So cruel … yet so cool: Teenager readings of love and attraction on Sin tetas no hay paraíso

This research focuses on the way in which Spanish teenagers negotiate a highly rated global format TV series regarding representations of affective and sexual relationships. Results from two focus groups show that teenagers do not problematize the link between violence and desire implied by the storyline. Girls express a consensual admiration towards female characters with post-feminist traits and also show their desire to experience the main female character’s love story, which reflects traditional femininity. In both cases, suffering and sacrifices for love’s sake are justified; furthermore, men who are tough yet sweet are considered extremely attractive. Boys seem to be more reluctant to enter into and tolerate troubled relationships. They try to distance themselves from the narrative of the series, mocking the main male character. Teenagers say they are not affected by media products, yet they strongly identify with the characters and the storylines