From first heartbreaks to identity struggles and social pressure, the best teen shows resonate because they speak to the universal complexities of high school life.
Smallville (2001-2011)
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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.
The O.C. (2003-2007)
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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.
The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022-present)
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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.
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.
Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000)
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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.
Euphoria (2019-present)
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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.
Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
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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.
Sex Education (2019-2023)
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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.
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
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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.
