drama.

Take, for example, the show Stranger Things. This series blends horror and sci-fi elements with elements of the teen drama genre. While it still contains some aspects of teen drama, it offers much more in terms of engagement and entertainment. If you are looking for realism in your drama, it's often not abundantly present in the typical teen drama. Shows that offer a mix of genres can be more appealing to a broader audience, including those who might not typically find teen dramas relatable.

Limitations and Realism in Teen Dramas

Even within the teen drama category, there are limitations. Most teen dramas tend to be overly formulaic and unrealistic, which can turn some viewers off. This formulaic approach often leads to situations and narrative arcs that feel forced and unrelatable to real life. While many teens and young adults might find these dramas appealing due to their relatable struggles and emotions, others find them lacking in authenticity.

The reality is that teen dramas are not for everyone, even within the target demographic. If you find yourself not connecting with the characters and storylines, it might be best to stick to dramas that you do find relatable. True relatability is key, and just because you are in the target audience doesn't mean a teen drama will automatically appeal to you.

In conclusion, the dislike of teen dramas stems from a combination of poor storytelling, genre limitations, and unrealistic portrayals. While these shows are created for the target audience, their quality and relatability can vary widely. Understanding your personal preferences and genre affinities can help guide you towards content that truly resonates with you.