Rich bullies, random musical breaks, crash outs, and literal hellspawn — teen dramas stay doing the most.

All the angst, all the tea: The 22 best teen dramas to stream right now

Rich bullies, random musical breaks, crash outs, and literal hellspawn — teen dramas stay doing the most.

By James Mercadante

Published on August 13, 2025 08:30AM EDT

Leave a Comment

Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah Fisher and Lola Tung as Belly Conklin on 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'; Katie Holmes as Joey Potter and James Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery on 'Dawson's Creek'; Zendaya as Rue Bennett on 'Euphoria'. Credit:

Erika Doss/Prime Video; Getty; Marcell Rev/HBO

Teens can be a little — for lack of a better word — extra. And whether or not you have the patience for that in real life, all that hormone–head rush drama makes for some good TV. Maybe you're a young viewer seeing your own high school experience (or your dream version of it) on screen, or an adult living for the messy, low-stakes tea — either way, teen dramas hit different.

But which ones deserve to take up your screen time? We've pulled together a list that spans from the trivial affairs of *Gossip Girl *to the fever-dream scenarios of *Glee* and *Riverdale*, and whatever falls in between. These are the best streaming teen dramas.

Betty (2020–2021)

Kabrina Adams as Honeybear, Ajani Russell as Indigo, Nina Moran as Kirt, and Dede Lovelace as Janay on 'Betty'.

Alison Rosa/HBO

Based on creator Crystal Moselle's film *Skate Kitchen*, *Betty *follows a group of Gen Z skater girls in New York City as they carve out a space for themselves in a sport overwhelmingly populated by men. Funny and real in a way that feels natural and grounded by a deft up-and-comer cast, *Betty *is one of HBO's best hidden gems. You’ll laugh, you’ll get attached, and you’ll gain a new respect for the young women who hold their own in a world that pushes against them. —*Leila Jordan*

Where to watch *Betty*: HBO Max

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

Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000)

Tori Spelling as Donna Martin and Shannen Doherty as Brenda Walsh on 'Beverly Hills, 90210'.

Mikel Roberts/Sygma/Getty

Before *Melrose Place* and *Sex and the City*, powerhouse showrunner Darren Star single-handedly revolutionized the teen soap genre with his maiden venture based on his high school experiences. Ranked No. 4 on EW's best teen shows of all time list, *Beverly Hills, 90210 *chronicles the lives of several teens in what’s now one of the country's most recognizable zip codes.

Becoming an instant pop culture sensation (partially thanks to the Gulf War), Fox's '90s classic catapulted Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Shannon Doherty, and more into stardom, and later spawned spinoffs, books, and a limited series revival. However, apart from its swanky setting, the show stays unafraid of addressing important topics such as homophobia, racism, teen pregnancy, and more. —*James Mercadante*

Where to watch *Beverly Hills, 90210*: Paramount+

**EW grade: **B** **(read the review)

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

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris, Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers, and Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. Everett Collection

Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) moves to Sunnydale to get a fresh start, but it’s hard to avoid danger as the Slayer: a chosen one destined to vanquish all sorts of evil that plague the Earth. Aided by friends Xander (Nicholas Brendon) and Willow (Alyson Hannigan) while under the tutelage of her Watcher, Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), Buffy battles all who threaten the world she’s sworn to protect.

Joss Whedon's series may have started as an ironic take on “high school is hell,” but it constantly strove to be more than its premise. Filled with clever writing and transformative character arcs, *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* is one of those shows that never dies, leaving an indelible mark on its fan base and pop culture. —*L.J.*

Where to watch *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*: Hulu

**EW grade: **A–** **(read the review)

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

Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003)

Michelle Williams as Jen Lindley and James Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery on 'Dawson's Creek'.

Courtesy Everett Collection

Before *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, there was another waterfront drama that had teens frothing at the mouth for more. Running for six seasons, *Dawson's Creek* is a coming-of-age tale centered around four close-knit friends — Dawson (James Van Der Beek), Joey (Katie Holmes), Pacey (Joshua Jackson), and Jen (Michelle Williams) — going through adolescence in Capeside, Mass.

Unlike the glamor-filled lifestyles seen in other teen shows at the time, the WB's hit drama offered a refreshingly more ordinary world with down-to-earth protagonists and after-school special-y storylines. Plus, it also gifted us things like the first passionate male/male kiss on prime-time TV, the long-lasting off-screen friendship between Williams and Busy Philipps, and so much more. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Dawson's Creek*: Hulu

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

Euphoria (2019–present)

Zendaya as Rue Bennett on 'Euphoria'.

*Euphoria* has become a quintessential show for the emotional excess of the Gen Z experience. Sam Levinson's HBO series stars Zendaya as protagonist/narrator Rue Bennett, a high schooler with an alcohol and drug problem. As EW’s critic describes, “This is a sensitive teen drama, digging past characters’ identities into their souls" as they struggle with relationships, family, identity, and the modern horrors of being a teenager.

While the series made Zendaya the youngest recipient of the Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (which she's won twice so far), it also quickly became a pop culture staple that built stars out of actors like Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, and Sydney Sweeney. —*L.J.*

Where to watch *Euphoria*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** (Read the review)

**Cast:** Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie

Elite (2018–2024)

Fernando Lindez as Joel, Miguel Bernardeau as Guzmán Nunier, Itzan Escamilla as Samuel Garcia, and Arón Piper as Ander Muñoz on 'Elite'. Manuel Fernandez-Valdes/Netflix

*Elite *was a breakout hit for Netflix and one of the first international shows that proved the streamer’s range. In season 1, teens Samuel (Itzan Escamilla), Nadia (Mina El Hammani), and Christian (Miguel Herrán) receive scholarships to attend Las Encinas, a wealthy private school where a sinister mystery unfolds across two timelines. From there, the Spanish soap sustains itself on simmering tension, complex romances, and ever-shifting alliances to perfectly scratch that teen murder mystery itch.

With its sprawling cast (including breakout star Miguel Bernardeau) and addictive storytelling, *Elite *is the kind of show binge-watching was made for. —*L.J.*

Where to watch *Elite*: Netflix

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

Forever (2025–present)

Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin Edwards and Lovie Simone as Keisha Clark in 'Forever'.

Elizabeth Morris/Netflix

Judy Blume's oft-banned 1975 novel *Forever* gets its first TV series adaptation, reimagined through a Black lens by Mara Brock Akil. Set in 2018 Los Angeles, the show follows two teen athletes who fall fast and hard during their senior year and experience all the exciting, awkward, and very online parts of first love.

And while there's plenty of hot-and-cold melodramatics between the high school sweethearts — trust, there's *a lot* of breaking up and getting back together — the story digs deeper, exploring the pressures they face from their suburban families to embody Black excellence. It's also more grounded than most teen dramas, and as EW's critic writes, "Young love doesn’t always last, but with *Forever*, Akil gives us far more sweet than bitter." —*J.M. *

Where to watch *Forever*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+ (read the review)

**Cast: **Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr., Xosha Roquemore, Wood Harris

Glee (2009–2015)

Lea Michele as Rachel Berry and Cory Monteith as Finn Hudson on 'Glee'.

Fox Image Collection via Getty

*Glee *made Ryan Murphy one of the most powerful TV producers, and for good reason. This musical dramedy series follows Spanish teacher Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) as he revitalizes McKinley High's struggling glee club — much to the dismay of cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) — by recruiting a group of underdogs who all want to feel like they belong.

Featuring a large ensemble of incredibly talented triple-threats, *Glee* radiates an unusual, off-kilter humor that embraces both absurdity and sincerity, which is exactly why no other show has been able to replicate its distinctive mark on pop culture. —*L.J.*

Where to watch *Glee*: Hulu

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

Gossip Girl (2007–2012)

Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen and Penn Badgley as Dan Humphrey on 'Gossip Girl'.

Giovanni Rufino/The CW/Courtesy Everett

When It Girl Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) returns from a mysterious absence — which sparks new conflict with her frenemy, Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) — the privileged teens of Manhattan’s Upper East Side find their deepest secrets exposed by an anonymous blogger known as the one and only “Gossip Girl" (voiced by Kristen Bell).

*Gossip Girl* broke scandalous new ground for the CW, quickly becoming the show that young people loved and parents hated. But years after airing its controversial finale, this teen drama* *remains an enthralling look into the lives of the filthy rich. And with two seasons of an HBO Max Original reboot, its legacy continues. —*L.J.*

Where to watch *Gossip Girl*: HBO Max

**EW grade: **(Read the review)

**Cast:** Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Kristen Bell, Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford

Heartstopper (2022–2024)

Joe Locke as Charlie Spring and Kit Connor as Nick Nelson on 'Heartstopper'. Samuel Dore/Netflix

There's no teen romance purer than the one between Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor). Based on Alice Oseman's popular webcomic turned graphic novels, *Heartstopper *is loaded with longing glares, timid greetings, delicate touches, and all the definitive hallmarks of young love as two classmates fall for each other at Truham Grammar School for Boys.

While Charlie and Nick are the heart of this coming-of-age tale, their diverse group of friends also deal with their own love stories and high school drama. Earnest and adorably wholesome, *Heartstopper *— much like its signature cartoon — floats up to the top echelon of positive LGBTQ+ representation. Though the series was only three seasons, Nick and Charlie's romance will play out in an upcoming feature film. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Heartstopper*: Netflix

**Cast: **Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown

Maxton Hall: The World Between Us (2024–present)

Damian Hardung as James Beaufort and Sonja Weißer as Lydia Beaufort in 'Maxton Hall — The World Between Us'.

Stephan Rabold/Prime Video

Ruby Bell (Harriet Herbig-Matten) is a fish out of water at the uber-elite Maxton Hall College — she's there on scholarship, surrounded by trust fund babies and old-money aesthetics. But when she accidentally witnesses a scandalous secret, arrogant golden boy James Beaufort (Damian Hardung) forces his way into her life to keep her quiet. The two couldn't be more different, but no amount of sore banter can cancel out their heat.

Based on Mona Kasten's 2018 novel *Save Me*, *Maxton Hall  — The World Between Us *became Prime Video's biggest global hit, hitting No. 1 in more than 120 regions. And when you've got a perfectly messy enemies-to-lovers arc and the classic rich-boy-meets-girl-next-door setup, that kind of pull breaks through any algorithm. —*J.M.*

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

**EW grade:** B+ (read the review)

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

13 teen TV shows that deserved more hype, from 'Awkward' to 'Misfits'

The 50 best teen movies of all time

Never Have I Ever (2020–2023)

Jaren Lewison as Ben Gross and Maitreyi Ramakrishna as Devi Vishwakumar on 'Never Have I Ever'. Lara Solanki/Netflix

To be frank, 15-year-old Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) is a hot mess. After her father's death left her in a psychologically induced paralysis for three months, the high-achieving teen sets out to improve her reputation by making some extreme (and often unwise) choices — such as getting caught in a love triangle between popular slacker Paxton (Darren Barnet) and her frenemy Ben (Jaren Lewison)...or starting twisted rumors about a new girl.

While Devi's decisions often culminate in reckoning and necessary introspection, it's clear that her trauma still lingers. Loosely inspired by creator Mindy Kaling's own teen experiences growing up with immigrant parents, *Never Have I Ever* carries a feel-good, silly tone while tackling issues such as mental health, grief, and strained family dynamics. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Never Have I Ever*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A– (read the review)

**Cast:** Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, Jaren Lewison

The O.C. (2003–2007)

Mischa Barton as Marissa Cooper on 'The O.C.'.

WB/Everett Collection

Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie) is a troubled teen who's adopted by the idealistic Kirsten (Kelly Rowan) and Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher) in the wealthy community of Newport Beach. Alongside his adoptive brother, Seth (Adam Brody), Ryan navigates his new environment and the relationships that come with it.

*The O.C.* carved new territory in the teen drama market and inspired *Gossip Girl* (also created by Josh Schwartz). Schwartz told EW that, even in its early days, “It felt like there hadn’t been a new show like this in a while" — and time has proven just how much *The O.C.* established the genre. It also manages to remain self-aware of its melodrama, explore its grounded family dynamics, and take big risks in its storytelling. —*L.J.*

Where to watch *The O.C.*: Hulu

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

One Day (2024)

Leo Woodall as Dexter and Ambika Mod as Emma in 'One Day'.

On July 15, 1988, two college students from different walks of life meet at their graduation ball, and from there, the audience sees their relationship evolve with a glimpse at the same day as years pass. A soul-stirring, *Love Rosie–*meets–*Normal People *romance, this 14-part adaptation of David Nicholls' eponymous 2009 novel (following the 2011 film starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess) explores life's "what ifs" and fleeting moments.

Executive produced by Nicholls, *One Day *will likely have you calling your therapist, but it's worth it for the "magical" chemistry between *This Is Going to Hurt*'s Ambika Mod and *The White Lotus*' Leo Woodall — whom Nicholls praised to be "just so good together, so playful and funny, and with such a rapport." —*J.M.*

Where to watch *One Day*: Netflix

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

Outer Banks (2020–present)

Chase Stokes as John B, Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron on 'Outer Banks'.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

You're probably thinking, "How many more coastal shows do we need?" Fair enough...but *Outer Banks* makes a solid case for one more. The North Carolina beach-town setting isn't just the backdrop for a class-fueled turf war between working-class locals (the Pogues) and the summer rich kids (the Kooks); it also brings back something you don't see much in the digital age: good-ol' treasure hunting.**

And when these angsty rivals team up to explore caves and dodge death in search of riches and precious metals, love tends to cross enemy lines, and long-kept secrets start washing up on shore. It's an easy, sort-of-unrealistic watch that leans into *Riverdale*-level campiness, and you can't help but dig it. (The fifth/final season is currently being filmed.) —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Outer Banks*: Netflix

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

Pen15 (2019–2021)

Anna Konkle as Anna Kone and Maya Erskine as Maya Ishii-Peters on 'Pen15'. Erica Parise/Hulu

It doesn't matter if they're unpopular; BFFs Maya Ishii-Peters and Anna Kone are each other's "actual rainbow gel pen in a sea of blue and black writing utensils." Created by real-life college pals Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, *Pen15 *follows the inseparable duo as they cope with puberty, family tragedy, discrimination, and the vicious politics of the seventh grade.

This teen dramedy may reflect primarily the millennial experience with its early-2000s fashion and pop culture references, but it also extends a universal portrayal of the joys and perils of girlhood. However, as Maya and Anna find themselves in hilariously cringey scenarios, there's a bittersweet throughline in its two seasons, a childlike innocence still in effect even as it slips through their fingers. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Pen15*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A (read the review)

**Cast:** Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, Mutsuko Erskine, Richard Karn, Taylor Nichols

Riverdale (2017–2023)

Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper, Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones, KJ Apa as Archie Andrews, Camila Mendes as Veronica Lodge, and Casey Cott as Kevin Keller on 'Riverdale'. Robert Falconer/The CW

A group of teenagers in the small town of Riverdale solves mysteries, works with the supernatural, and tries to save the multiverse, among other far-fetched problems. Following classic Archie Comics characters like Archie (KJ Apa), Betty (Lili Reinhart), Veronica (Camila Mendes), and Jughead (Cole Sprouse), *Riverdale *is notorious for how ridiculous it became after season 1, but there’s no denying the show's entertainment value.

The series bounces from genre to genre (season 6 even adds superpowers to the mix), but the ever-changing relationships and escalating drama make *Riverdale *a show you can’t help but keep clawing back to for more. —*L.J.*

Where to watch *Riverdale*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B (read the review)

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

Sex Education (2019–2023)

Asa Butterfield as Otis Milburn and Emma Mackey as Maeve Wiley on 'Sex Education'.

Sam Taylor/Netflix

High school outcast Otis (Asa Butterfield) is content hanging out with his best friend (Ncuti Gatwa) and hoping his fellow students don’t learn his mom (Gillian Anderson) is a renowned sex therapist. But his rebellious classmate Maeve (Emma Mackey) soon learns there’s money to be made in solving their peers' sex problems, and the two start a sex therapy clinic. Together, the group learns the intimate issues of everyone at their school while also dealing with their own feelings.

Created by Laurie Nunn, *Sex Education* is a colorful and charming look into the embarrassment of maturity, led by an ensemble cast of rising stars. The teen show tackles everything from homophobia and sexual assault to virginity and crushes in a fresh, John Hughes-inspired world. —*L.J.*

Where to watch *Sex Education*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A– (read the review)

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

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–2025)

Lola Tung as Belly, Christopher Briney as Conrad, and Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah on 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

If you couldn't already guess by the title, puberty has given 16-year-old Isabel "Belly" Conklin (Lola Tung) a remarkable new makeover. Returning to Cousins Beach for her annual vacation at her mother's best friend's home, once-overlooked Belly now has all eyes on her, particularly the ones of the two Fisher brothers, Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno).

Based on Jenny Han's YA book series, *The Summer I Turned Pretty* initially presents itself as a breezy, Nora Ephron-esque romance, yet what's bubbling underneath is a heart-wrenching reality that threatens their happy-go-lucky paradise. While the show earns points for its soundtrack overflowing with Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo bops, its driving force lies in the compelling performances of its young ensemble. —*J.M.*

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

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

Teen Wolf (2011–2017)

Tyler Posey as Scott McCall and Holland Roden as Lydia Martin on 'Teen Wolf'. Scott Everett White/MTV

Scott McCall (Tyler Posey) was an ordinary high schooler… until he got bit by a werewolf. Now he defends his town from an onslaught of supernatural threats alongside his best friend Stiles (Dylan O’Brien), werewolf hunter girlfriend Allison (Crystal Reed), rival werewolf Derek (Tyler Hoechlin), and popular girl Lydia (Holland Roden).

While based on the 1985 comedy film of the same name starring Michael J. Fox, MTV’s *Teen Wolf* is its own beast. Spiritually descended from shows like *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*, *Teen Wolf* adds the right amount of melodrama and humor to its silly premise. It’s also the show that launched O’Brien to fame, even if he didn't return for the *Teen Wolf: The Movie* (2023). —*L.J.*

Where to watch *Teen Wolf*: Hulu

**EW grade:** (Read the review)

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

Veronica Mars (2003–2007; 2019)

Kristen Bell as Veronica Mars on 'Veronica Mars'.

Robert Voets/Warner Bros.

Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) used to have a perfect boyfriend, popularity in her wealthy town, and a promising future. But after her best friend’s death, getting dumped, and her father’s fall from grace as the local sheriff, Veronica is a high school outsider by day and a private detective by night.

*Veronica Mars* is an impressive collection of up-and-coming actors all serving an original take on the teen drama show. While famous for Bell’s excellent starring role, you can also see future stars like Amanda Seyfried and Tessa Thompson throughout. *Veronica Mars* grew a fan base so passionate that it landed a Kickstarter-financed film in 2014 and a revival season in 2019. —*L.J.*

Where to watch *Veronica Mars*: Hulu

**EW grade:** (Read the review)

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

Yellowjackets (2021–present)

Christina Ricci as Misty, Juliette Lewis as Natalie, Tawny Cypress as Taissa, and Melanie Lynskey as Shauna on 'Yellowjackets'.

Kailey Schwerman/Showtime

In 1996, a high school girls’ soccer team crashed into the Canadian wilderness on their way to nationals, leaving the group stranded for nearly two years. Twenty-five years later, the survivors lead varied lives. Divided between the past and the present, *Yellowjackets* sets out to answer the questions of what really happened out there and whether that accident was truly left in the past.

Nominated for 10 Emmys (including Outstanding Drama Series), the show is a compelling mystery grounded by some of the most perfect teen casting seen on TV. Add in a dash of horror and the lingering threat of cannibalism, and *Yellowjackets *proves there is nothing scarier than a group of teenagers determined to survive. —*L.J.*

Where to watch *Yellowjackets*: Paramount+

**EW grade:** B+ (read the review)

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

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL TV”