Love and sexual scripts: A content analysis of 19 Netflix teen series

ABSTRACT Since 2015, Netflix has been one of the largest holders of teen viewers, greatly surpassing cable TV and other streaming platforms. This study focused on depictions of romantic love on screen, how these scenes intersected with sexual scripts, and the gender initiation and reception of this material. A content analysis was performed on 19 Netflix original series, which were coded using categories influenced by sexual script theory and adapted from Dillman Carpentier: loving language, loving behavior, sexual language, sexual behavior, and sexual health. Results found instances of loving or sexual content in each episode. Both loving and sexual language were the predominant aspects with sexual health instances in a few episodes. Included in the findings is a focus on loving language scripts that focus on ending a relationship rather than building or maintaining a relationship which has implications for teen expectations. Gender initiation and reception was largely equal across the five categories indicating a shift in gendered scripts. This study addresses the limited research within Netflix original series and furthers how sexual script theory understands the connection between loving and sexual content in teen programming. IMPACT SUMMARIES Prior State of Knowledge: Previous research has found that sexual scripts on television follow the traditional heterosexual script, with men as the pursuers and women being more emotional. Often, teen programming is more likely to show committed relationships, separating casual and committed sexual relationships. Novel Contributions: Our findings suggest that within Netflix teen programming, men and women are equally likely to initiate loving or sexual behavior. Programming is also more likely to see scripts skewed toward ending relationships rather than toward building healthy relationships. Practical Implications: Romantic and sexual scripts in television can influence teenagers’ expectations of relationships, including sexual health behaviors. Parents and educators should be aware of the romantic language and behavior dynamics shaping viewers’ perspectives, specifically given the lack of safe sex depictions.