Teen TV shows have always been a wild ride with equal parts drama and heartbreak. However, the 21st century has taken things to an entirely different level, serving up shows that do not just reflect teen life but also shape it, becoming defining landmarks for current and past generations of young adults.
So, whether you’re here for the supernatural thrills or angsty drama, these series and their relatable characters have set the standard for what it means to come of age on the small screen. From the hallowed halls of the Upper East Side to the gritty streets of Bristol, we rank the 10 best teen shows of the 21st century so far, dissecting what makes each and every one of them so iconic.
10
‘Teen Wolf’ (2011–2017)
Created by Jeff Davis
For those looking for a teen show that throws supernatural thrills and high school drama into the mix, Jeff Davis‘ Teen Wolf is definitely worth checking out. The series follows Tyler Posey‘s Scott McCall, an average teenager who gets bitten by a werewolf and suddenly finds himself navigating a world of supernatural dangers and shifting loyalties.
What sets this 2011 series apart from other picks in the genre is its willingness to go to great lengths in its depiction of epic battles and a detailed fictional universe. Still, it’s not only those aspects that add to its charm—whether the show is exploring friendships and romances or intense action moments and genuine emotion, Teen Wolf is entertaining and surprisingly heartfelt, hooking most fans of the genre from the start.
Teen Wolf
- Release Date
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2011 – 2017-00-00
- Network
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CBS
9
‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)
Created by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec
Like Teen Wolf, The Vampire Diaries offers a teen drama with a side of supernatural chaos. Set in the town of Mystic Falls, the show follows Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), a girl who has just lost her parents and is trying to keep it together, as she meets a mysterious new guy, Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley). Enter his brother Damon (Ian Somerhalder), and you’ve got yourself a classic love triangle with a vampire twist.
The Vampire Diaries features not only vampires and werewolves, but also witches and the occasional ghost—and if this isn’t enough to keep audiences invested, the series also has a knack for blending high-stakes drama with teen experiences. At its core, this beloved fan-favorite show isn’t merely about romance and supernatural fights, but about growing up fast in a world where nothing is as it seems.
8
‘Friday Night Lights’ (2006–2011)
Created by Peter Berg
Friday Night Lights is the perfect choice for those equally interested in high school football and heartfelt drama. Set in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas, the show dives deep into the lives of the Dillon Panthers, their families, and the community that surrounds them. The must-see sports series rises above its genre to become a teen drama that’s as much about small-town living and all its pressures as it is about what happens on the field.
Peter Berg’s show stands out for the way it tackles big issues, including racism, economic struggles, and family dynamics, with a notable sensitivity that some other series lack. Anchored by naturalistic acting performances and emotional moments that will have audiences reaching for the tissues, this teen drama is a compelling meditation on community, resilience, and the messy process of growing up.
7
‘Euphoria’ (2019–)
Created by Sam Levinson
If there’s one teen show that’s had everyone talking, it’s Euphoria. Since its debut in 2019, Sam Levinson‘s series has made headlines for its unfiltered look at modern teenage life and the way it’s not afraid to push boundaries. At its center is Zendaya‘s Rue Bennett, a teen struggling with addiction and fresh out of rehab, trying to find her place in the world.
Sam Levinson‘s series is as controversial as it is stylish; what truly sets it apart, besides the show’s jaw-dropping visuals and amazing soundtrack, is its willingness to go there, even when said “there” is uncomfortable. Elevated by Zendaya’s central, Emmy-winning performance, Euphoria is impossible to ignore when it comes to teenage dramas. It is messy, intense, and divisive—but also undoubtedly one of the most talked-about teen series of the 21st century.
Euphoria
- Release Date
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June 16, 2019
- Showrunner
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Sam Levinson
6
‘Heartstopper’ (2022–)
Created by Alice Oseman
If you’re looking for a teen series that’s as sweet and honest as it is refreshing, Alice Oseman‘s Heartstopper is the one to watch. Based on the beloved webcomic and graphic novels, the show follows Charlie Spring (Joe Locke), an openly gay teenager, and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), the popular rugby player whose life gets turned upside down when he realizes he might have feelings for Charlie.
This endearing teen drama stands out for its gentle and thoughtful approach to LGBTQ+ experiences, tackling everything from mental health and identity to first love and coming out. As such, it’s not surprising that it has been praised time and time again for its realistic and low-key approach to showing the darker sides of teenage life without losing its joy.
Heartstopper
- Release Date
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April 22, 2022
- Showrunner
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Alice Oseman
5
‘Pretty Little Liars’ (2010–2017)
Created by I. Marlene King
Perfectly blending mystery and drama, Pretty Little Liars has become a staple in the teen mystery genre, making for a highly entertaining binge for younger audiences. The series kicks off in the fictional town of Rosewood, where four best friends (Lucy Hale, Shay Mitchell, Ashley Benson, and Troian Bellisario) are left reeling after the sudden disappearance of their manipulative queen bee.
While Pretty Little Liars‘ plot twists can get extremely wild, that is exactly what makes it fun. Aimed at teenagers and young adults, the series keeps viewers guessing and rooting for the girls, all while delivering a surprisingly heartfelt look at growing up and sticking together. Throw in a rotating cast of love interests and questionable adults, and you’ve got a series that’s as much about solving mysteries as it is about friendship.
Pretty Little Liars
- Release Date
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2010 – 2016
- Network
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ABC, Freeform
- Showrunner
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Ina Marlene King
- Writers
-
Ina Marlene King
4
‘Freaks and Geeks’ (1999)
Created by Paul Feig
Set in a suburban Michigan high school during the 1980-81 school year, Paul Feig‘s short-running but unforgettable teen series perfectly nails the awkward, hilarious, and oftentimes heartbreaking reality of high school. At the center of the story is Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardellini), a former mathlete who’s suddenly questioning everything after her grandmother’s death. She ditches her old friends and starts hanging with the “freaks.” Meanwhile, Lindsay’s younger brother, Sam (John Francis Daley), tries to survive freshman year with his own group of geeks.
Freaks & Geeks remains a fresh watch today, even after all these years, capturing the cringe and the small victories of teen life. Although it only lasted one season, the series has become a 21st-century cult classic, launching the careers of almost everyone involved, from Cardellini to James Franco, Jason Segel, and Seth Rogen.
3
‘The O.C.’ (2003–2007)
Created by Josh Schwartz
The O.C. is undoubtedly one of the most defining series of its genre, launching a thousand trends and giving audiences more drama than many others on this list. The show introduces audiences to Ben McKenzie‘s Ryan Atwood, a tough, street-smart kid from Chino who gets a second chance after being taken in by the wealthy Cohen family.
The O.C. is as much about culture clashes as it is about love and relationships—it keeps things spicy through love quadrangles and a mix of over-the-top drama, self-aware humor, and real heart. What really sets it apart, though, is how it balances soapy twists with emotion and good writing, tackling everything from family crises and class differences to romance and friendship.
The O.C.
- Release Date
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2003 – 2006
- Network
-
FOX
2
‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)
Created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage
Gossip Girl has redefined drama, fashion, and the art of backstabbing in the teen show realm. This guilty pleasure classic set in the glamorous world of Manhattan’s Upper East Side follows a group of privileged teenagers whose lives are constantly under the microscope, thanks to an anonymous blogger known as the titular character, who dishes out their secrets to the world.
Whether viewers are in for rivalry, friendships, romances, or unforgettable characters, Gossip Girl is the kind of game-changing show that stands out for several reasons, capturing the spirit of the early 2000s, when social media was just starting to shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. The show’s influence can be seen everywhere, so it clearly had to take one of the top spots on the list.
1
‘Skins’ (2007–2013)
Created by Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain
Like Euphoria, which was heavily inspired by it, Skins UK ditches the sugarcoating and dives straight into the messy and complicated reality of adolescence. Premiering in 2007, the British drama broke the mold by focusing on a group of teens in Bristol who are trying to survive their last years of high school, with wild parties and heartbreak thrown into the mix.
With each episode typically centering on a different character, Skins UK offers compelling glimpses into the world through the eyes of its characters. Whether it’s a manipulative golden boy or a girl struggling with an eating disorder, the cast is made up of mostly fresh faces and three-dimensional characters like the iconic Effy. It became particularly notorious for its boundary-pushing portrayal of teenage life, becoming a divisive series that is also frequently praised for its honesty. With its sharp writing and memorable characters, it’s not surprising that Skins‘ influence is huge, not just in the UK but all around the globe.
Skins
- Release Date
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2007 – 2012
- Network
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E4
- Showrunner
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Jamie Brittain, Bryan Elsley
- Writers
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Jamie Brittain, Bryan Elsley
