This analysis deals with generalized thermoelasticity via Lord–Shulman’s theory for hollow cylinders reinforced with graphene platelets (GPL). The viscosity effect is also considered for applied materials. The second-order correlation homogenization techniques are utilized to obtain the equivalent thermo-mechanical properties. The hollow cylinder with spinning motion is modeled based on the linear thermoelastic constitutive law. The GPLs are functionally distributed along the cylinder’s radius based upon a power-law function. The Kelvin–Voigt type of viscosity behavior which is a differential state of viscous materials, is employed. The energy equation is attained based on the coupled and generalized framework. After obtaining the motion and energy equations in dimensionless form, the generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) and Newmark time marching methods are implemented to extract the temporal evolution and wave propagation of temperature, displacement, and stresses that occurred in the structure. After validating the responses with the available theoretical article, some numerical results are demonstrated to examine the effect of thermo-mechanical properties on the thermoelastic behavior of chosen nanocomposite cylinder.