8 Shows That Get Gen Z (Finally)

By: The Scroll Prophet | 2025-12-10
Gritty Surreal Drama Animation Thriller Serialized
8 Shows That Get Gen Z (Finally)
Arcane

1. Arcane

| Year: 2021 | Rating: 8.8
Seriously, the animation here isn't just good, it's a whole mood. They took a game, gave it this insane visual language, and dropped us into a world that felt lived-in from frame one. And the character arcs? Pure digital gold. It's fast, visually rich, and tells a story that resonates way beyond its source material. Peak hyper-stylized worldbuilding for real.
Squid Game

2. Squid Game

| Year: 2021 | Rating: 7.9
This show just blew up everywhere, like, instantly. The concept was wild, but also super real about class and survival. It didn't waste time, just threw you into the chaos, and each episode was perfectly paced for binging. Also, the aesthetics? So iconic, they became a TikTok trend in like, two days. It nailed the global streaming vibe.
Severance

3. Severance

| Year: 2022 | Rating: 8.4
Okay, this one's a slow burn, but in a totally compelling way. The corporate dystopia hits different when it's so sleek and sterile. The pacing is deliberate, letting the mystery unfold without info-dumping, which is actually kinda refreshing. It's built for those deep-dive theory threads, and the visual storytelling is just *chef's kiss* for the 'gram.
BEEF

4. BEEF

| Year: 2023 | Rating: 7.7
This was the perfect limited series. Two people's rage spiraling into pure chaos, but also somehow relatable? It's that dark comedy about modern angst, packed into perfectly sized episodes. The way it escalates, the rapid-fire emotional shifts – it felt super current. And the aesthetic shifts between characters? Brilliant, totally platform-optimized for engagement.
BLUE EYE SAMURAI

5. BLUE EYE SAMURAI

| Year: 2023 | Rating: 8.5
The animation here is next-level, blending traditional vibes with a modern edge. It’s got that epic cinematic feel but is still super optimized for quick consumption. The storytelling is relentless, pulling you through this incredible journey of vengeance. Seriously, the action sequences are so fluid, it’s like watching a graphic novel come to life at 60fps.
The Bear

6. The Bear

| Year: 2022 | Rating: 8.2
This show is pure adrenaline. The kitchen chaos, the frantic energy – it's like a panic attack but in a good way? The pacing is insane, every line, every scene, feels urgent. It's short, punchy, and the character development happens at warp speed. Just raw, intense storytelling that keeps you locked in. Also, the food looks so good.
Wednesday

7. Wednesday

| Year: 2022 | Rating: 8.4
The aesthetic is on point, obviously, but it's the quick wit and dark humor that landed. And that dance scene? Instant viral content. It's a classic character rebooted for a digital-native audience, with a fast-moving mystery that keeps the plot popping. Plus, the gothic-academia vibe is just *chef's kiss* for the current mood.
Yellowjackets

8. Yellowjackets

| Year: 2021 | Rating: 7.5
Dual timelines, survival horror, and a mystery that keeps you guessing for actual years – this show understands the serialized game. The character work is phenomenal, making you care about both the past and present versions. It's dark, gritty, and perfect for those who love deep lore and weekly theory crafting. A true digital-native narrative experience.
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