'Heated Rivalry' and 'Bridgerton' Revive TV's Spice for Gen Z

Hollywood is seeing a resurgence of sex in media with shows like "Heated Rivalry" and "Bridgerton" leading the way. Experts suggest that this trend offers audiences new experiences without exploitation.

The Role of Intimacy Coordinators

Vanessa Coffey, an intimacy coordinator known for her work on "Outlander" and "House of the Dragon," has observed a rise in on-screen intimacy. She believes that actors feel safer to take risks when coordinators are involved, providing audiences with stories where actors aren't exploited.

Shifting Audience Preferences

A 2023 study found that over half of Gen Z surveyed preferred less sex and more platonic friendships on screen. This shift contrasts the dominant presence of superhero films, which emphasize action over romantic elements.

A Renaissance in Steamy Content

Despite prior reports suggesting a decline, there is increasing acceptance of steamier content. Movies like "Sinners" and "Wuthering Heights," as well as series like "Heated Rivalry," have been successful at the box office, featuring numerous risqué scenes.

The Canadian show "Heated Rivalry" became HBO Max's most-watched acquired scripted series after surpassing 10 million viewers. It portrays pro-hockey rivals who repeatedly engage in intimate encounters.

Coffey highlights moments like those in "Bridgerton" Season 4 and "Heated Rivalry" as examples of authentic representations of sex on-screen. She mentioned that audiences are eager for new portrayals rather than just traditional depictions of sex.