13: Deep Dive - An Age Old Problem Part 1: The Vast Lineage of Age Gap Media

What can a 54 year old woman and a 27 year old man possibly have in common? In this first episode of a two-part deep dive, hosts Alexys, Kaylin, and Larsen take the startling, scary, and oftentimes perverse trope of age gap relationships out of the taboo closet that society likes to bury it in. From Lolita to Sense & Sensibilty, or Mrs. Robinson to MILF Manor, we explore the history, or better yet lineage, of age gap literature and media that has seemingly seeped into every romance sub-genre. Our discussion goes as ancient as Roman Law and as modern as Half His Age (2026) by Jennette McCurdy. As we begin to unravel just how vast the age gap catalog of books, movies, and shows is, we find that age gap media is pervasive in the worst way- you don't always see it, but once you start looking for it, it's everywhere. With the texts on the table and Pandora's box opened wide, we set the scene for Part 2 of this topic, where we'll get into our analysis of the tropes, themes, and sociological implications of this never-ending trend. Ultimately, it's not enough to just take the scary topic out of the closet- if you want to unpack it with us you'll have to come back and listen to Part 2 next week.    Sources: Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov (2025, 70th Anniversary Edition Version by Vintage Books)  Half His Age, Jennette McCurdy (2026) "Call Her Daddy (Or Mommy): The 7 Kinkiest Age-Gap Romances On Streaming", Decider "Age Gap Relationship Movies / Younger Women and Older Men", IMDb "50 Age Gaps Between Actors Playing Couples That Are Honestly Really Weird", Buzzfeed “I Really Hope The Book Starts Conversations”: Jennette McCurdy Opens Up About Writing “Half His Age” And Exploring Female Rage", Buzzfeed