Top 10 Dramatic Teen Shows

Top 10 Dramatic Teen Shows

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Time to relive the most awkward time of our lives. Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Dramatic Teen Shows. For this list, we’re looking at dramatic television shows that are directly marketed to teenagers and adolescents, but not tweens. We’re basing our choices on a mix of the shows’ popularity as well as how well they captured what people go through growing up - whether it’s dealing with normal school troubles or even more mature subject matter. Don’t expect any sitcom-y teen shows here ‘cause we’ve got another list for that.

#10: “Glee” (2009-15)

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Starting off our list is the weekly musical show that made us want to embarrass ourselves by singing in public. Focusing on a group of glee club students and a few of their teachers at William McKinley High School, the comedy-drama follows these kids as they express their sorrows, happiness and love for all things music by bursting into song both on and off stage. Covering many songs from a wide spectrum of genres and tastes, and ranging from popular music to show tunes, “Glee” showed us that these teenagers really knew how to belt it out when push comes to shove. If only our high school was one big musical number…!

#9: “Pretty Little Liars” (2010-)

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What would you do if the only friend you confided your secrets to suddenly disappeared and then a mysterious person threatened to expose your dirty laundry? That’s what Aria, Hanna, Emily and Spencer have to deal with in “Pretty Little Liars.” Coping with the loss of one of your closest friends is one thing, but how can you also move on in life when you’ve got a target hanging on your back? With regular drama mixed with plenty of mystery, it’s a wonder any of these girls can survive their adolescence, but it surely makes for a thrilling teen drama!

#8: “The Vampire Diaries” (2009-)

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With the high school vampire craze being in full swing these past few years, it is no surprise that a popular TV show like this would stand out. Elena lives in a small Virginia town that boasts supernatural activity – it is also where she meets and falls in love with Stefan Salvatore, who just so happens to be a vampire. As the show progresses, the couple must deal with other bloodsuckers, siblings and former lovers and they find themselves in situations where they have to try and protect not only themselves but also the town in which they live. Oh, and just so you know, these vampires definitely don’t sparkle.

#7: “Beverly Hills, 90210” (1990-2000)

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We’ve all wanted to be one of the lucky ones who gets to live among the rich and famous, and thanks to Jim Walsh’s job promotion, he and his family get to enjoy a little more of what life has to offer. “Beverly Hills, 90210” follows twins Brandon and Brenda Walsh as they deal not only with being teens, but also with the culture shock of being uprooted from their Minneapolis hometown to a very ritzy part of California. Of course, the Hills come with Hollywood-sized issues as well such as alcoholism, teenage pregnancy and even animal rights advocacy.

#6: “One Tree Hill” (2003-13)

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If you have a brother or sister, then you know what it’s like to have a sibling rivalry. “One Tree Hill” stars half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott who start off as enemies, initially as a result of issues with their parents. As the show progresses, they also have to deal with a love triangle and competing on the same basketball team – but they eventually become closer to each other than anyone could have imagined. When it comes to high school, you may be able to count on your friends, but you should always be able to count on family.

#5: “Gossip Girl” (2007-12)

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Based on the book series of the same name and narrated by an omnipresent blogger known as “Gossip Girl,” this series follows a group of rich and popular kids who live in New York City. Each of the main characters has a different personality, from “IT” girl Serena to “Golden Boy” Nate. As with many of the other series on this list, “Gossip Girl” revolves around these students’ lives as they navigate high school. How hard can life really get if you have that much money? This teen drama will show you just exactly how.

#4: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

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The fact that this fantasy drama premiered and ran for several seasons on The WB, an American network that targeted teens and young adults specifically, already tells you a little about what you might find in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” But that’s really just the tip of the iceberg, as the series followed the titular Vampire Slayer as she fought against all kinds of evil forces, all while trying to maneuver the growing pains of being in high school. Buffy and her devoted Scooby Gang didn’t only earn the network high ratings, but also won 3 Emmys and spawned an entire franchise.

#3: “Dawson’s Creek” (1998-2003)

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Besides being a mainstay of turn of the century television, this series is widely remembered thanks to its theme song: “I Don’t Want to Wait” by Paula Cole. Revolving around the titular Dawson, this drama helped usher in the teen craze of shows on the small screen that plagued the ‘90s and early 2000s. While sporting your standard teen show plotline of trying to make it through school, it was actually one of the first and most memorable of its kind. Every character was relatable and the situations were real, making us wish we had grown up in the same town.

#2: “The O.C.” (2003-07)

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The next show on our list not only is set in California, but also follows a lower class person who is thrust into the high life. The difference from other shows is that that the main character, Ryan Atwood, happens to be a troubled teenager who is adopted by a rich family. He must deal with living as an outsider in a different world - along with his surrogate brother Seth. Ryan must also manage his feelings towards the girl next door and his snobby neighbors, all while feeling like he may not belong. Before we graduate to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. - "Roswell" (1999-2002) - "Smallville" (2001-11) - "Skins" (2007-13) - "Teen Wolf" (2011-) - "Freaks and Geeks" (1999-2000) - "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" (2008-13)

#1: “Degrassi: The Next Generation” (2001-)

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This teen show is the longest-running incarnation of the “Degrassi” franchise, and is considered a revival of the series that aired in the late ‘70s to the early ‘90s. As such, “The Next Generation” follows the successful formula seen in the previous Degrassi shows by covering the entire spectrum of students’ teen years from their relationships and sexuality to normal problems like homework. The drama is basically about trying to survive high school and growing into an adult. With a franchise that’s been around for decades, it’s no wonder this iteration has lasted for 14 seasons, with a second reincarnation set to premiere in January 2016. No other show is this relatable and represents adolescence this well as this Canadian program. Do you agree with our list? Which teen show described your life the best? For more not so awkward 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.