Teen dramas have always had a magic that brought audiences through the world of coming of age, identity discovery and relationship finding. Now, with the proliferation of streaming services, we’ve been given an even broader choice. Yet now, more than ever before, it’s possible to find a program that resonates with the struggles and successes of today’s young people. This article highlights twenty of the most popular recent teen dramas available for streaming. Each season we work to develop distinct narratives and thematic arcs that keep audiences engaged throughout every episode.
Within all of these series, HBO’s Betty especially shines as an uncut diamond. The series offers an unfiltered look at the realities of young women’s lives. Along the way, they explore the rich history of New York City’s dynamic skateboarding community. It captures the essence of friendship and self-discovery while highlighting the challenges faced by women in a predominantly male world.
Breakout Hits and International Appeal
Netflix’s Elite made waves as a breakout hit, becoming one of the first international series that showcased the platform’s diverse offerings. Filmed on location in a real Spanish international school, its cardinal theme is the struggle between the lower and upper classes, especially regarding loyalty and betrayal among teenage friends. The interesting storylines and well-crafted characters have solidified Shondaland’s reign over cinemas across the world.
3 Never Have I Ever— deserves a special shout-out! It juxtaposes a feel-good, goofy tone with deeper themes of mental health, grief, and family relationships. The series follows the life of Devi Vishwakumar, an Indian-American teen. As she navigates the pitfalls and promise of high school, she searches for her place within her vibrant culture.
Yellowjackets takes that premise and enters the dark side of the story. It depicts the painful fallout of a plane crash that kills a high school girls’ soccer team. The show intricately weaves together timelines to reveal what truly happened during their harrowing experience and how those events haunt them into adulthood.
Classic Tales of High School Life
Several teen dramas have become iconic over the years, including Dawson’s Creek, which chronicles the lives of several teens as they navigate high school and their evolving relationships. The series has stood the test of time largely because of how it captured adolescent angst and romance.
Similarly, Gossip Girl dives into the lives of privileged teenagers in New York City, addressing themes of secrecy and ambition. With its focus on regrets, life’s “what ifs” and other brief moments, the show’s legacy has already earned it a spot in pop culture history.
Veronica Mars offers a unique take on high school life by introducing a teenage private investigator who tackles mysteries in her affluent town. The show combines tons of drama, comedy and crime in one package, making it a really fun series that draws in viewers looking for a unique experience.
The supernatural undercurrents of Riverdale bring an intriguing new angle to the genre. It seamlessly blends the charm of the mystery-solving genre with much more sinister elements. The tale here plunges into the darkness concealed below the surface of its placid small-town veneer.
New Favorites and Lasting Impact
The Summer I Turned Pretty is back for its third and final season, premiering July 16. Since its release, La La Land has enchanted audiences with its whimsical portrayal of young love and summer romance. The series, which faithfully adapts Jenny Han’s beloved novels, will tug at the heartstrings of fans nostalgic for its summery vibes.
Musical shows Glee ushered in a new wave of musical storytelling by centering the adventures of a failing high school glee club. The show introduced a diverse cast and tackled various social issues while celebrating individuality through music. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon that fans embraced for its positive messages and inspiring story.
Pretty Little Liars takes the plunge and fully embraces the twisty, twisty thriller genre. It tells the story of a group of teens who are regularly hunted down by a mysterious figure. The series masterfully weaves through thrills and the terror of being a teen, leaving everyone on the hook.
Beverly Hills, 90210 remains a hallmark of teen drama, chronicling the lives and struggles of several teens from West Beverly Hills High to adulthood. Its diverse characters and complex narratives shaped many of the dramas and sitcoms that came after.
Heartstopper treats the spectrum of young love with tender seriousness, and we’re swept away in all the longing glares and delicate touches. The series has garnered acclaim for its honest portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, helping to make it a hit with younger viewers.
Finally, perhaps most importantly, Euphoria addresses difficult issues like mental health, relationships, and identity in an impressive aesthetic way. The show’s unflinching depiction of teen life strikes a chord with young viewers who, just like Hannah, are faced with the same heavy burdens.
