Top 10 Teen Dramas of the Last Decade
#10: “Derry Girls” (2018-22)
Top 10 Best Derry Girls Moments
Being a teenager is hard enough without growing up in Northern Ireland at the tail end of the Troubles. The success of “Derry Girls” stems from its ability to factor in the historical context of its characters while still focusing on their teenage lives. The show takes place in the town of Derry, and follows a group of five friends as they navigate the social and political climate of the time. The characters aren’t real, but a lot of the events that serve as a backdrop to their high school years are. Watching these hilarious teenagers attend Catholic school while living through real-world events, such as the visit of one President Bill Clinton, is a ton of fun. The series also perfectly captures the 90s aesthetic, from its fashion to its soundtrack.
#9: “Riverdale” (2017-)
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If the success of “Riverdale” is any indication, it seems the facts of being a teenager haven’t really changed that much from the 1940s until now. Based on the popular comic characters that originated 80 years ago, this campy teen drama has been a consistent hit for The CW. “Riverdale” brings back those classic Archie Comics characters, but puts a spin on the source material that’s deliciously self-aware and fun. As the show has grown more ridiculous over the years, with magical powers and musical episodes abounding, it’s definitely left its mark on teen television. We’ll miss this one when it’s gone.
#8: “Outer Banks” (2020-)
Top 10 Most Emotional Outer Banks Moments
When the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, it seemed like everyone started watching the same shows. One such was Netflix’s “Outer Banks.” It premiered in April of 2020 and follows the economic and social divides between teenagers living in the popular North Carolina vacation spot. With murder, treasure hunting, and hookups galore, “Outer Banks” filled a teen soap opera hole for us all. And, even when the series got a little too soapy for its own good, we couldn’t stop watching. Hey, we didn’t have anything else to do! However, even with the return to normalcy, the show’s popularity has held strong, with a third season set for 2023.
#7: “Heartstopper” (2022-)
Sometimes, a teen show comes along that warms your heart. In this case, it stopped it too! “Heartstopper” premiered on Netflix in 2022 and was basically an instant hit. It follows a gay teen named Charlie who falls in love with a jock classmate named Nick. While Charlie is out, Nick is questioning his sexuality. The show handles both boys’ stories with care and empathy, and has made rising stars out of its two main characters. Not only is the love story told beautifully, but fans love how open the show is about all types of LGBTQ+ representation. “Heartstopper” has been renewed for a second and third season, and we can’t wait to see where it goes next.
#6: “The Sex Lives of College Girls” (2021-)
Top 10 The Sex Lives of College Girls Moments
It’s all there in the title. This 2021 teen show follows a group of college freshman as they navigate friendship, class, and of course, sex. “The Sex Lives of College Girls” doesn’t necessarily change the game when it comes to the teen canon, but takes what makes the genre great and capitalizes on that. Watching the heroines romp around campus, making mistakes along the way is irresistible. If you’re in college, it’s more than relatable. If you’re not, it’s an exercise in nostalgia. The show interrogates how young adults interact with the world around them in both thoughtful and funny ways, striking a masterful balance between the two.
#5: “Elite” (2018-)
If you love teen dramas and you love telenovelas, have we got the show for you! “Elite” is a Spanish-language series that examines the lives of three scholarship students at a wealthy prep school. What makes “Elite” special is its incomparable ability to use all the teen tropes we love while still incorporating progressive ideas and storylines. The series is not afraid to back down from its soapy vibe, and will give any telenovela lover the fix they need. If loving this type of TV is wrong, then we don’t want to be right!
#4: “On My Block” (2018-21)
Top 10 Teen Dramas That Were Cancelled After One Season
When it comes to teen shows, we generally see the same types of kids reflected. They’re wealthy, suburban, and usually white. “On My Block” changed the game. The popular Netflix comedy-drama follows four teenagers living in a tough Los Angeles neighborhood. But, what sets this series apart is that it doesn’t just focus on the super difficult aspects of these kids’ lives. While that’s definitely a factor, “On My Block” takes more time to focus on the everyday trials and tribulations that teens face. Monsé, Ruby, Jamal, and Cesar all have to deal with crushes, school dances, classes, and all else that being a teenager entails.
#3: “Never Have I Ever” (2020-)
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Mindy Kaling has created numerous great shows throughout our lifetime, and we can’t thank her enough for her contribution to society. But, “Never Have I Ever,” which is semi-based on Kaling’s own experiences as a teenager, might be her best work yet. The story follows Devi Vishwakumar, a 15-year-old Indian American Tamil girl, and her group of friends as they navigate high school. The show does an incredible job of representing Devi’s culture and home life, and injecting that into the way she experiences the world. Plus, when you add in jokes by the minute and a hilarious narration from tennis star John McEnroe, there’s not much more to ask for.
#2: “Sex Education” (2019-)
Top 10 Craziest Plot Twists on Teen Dramas
Netflix has basically ruled the teen drama canon for the past few years. But, one show rises above the rest, and that’s “Sex Education.” The show follows Otis, a slightly awkward teen who starts giving sex advice to his classmates, based on the works of his sex therapist mother. With a premise like that, you’ve got us hooked from the start! The show is open about the sexual confusion and apprehension that can come with being a teen. It also does a great job at not shying away from those themes while still handling them with care, and hitting almost every teenage experience imaginable. Add in a great cast, and you’ve got yourself a hit for sure. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “The Society” (2019) Canceled Too Soon! Why, Netflix, Why?! “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” (2018-20) We Love a Spooky Teenage Witch! “Skam” (2015-17) This Norwegian Streaming Series Broke Viewership Records Galore! “Wednesday” (2022-) Can Wednesday Addams Be Our Best Friend? “The 100” (2014-20) The Teen Apocalypse Genre at Its Best
#1: “Euphoria” (2019-)
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When it comes to teen dramas, there’s one that no one can stop talking about. In its two seasons, “Euphoria” has taken the internet and the world by storm. It’s made a certifiable star out of Zendaya, if she wasn’t already, and also been highly controversial for its frank discussion of drug use and sexuality. This is a story that absolutely merits telling, and we just can’t seem to get enough of the look and feel of it. “Euphoria’s” cinematography is one of its finest aspects, and the costumes, hairstyles, and make-up have made their way into teen culture. Also, name us a show that’s been more memed. We’ll wait.
