20 Teen TV Shows That Get Adolescence Right
Teen TV series can capture the essence of those critical years like any other medium, as they have several seasons to explore all the challenges, the magic, and the fun of growing up. If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic trip, check out 15 teen TV shows that will make you feel young again.
Few new series manage to evoke such a nostalgic yet current vibe as 'The Summer I Turned Pretty.' The fact that the show is based on Jenny Han’s trilogy of novels from the early 2000s explains why it resonates with both now-adult millennials and Gen Zers. It also helps that the soundtrack is practically Taylor Swift’s entire discography (Taylor’s Versions, of course).
The series follows Belly (Lola Tung), a teenage girl who visits the fictional coastal town of Cousins Beach every summer, spending the season with her mom’s best friend's family. Naturally, she has a crush on the older son, Conrad (Chris Briney), but his brother Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) also makes his moves to win her heart. It's just pure teen romance bliss.
What to say about 'Glee'? Yes, it’s campy (to the extreme), but theater kids needed their musical show, and the FX series delivered. Beneath all the over-the-top musical numbers, the series' core was about being yourself despite whatever the world might throw at you (quite literally).
Especially during its initial seasons, the series shone bright thanks to the cast's performances, particularly from Lea Michele and the late Cory Monteith, as well as the chemistry of the cast that showed us that, despite appearances, we really aren’t so different after all.
Kristen Bell’s iconic role as Veronica Mars, a teen working as a private investigator, is considered one of the best TV characters. The show's premise, focusing more on mystery than typical teen drama, sets it apart.
One of the standout features is that it provides us with a truly exceptional female protagonist—one who never backs down from a challenge while also navigating the complexities of fitting in with her peers and experiencing all the things a teenager desires: love, friendships, and fun.
Few teenage shows have been dissected and praised as much as 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer.' Yet, it's only fair for a series that truly changed the game in TV and storytelling in entertainment overall. It introduced a remarkable female protagonist who subverted all the tropes of the horror genre.
Buffy didn't run from the monsters; she was the one who had to fight them. Sarah Michelle-Gellar’s character was also a regular teen, and the series showcased great plotlines that delved into forbidden romances, angst, existential crises, and the struggles of trying to be good enough.
Netflix’s darker take on this series couldn’t match the original. One thing that the 1990s series got right was blending supernatural elements with the preppy spirit of Cher from 'Clueless,' creating a show that explored both the magic and high school life of its protagonist.
And, of course, the series wouldn’t have worked as well as it did without the standout performances of its main cast: Melissa Joan Hart shines as Sabrina, and Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick as Aunts Hilda and Zelda, along with Nick Bakay as Salem, complete the fun.
If you’re looking for the teen series with the best dialogue, look no further. The characters of "Dawson's Creek" may not have spoken exactly like typical teenagers, but their intellectual conversations and self-awareness provided insightful glimpses into their lives. The show is also remembered for a compelling love triangle that has sparked numerous discussions.
The storyline revolves around Dawson Leery (James van der Beek), an aspiring filmmaker, with his best friend Joey (Katie Holmes) warning him early on that they're growing up, and things will never be the same. The ensemble also includes the rebel Jen (Michelle Williams) and Pacey (Joshua Jackson) in the mix.
Almost all the series on this list are American, and that’s why including this Irish production is a must. Unlike any other show we mention, 'Derry Girls' portrays what it's like to grow up in a place marked by political uncertainty and violence, something sadly true for many teenagers in regions in conflict.
However, that doesn’t mean the series isn’t fun. It might be the funniest show on the list, thanks to great performances from leads Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, and Dylan Llewellyn as four girls and their English boy friend attending a Catholic school, dealing with typical teen problems amid the intense unrest of Derry, Northern Ireland, in the final years of the Troubles.
While "Gilmore Girls" is predominantly a family drama, Rory's teenage life takes center stage in the show, and some of the most talked-about discussions about this iconic series revolve around her plotlines and occasional poor decision-making—much like any other teen.
Beyond Rory, we witness other characters growing up and finding themselves in different environments than the protagonist, but with a common thread that unifies them all: the relationship with their family. Whether they faced abandonment (Paris and Jess) or rejection (Kim), these kids had to learn to forge their own identities. And that's precisely what we crave in our teen dramas.
We could have chosen just one iteration of the show, but the truth is that all of them maintain the same essence. Probably one of the most celebrated, at least for millennials, is 'The Next Generation,' in which some well-known stars had their beginnings (Drake, Nina Dobrev).
However, Degrassi earns its place on the list because it is one of the few teen franchises that has been able to address tough issues (pregnancy, body image, addiction, and more) in a somewhat educational way while also being extremely entertaining.
One of the most followed teen series of the 2000s, “One Tree Hill” followed a group of high schoolers in the fictional town of Tree Hill. The series tackled all the boxes of a worthy teen drama: friendship, love, family, and personal growth, while also addressing social issues such as poverty or mental health.
The soundtrack, much like "The OC," played a crucial role, featuring a mix of established and emerging artists. And, of course, we’ve got the series to thank for some of the most beloved pairs, as well as the careers of stars like Chad Michael Murray.
First and foremost, it offered a fresh take on the superhero genre by exploring the formative years of Clark Kent before he became Superman. This approach provided viewers with a coming-of-age story, blending elements of teenage drama with the challenges and responsibilities that come with developing superpowers.
Apart from Tom Welling's great portrayal of Clark Kent, as a DC series on its own, it was a treat for fans of superheroes and the comics, with the introduction of many iconic characters but in an innovative way to fit the overall tone of the series.
One of the most popular shows of its time, it gathered around 20 million viewers a week, this series also paved the way for other series such as “The O.C.” or “Gossip Girl.” It was created by Darren Star, and it followed two brothers from Minneapolis who have to adapt to their new lives in California.
Of course, the story also explores many obstacles of growing up, and it was deemed scandalous at the moment. The original series, starring Tori Spelling, Shannen Doherty, Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, and others, played a pivotal role in sparking a franchise.
This might be an exaggeration, but 'The O.C.' doesn't get enough credit, despite its popularity and beloved status. Created by Josh Schwartz, the show follows the life of Ryan Atwood (Ben Mckenzie), a kid from Chino abandoned by his mom, who ends up living in the affluent neighborhood that gives the show its name.
Even by today's standards, the show remains revolutionary and influential in several ways. Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) made nerds look cool, Summer's (Rachel Bilson) character defied expectations of the typical 'pretty mean girl,' and Marissa's (Mischa Barton) portrayal dealt realistically (and tragically) with depression. Additionally, its soundtrack is just as fantastic now as it was 20 years ago.
Arguably the grittiest, saddest, and most heartbreaking portrayal of adolescence on this list, 'Euphoria' became a phenomenon with just its first season, thanks to its stylish cinematography and a talented cast led by Zendaya, a two-time Emmy winner for her role in the series.
While the show has faced criticism for its ethics, lack of character development, and coherence, Sam Levinson’s series captures the intensity of teenage life with all its tragedy and absurdity. Even if the series itself might not be highly remembered, its impact on fashion, its standout soundtrack, and its role in launching the careers of its talented cast (including Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, and Sydney Sweeney) have cemented its legacy.
Nerds haven’t been this cool since 'The O.C.'s Seth Cohen. From Mindy Kaling, based in part on her own experiences, 'Never Have I Ever' follows Devi, an Indian teen, as she navigates high school with all the tribulations that come with it: friendships, crushes, boyfriends, bullying, graduation, and more.
What makes 'Never Have I Ever' so good is the show’s heartwarming tone, as well as its real, messy protagonist. It’s true that Devi makes many, many mistakes (some incredibly stupid for someone so smart), but she always learns her lessons and strives to be better. And while the love triangle is great, the true love story of the show is between her and her mom.
Relationships and intimacy have always been a crucial part of almost every teenage show. However, few (or none, to be honest) tackle the theme with the sensitivity, honesty, openness, and instructive spirit of this British series that quickly became one of the best and funniest teen series ever with only four seasons.
The show follows Otis (portrayed by Asa Butterfield), the son of therapist Jean (Gillian Anderson), who takes all her mom’s knowledge to the school with his own clinic. With a diverse, inclusive cast filled with great, quirky characters, the series not only answers all the questions surrounding reproductive health but also weaves a heartfelt story that speaks to adults and teens alike.
Created by Michael Jacobs and April Kelly, the series practically follows the life story of Cory Matthews (Ben Savage). Across seven seasons, viewers watch him grow from a witty neurotic kid to a family man. For those who grew up watching it, the show will always have a special place in their hearts.
Apart from Cory, the series other characters include his brother Eric (Will Friedle), best friend Shawn (Rider Strong), love interest Topanga (Danielle Fishel), and Mr. Feeny (William Daniels). Just as life itself, the series showcased the victories, losses, and challenges while staying true to himself.
Josh Schwartz's second teen TV show adopted elements from the formula of his first show, "The O.C.," featuring rich kids, complicated family dynamics, and an outcast, but this time set on the East Coast. However, some would argue that "Gossip Girl" is more significant, more extravagant, and even more fabulous than its predecessor.
Nevertheless, it was also more problematic in various ways, particularly in glamorizing toxic relationships. Despite initial criticisms and negative reviews, the show made a lasting impact on a generation, influencing fashion trends and delivering some iconic dialogue.
Based on the book by L.J. Smith, "The Vampire Diaries" capitalized on the "Twilight" phenomenon, drawing in all the teenage girls (and boys!) obsessed with vampires through its melodramatic love triangle involving Elena Gilbert and the vampire brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore.
The show's captivating mix of teenage angst and supernatural elements proved addictive. One of the standout decisions by the showrunners was their responsiveness to the audience's desires, crafting a narrative that diverged from the books rather than rigidly adhering to them. Naturally, the show's success led to the creation of two additional spin-offs.
We could label 'Heartstopper' as the 'anti-Euphoria.' It stands out as one of the most wholesome teenage shows, featuring teens who are remarkably good and mature, almost to the point of seeming unreal. However, while addressing significant themes, especially regarding LGBTQ experiences, the show warmly offers the community a beautiful and happy representation.
The storyline revolves around Charlie (Joe Locke), a gay teen who finds himself falling for the seemingly straight new kid in his school, Nick (Kit Connor). What unfolds is a tale of self-discovery, bravery, love, and friendship that has the power to warm even the coldest of hearts.