In Los Angeles, bars arehostingwatch parties for the highly-anticipated weekly releases of "Tell Me Lies." And in New York City, more than 2,000 people have RSVPed for an upcoming"Heated Rivalry"look-alike contest.
Both shows have captivated young viewers enough to create a cultural moment rarely seen outside of sports in today's couch potato, streaming-friendly TV era: They're getting people out of the house to gather with other fans.
These shows are also hot, filled with sex-scenes, body parts and lots of forbidden and fiery romantic interactions.
And yet, research shows that Gen Z — the cohort born between 1997 and 2012 — ishaving less sexthan prior generations.
For young viewers who aren't engaging in sexual activities themselves but are seeking out emotional validation and connection, these stories may help fill a gap, explains Virginia Gramarosso, a 25-year-old Chicagoland health educator who works with middle schoolers, high schoolers and young adults.
Gramarosso says just because studies show Gen Z is having less sex doesn't mean they're not interested in and curious about sex.
"I think they still have desires related to sex... Consuming that media might almost fill that void," Gramarosso says.
Hulu's "Tell Me Lies" is back with Season 3, and believe it or not, the drama series is more deranged and twisted than ever. Hulu premiered three episodes on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and so far, we're seeing an unraveling of the web of lies between Lucy (played by Grace Van Patten) and her friend group. Fans can expect major reveals, the start of new friendships, the fizzling out of other relationships, a new romantic pairing, a surprise pregnancy, and so much more drama.
To celebrate the new season, the cast of "Tell Me Lies," including stars Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, hit New York City for a screening hosted at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
From left: Actresses Sonia Mena, Grace Van Patten, Alicia Crowder and Catherine Missal attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026, in New York City." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Grace Van Patten plays Lucy in "Tell Me Lies."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Jackson White plays Stephen in "Tell Me Lies." " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Spencer House plays Wrigley in "Tell Me Lies."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Catherine Missal plays Bree in "Tell Me Lies."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Sonia Mena plays Pippa in "Tell Me Lies."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Alicia Crowder plays Diana in "Tell Me Lies."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Branden Cook plays Evan in "Tell Me Lies." " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Iris Apatow, Catherine Missal, Sonia Mena, Spencer House, Alicia Crowder, Jackson White, Grace Van Patten, Tom Ellis, Natalee Linez, Katherine Hughes and Branden Cook attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere in New York City. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Iris Apatow plays Amanda in "Tell Me Lies."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Tom Ellis plays Oliver in "Tell Me Lies."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Katherine Hughes plays Molly in "Tell Me Lies." " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Natalee Linez plays Lydia in "Tell Me Lies."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Spencer House and Sonia Mena" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Katherine Hughes and Branden Cook " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Actor Tom Ellis and wife, "Tell Me Lies" creator and showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
From left: Spencer House, Catherine Missal, Sonia Mena, Alicia Crowder, Jackson White, Meaghan Oppenheimer, Grace Van Patten and Branden Cook attend the "Tell Me Lies" Season 3 premiere. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Meaghan Oppenheimer and Alicia Crowder attend SiriusXM Studios' "The Morning Mash Up" on Jan. 13, 2026. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Spencer House and Sonia Mena" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Sonia Mena" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Branden Cook " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Alicia Crowder" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Jackson White and Grace Van Patten " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Jackson White and Grace Van Patten " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Alicia Crowder, Spencer House, Sonia Mena, Jackson White, Grace Van Patten, Branden Cook and Meaghan Oppenheimer of "Tell Me Lies."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
'Tell Me Lies' cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, more hit Season 3 premiere
Hulu's"Tell Me Lies"is back with Season 3, and believe it or not, the drama series is more deranged and twisted than ever.Hulu premiered three episodes on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and so far, we're seeing an unraveling of the web of lies between Lucy (played by Grace Van Patten) and her friend group. Fans can expect major reveals, the start of new friendships, the fizzling out of other relationships, a new romantic pairing, a surprise pregnancy, and so much more drama.To celebrate the new season, thecast of "Tell Me Lies,"including stars Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, hit New York City for a screening hosted at The Corner Store on Jan. 12, 2026.
Why Gen Z is having less sex
Research shows a general decline in teens and young adults engaging in sexual activity. In 2023, 32% of teens said they had sex, compared with 47% of teens in 2013, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.This trend extends to older Gen Zers, too — about 24% of adults aged 18 to 29 had no sex in the past year, doubling since 2010, according to a study from theInstitute for Family Studies (IFS).
Emily Morehead, a Texas-based licensed professional counselor with expertise in sex and relationships, praised "smutty" entertainment for the way it can serve as a conversation-starter for young people.
When formal sex education is lacking or inconsistent, especially about LGBTQ+ sexual health, she says young people use what's around them – television, books, social media — to fill in the gap.
"I think Gen Z is craving information, and if the only media that they're getting representation with is social media or porn, they're not learning about real-life sex and real-life relationships that are safe and consensual and pleasurable," Morehead says.
Gramarosso adds that for some viewers, watching sex on TV can offer a sense of control that real-life dating doesn't amid ghosting, constant swiping on apps and social pressures.
"I think that the media can tie into that because they have an outlet for still engaging and almost expressing and connecting to their sexual wants and needs and questions without actually having to go out and talk to people and date people," Gramarosso says.
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Gen Z's sex lives and dating style reflect a deeper trend of risk aversion — young people are alsodrinking less. While those things can be positive, they're also indicators that some Gen Zers may be socially isolated. Much of Gen Z missed out on pivotal years in the classroom or office during the pandemic, impacting their ability to socialize.
This follows a general trend of people reportingless desire to get married and have familiesat a young age.
More:No longer guilty: How romance books have changed readers attitudes toward sex in real life
When 'sexy entertainment' becomes mainstream
Morehead says that sexy entertainment has become more popular as Hollywood and the publishing industry have modernized how we speak about female pleasure. Both "Heated Rivalry" and "Tell Me Lies" are based on book series.
Claire Mazur, one of the founders of romance entertainment company831 Stories, previously told USA TODAY that spicy romance is now a "mainstream form of sex content" that's a direct "counterpoint to porn culture."
People may also be watching these shows as much for the intimacy as they are for the sex. For many viewers, the plot lines feel human, flawed and real.
With "Tell Me Lies," for example, a lot of viewers relate to the sentiment of knowing a person isn't good for you but struggling to walk away.
Where "Heated Rivalry" succeeds, Morehead notes, is in depicting sex and love in a way that shows communication and consent.
Experts say it's just important to remind young people that while it's great to enjoy types of media, they cannot replace genuine social and emotional connection.
"Watching relationships and watching these things play out cannot be in place of experiencing and living and creating relationships themselves," Gramarosso says.
Contributing: Clare Mulroy, Pamela Avila, Kelly Lawler
Rachel Hale's role covering Youth Mental Health at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. Reach her at rhale@usatoday.com and@rachelleighhaleon X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'Tell Me Lies,' 'Heated Rivalry' and Gen Z's smut TV obsession