Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Type
Capstone - Open Access
First Advisor
Debra Michals
Abstract
The early 2010s produced animated kids shows such as Gravity Falls, Adventure Time, Steven Universe, and The Legend of Korra, which drew Generation Z because of elements like family, friendship, and self-introspection. This connection is strengthened by the Pandemic Skip Phenomenon: a time where young adult’s mental growth was stunted during COVID-19, leading to this generation looking for comfort in these nostalgic animated series’ to assist the transition into adulthood.
Recommended Citation
Bergen, Haley, "The Pandemic Skip and the Power of Nostalgia: Why Gen Z is Drawn to Animated Kids Shows" (2025). English Student Publications. 1.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/eng_studentpub/1