All of the angst, all of the tea: The 22 greatest teen dramas to stream proper now

Teenagers could be a little — for lack of a greater phrase — additional. And whether or not or not you have got the persistence for that in actual life, all that hormone–head rush drama makes for some good TV. Perhaps you're a younger viewer seeing your personal highschool expertise (or your dream model of it) on display screen, or an grownup dwelling for the messy, low-stakes tea — both method, teen dramas hit totally different.

However which of them should take up your display screen time? We've pulled collectively a listing that spans from the trivial affairs of Gossip Woman to the fever-dream situations of Glee and Riverdale, and no matter falls in between. These are one of the best streaming teen dramas.

Betty (2020–2021)

Primarily based on creator Crystal Moselle's movie Skate Kitchen, Betty follows a gaggle of Gen Z skater ladies in New York Metropolis as they carve out an area for themselves in a sport overwhelmingly populated by males. Humorous and actual in a method that feels pure and grounded by a deft up-and-comer forged, Betty is one in all HBO's greatest hidden gems. You’ll chuckle, you’ll get connected, and also you’ll acquire a brand new respect for the younger girls who maintain their very own in a world that pushes towards them. —Leila Jordan

Where to watch Betty: HBO Max

Forged: Nina Moran, Dede Lovelace, Kabrina Adams, Ajani Russell, Rachelle Vinberg

Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000)

Earlier than Melrose Place and Sex and the City, powerhouse showrunner Darren Star single-handedly revolutionized the teenager cleaning soap style together with his maiden enterprise primarily based on his highschool experiences. Ranked No. 4 on EW's greatest teen reveals of all time checklist, Beverly Hills, 90210 chronicles the lives of a number of teenagers in what’s now one of many nation's most recognizable zip codes.

Changing into an prompt popular culture sensation (partially due to the Gulf Struggle), Fox's '90s traditional catapulted Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Shannon Doherty, and extra into stardom, and later spawned spinoffs, books, and a restricted collection revival. Nonetheless, aside from its swanky setting, the present stays unafraid of addressing vital subjects similar to homophobia, racism, teen being pregnant, and extra. —James Mercadante

Where to watch Beverly Hills, 90210: Paramount+

EW grade: B(learn the overview)

Forged: Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Luke Perry

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) strikes to Sunnydale to get a recent begin, however it’s onerous to keep away from hazard because the Slayer: a selected one destined to conquer all kinds of evil that plague the Earth. Aided by associates Xander (Nicholas Brendon) and Willow (Alyson Hannigan) whereas below the tutelage of her Watcher, Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), Buffy battles all who threaten the world she’s sworn to guard.

Joss Whedon's collection might have began as an ironic tackle “highschool is hell,” however it consistently strove to be greater than its premise. Stuffed with intelligent writing and transformative character arcs, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a type of reveals that by no means dies, leaving an indelible mark on its fan base and popular culture. —L.J.

Where to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Hulu

EW grade: A–(learn the overview)

Forged: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter, Anthony Stewart Head

Dawson's Creek (1998–2003)

Earlier than The Summer I Turned Pretty, there was one other waterfront drama that had teenagers frothing on the mouth for extra. Operating for six seasons, Dawson's Creek is a coming-of-age story centered round 4 close-knit associates — Dawson (James Van Der Beek), Joey (Katie Holmes), Pacey (Joshua Jackson), and Jen (Michelle Williams) — going by way of adolescence in Capeside, Mass.

Not like the glamor-filled life seen in different teen reveals on the time, the WB's hit drama provided a refreshingly extra atypical world with down-to-earth protagonists and after-school special-y storylines. Plus, it additionally gifted us issues like the primary passionate male/male kiss on prime-time TV, the long-lasting off-screen friendship between Williams and Busy Philipps, and a lot extra. —J.M.

Where to watch Dawson's Creek: Hulu

Forged: James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, Mary-Margaret Humes

Euphoria (2019–current)

Euphoria has change into a quintessential present for the emotional extra of the Gen Z expertise. Sam Levinson's HBO collection stars Zendaya as protagonist/narrator Rue Bennett, a excessive schooler with an alcohol and drug drawback. As EW’s critic describes, “This can be a delicate teen drama, digging previous characters’ identities into their souls" as they battle with relationships, household, identification, and the fashionable horrors of being a teen.

Whereas the collection made Zendaya the youngest recipient of the Emmy award for Excellent Lead Actress in a Drama Sequence (which she's gained twice thus far), it additionally shortly grew to become a popular culture staple that constructed stars out of actors like Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, and Sydney Sweeney. —L.J.

Where to watch Euphoria: HBO Max

EW grade: (Learn the overview)

Forged: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie

Elite (2018–2024)

Elite was a breakout hit for Netflix and one of many first worldwide reveals that proved the streamer’s vary. In season 1, teenagers Samuel (Itzan Escamilla), Nadia (Mina El Hammani), and Christian (Miguel Herrán) obtain scholarships to attend Las Encinas, a rich non-public faculty the place a sinister thriller unfolds throughout two timelines. From there, the Spanish cleaning soap sustains itself on simmering rigidity, complicated romances, and ever-shifting alliances to completely scratch that teen homicide thriller itch.

With its sprawling forged (together with breakout star Miguel Bernardeau) and addictive storytelling, Elite is the form of present binge-watching was made for. —L.J.

Where to watch Elite: Netflix

Forged: Itzan Escamilla, Mina El Hammani, Miguel Herrán, Miguel Bernardeau, Arón Piper

Eternally (2025–current)

Judy Blume's oft-banned 1975 novel Eternally will get its first TV collection adaptation, reimagined by way of a Black lens by Mara Brock Akil. Set in 2018 Los Angeles, the present follows two teen athletes who fall quick and onerous throughout their senior 12 months and expertise all of the thrilling, awkward, and really on-line elements of old flame.

And whereas there's loads of hot-and-cold melodramatics between the highschool sweethearts — belief, there's lots of breaking apart and getting again collectively — the story digs deeper, exploring the pressures they face from their suburban households to embody Black excellence. It's additionally extra grounded than most teen dramas, and as EW's critic writes, "Younger love doesn’t at all times final, however with Eternally, Akil offers us much more candy than bitter." —J.M.

Where to watch Forever: Netflix

EW grade: B+ (learn the overview)

Forged: Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr., Xosha Roquemore, Wooden Harris

Glee (2009–2015)

Glee made Ryan Murphy probably the most highly effective TV producers, and for good motive. This musical dramedy collection follows Spanish instructor Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) as he revitalizes McKinley Excessive's struggling glee membership — a lot to the dismay of cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) — by recruiting a gaggle of underdogs who all wish to really feel like they belong.

That includes a big ensemble of extremely proficient triple-threats, Glee radiates an uncommon, off-kilter humor that embraces each absurdity and sincerity, which is precisely why no different present has been in a position to replicate its distinctive mark on popular culture. —L.J.

Where to watch Glee: Hulu

Forged: Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer, Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch

Gossip Woman (2007–2012)

When It Woman Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Energetic) returns from a mysterious absence — which sparks new battle together with her frenemy, Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) — the privileged teenagers of Manhattan’s Higher East Facet discover their deepest secrets and techniques uncovered by an nameless blogger referred to as the one and solely “Gossip Woman" (voiced by Kristen Bell).

Gossip Woman broke scandalous new floor for the CW, shortly changing into the present that younger individuals cherished and oldsters hated. However years after airing its controversial finale, this teen dramaremains an enthralling look into the lives of the filthy wealthy. And with two seasons of an HBO Max Unique reboot, its legacy continues. —L.J.

Where to watch Gossip Girl: HBO Max

EW grade: (Learn the overview)

Forged: Blake Energetic, Leighton Meester, Kristen Bell, Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford

Heartstopper (2022–2024)

There's no teen romance purer than the one between Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Package Connor). Primarily based on Alice Oseman's in style webcomic turned graphic novels, Heartstopper is loaded with longing glares, timid greetings, delicate touches, and all of the definitive hallmarks of younger love as two classmates fall for one another at Truham Grammar Faculty for Boys.

Whereas Charlie and Nick are the guts of this coming-of-age story, their various group of associates additionally cope with their very own love tales and highschool drama. Earnest and adorably healthful, Heartstopper — very similar to its signature cartoon — floats as much as the highest echelon of constructive LGBTQ+ illustration. Although the collection was solely three seasons, Nick and Charlie's romance will play out in an upcoming function movie. —J.M.

Where to watch Heartstopper: Netflix

Forged: Package Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown

Maxton Corridor: The World Between Us (2024–current)

Ruby Bell (Harriet Herbig-Matten) is a fish out of water on the uber-elite Maxton Corridor School — she's there on scholarship, surrounded by belief fund infants and old-money aesthetics. However when she unintentionally witnesses a scandalous secret, conceited golden boy James Beaufort (Damian Hardung) forces his method into her life to maintain her quiet. The 2 couldn't be extra totally different, however no quantity of sore banter can cancel out their warmth.

Primarily based on Mona Kasten's 2018 novel Save Me, Maxton Corridor — The World Between Us grew to become Prime Video's greatest world hit, hitting No. 1 in additional than 120 areas. And once you've received a wonderfully messy enemies-to-lovers arc and the traditional rich-boy-meets-girl-next-door setup, that form of pull breaks by way of any algorithm. —J.M.

Where to watch Maxton Hall — The World Between Us: Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: B+ (learn the overview)

Forged: Harriet Herbig-Matten, Damian Hardung, Sonja Weißer, Ben Felipe, Fedja van Huêt

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By no means Have I Ever (2020–2023)

To be frank, 15-year-old Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) is a sizzling mess. After her father's loss of life left her in a psychologically induced paralysis for 3 months, the high-achieving teen units out to enhance her popularity by making some excessive (and infrequently unwise) decisions — similar to getting caught in a love triangle between in style slacker Paxton (Darren Barnet) and her frenemy Ben (Jaren Lewison)…or beginning twisted rumors a few new woman.

Whereas Devi's selections usually culminate in reckoning and vital introspection, it's clear that her trauma nonetheless lingers. Loosely impressed by creator Mindy Kaling's personal teen experiences rising up with immigrant dad and mom, Never Have I Ever carries a feel-good, foolish tone whereas tackling points similar to psychological well being, grief, and strained household dynamics. —J.M.

Where to watch Never Have I Ever: Netflix

EW grade: A– (learn the overview)

Forged: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, Jaren Lewison

The O.C. (2003–2007)

Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie) is a troubled teen who's adopted by the idealistic Kirsten (Kelly Rowan) and Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher) within the rich neighborhood of Newport Seashore. Alongside his adoptive brother, Seth (Adam Brody), Ryan navigates his new atmosphere and the relationships that include it.

The O.C. carved new territory within the teen drama market and impressed Gossip Woman (additionally created by Josh Schwartz). Schwartz instructed EW that, even in its early days, “It felt like there hadn’t been a brand new present like this shortly" — and time has confirmed simply how a lot The O.C. established the style. It additionally manages to stay self-aware of its melodrama, discover its grounded household dynamics, and take large dangers in its storytelling. —L.J.

Where to watch The O.C.: Hulu

Forged: Peter Gallagher, Kelly Rowan, Ben McKenzie, Mischa Barton, Adam Brody

One Day (2024)

On July 15, 1988, two faculty college students from totally different walks of life meet at their commencement ball, and from there, the viewers sees their relationship evolve with a glimpse on the identical day as years cross. A soul-stirring, Love Rosie–meets–Regular Individuals romance, this 14-part adaptation of David Nicholls' eponymous 2009 novel (following the 2011 movie starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess) explores life's "what ifs" and fleeting moments.

Govt produced by Nicholls, One Day will doubtless have you ever calling your therapist, however it's value it for the "magical" chemistry between This Is Going to Damage's Ambika Mod and The White Lotus' Leo Woodall — whom Nicholls praised to be "simply so good collectively, so playful and humorous, and with such a rapport." —J.M.

Where to watch One Day: Netflix

Forged: Leo Woodall, Ambika Mod, Eleanor Tomlinson, Essie Davis, Tim McInnerny

Outer Banks (2020–current)

You're in all probability pondering, "What number of extra coastal reveals do we’d like?" Truthful sufficient…however Outer Banks makes a stable case for yet another. The North Carolina beach-town setting isn't simply the backdrop for a class-fueled turf warfare between working-class locals (the Pogues) and the summer time wealthy children (the Kooks); it additionally brings again one thing you don't see a lot within the digital age: good-ol' treasure searching.

And when these angsty rivals crew as much as discover caves and dodge loss of life searching for riches and treasured metals, love tends to cross enemy traces, and long-kept secrets and techniques begin washing up on shore. It's a straightforward, sort-of-unrealistic watch that leans into Riverdale-level campiness, and you’ll't assist however dig it. (The fifth/closing season is at present being filmed.) —J.M.

Where to watch Outer Banks: Netflix

Forged: Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Rudy Pankow

Pen15 (2019–2021)

It doesn't matter in the event that they're unpopular; BFFs Maya Ishii-Peters and Anna Kone are one another's "precise rainbow gel pen in a sea of blue and black writing utensils." Created by real-life faculty buddies Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, Pen15 follows the inseparable duo as they deal with puberty, household tragedy, discrimination, and the vicious politics of the seventh grade.

This teen dramedy might mirror primarily the millennial expertise with its early-2000s vogue and popular culture references, however it additionally extends a common portrayal of the thrill and perils of girlhood. Nonetheless, as Maya and Anna discover themselves in hilariously cringey situations, there's a bittersweet throughline in its two seasons, a childlike innocence nonetheless in impact even because it slips by way of their fingers. —J.M.

Where to watch Pen15: Hulu

EW grade: A (learn the overview)

Forged: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, Mutsuko Erskine, Richard Karn, Taylor Nichols

Riverdale (2017–2023)

A gaggle of youngsters within the small city of Riverdale solves mysteries, works with the supernatural, and tries to save lots of the multiverse, amongst different far-fetched issues. Following traditional Archie Comics characters like Archie (KJ Apa), Betty (Lili Reinhart), Veronica (Camila Mendes), and Jughead (Cole Sprouse), Riverdale is infamous for the way ridiculous it grew to become after season 1, however there’s no denying the present's leisure worth.

The collection bounces from style to style (season 6 even provides superpowers to the combo), however the ever-changing relationships and escalating drama make Riverdale a present you may’t assist however preserve clawing again to for extra. —L.J.

Where to watch Riverdale: Netflix

EW grade: B (learn the overview)

Forged: KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes, Cole Sprouse, Madelaine Petsch

Intercourse Schooling (2019–2023)

Highschool outcast Otis (Asa Butterfield) is content material hanging out together with his greatest pal (Ncuti Gatwa) and hoping his fellow college students don’t study his mother (Gillian Anderson) is a famend intercourse therapist. However his rebellious classmate Maeve (Emma Mackey) quickly learns there’s cash to be made in fixing their friends' intercourse issues, and the 2 begin a intercourse remedy clinic. Collectively, the group learns the intimate problems with everybody at their faculty whereas additionally coping with their very own emotions.

Created by Laurie Nunn, Sex Education is a colourful and charming look into the embarrassment of maturity, led by an ensemble forged of rising stars. The teenager present tackles all the things from homophobia and sexual assault to virginity and crushes in a recent, John Hughes-inspired world. —L.J.

Where to watch Sex Education: Netflix

EW grade: A– (learn the overview)

Forged: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Connor Swindells

The Summer season I Turned Fairly (2022–2025)

Should you couldn't already guess by the title, puberty has given 16-year-old Isabel "Stomach" Conklin (Lola Tung) a exceptional new makeover. Returning to Cousins Seashore for her annual trip at her mom's greatest pal's dwelling, once-overlooked Stomach now has all eyes on her, notably those of the 2 Fisher brothers, Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno).

Primarily based on Jenny Han's YA e book collection, The Summer season I Turned Fairly initially presents itself as a breezy, Nora Ephron-esque romance, but what's effervescent beneath is a heart-wrenching actuality that threatens their happy-go-lucky paradise. Whereas the present earns factors for its soundtrack overflowing with Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo bops, its driving power lies within the compelling performances of its younger ensemble. —J.M.

Where to watch The Summer I Turned Pretty: Amazon Prime Video

Forged: Lola Tung, Jackie Chung, Rachel Blanchard, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno

Teen Wolf (2011–2017)

Scott McCall (Tyler Posey) was an atypical excessive schooler… till he received bit by a werewolf. Now he defends his city from an onslaught of supernatural threats alongside his greatest pal Stiles (Dylan O’Brien), werewolf hunter girlfriend Allison (Crystal Reed), rival werewolf Derek (Tyler Hoechlin), and in style woman Lydia (Holland Roden).

Whereas primarily based on the 1985 comedy movie of the identical title starring Michael J. Fox, MTV’s Teen Wolf is its personal beast. Spiritually descended from reveals like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Teen Wolf provides the correct amount of melodrama and humor to its foolish premise. It’s additionally the present that launched O’Brien to fame, even when he didn't return for the Teen Wolf: The Movie (2023). —L.J.

Where to watch Teen Wolf: Hulu

EW grade: (Learn the overview)

Forged: Tyler Posey, Dylan O'Brien, Crystal Reed, Holland Roden, Tyler Hoechlin

Veronica Mars (2003–2007; 2019)

Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) used to have an ideal boyfriend, recognition in her rich city, and a promising future. However after her greatest pal’s loss of life, getting dumped, and her father’s fall from grace because the native sheriff, Veronica is a highschool outsider by day and a non-public detective by evening.

Veronica Mars is a powerful assortment of up-and-coming actors all serving an authentic tackle the teenager drama present. Whereas well-known for Bell’s glorious starring function, you can too see future stars like Amanda Seyfried and Tessa Thompson all through. Veronica Mars grew a fan base so passionate that it landed a Kickstarter-financed movie in 2014 and a revival season in 2019. —L.J.

Where to watch Veronica Mars: Hulu

EW grade: (Learn the overview)

Forged: Kristen Bell, Percy Daggs III, Teddy Dunn, Jason Dohring, Sydney Tamiia Poitier

Yellowjackets (2021–current)

In 1996, a highschool ladies’ soccer crew crashed into the Canadian wilderness on their strategy to nationals, leaving the group stranded for practically two years. Twenty-five years later, the survivors lead various lives. Divided between the previous and the current, Yellowjackets units out to reply the questions of what actually occurred on the market and whether or not that accident was really left prior to now.

Nominated for 10 Emmys (together with Excellent Drama Sequence), the present is a compelling thriller grounded by a few of the most good teen casting seen on TV. Add in a splash of horror and the lingering risk of cannibalism, and Yellowjackets proves there may be nothing scarier than a gaggle of youngsters decided to outlive. —L.J.

Where to watch Yellowjackets: Paramount+

EW grade: B+ (learn the overview)

Forged: Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, Ella Purnell

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