Whether you’re going through a lot of high school ups and downs or enjoying the fact that you’ve finally broken out of your hormonal cesspool, teen dramas have a certain charm unmatched by other TV genres. Viewers can rest easy knowing that their viewing experience will include gripping relationship drama, thrilling championships, high school students with unrealistically low homework levels, and of course, teenagers played by 30 year olds.
Teen dramas are a great genre to turn to for a reminder that sometimes the mundane of life isn’t so bad (especially compared to the “epic highs and lows of high school football”). And over the past few decades, the teen drama genre has shown its best in unplanned teen pregnancies, slow-moving relationships and general angst, bringing audiences back again and again for re-watching as they are lulled into a familiar sense of comfort. , the soundtrack to some of the greatest theme songs of all time.
“Dawson’s Creek” (1998–2003)
As well as fashion envy of Jen Lindley’s wardrobe and a great desire to move to a small seaside town, dawson’s bay gave viewers food for debate that would satisfy them for decades to come: the question of whether Joey should have ended up with Pacey or Dawson.
But its re-watchability comes from the simplicity of the show. Where there is a lot of theatricality in other teen dramas, dawson’s bay depicts a quirky, much more familiar teenage experience. From the show’s idea of finding your platonic soul mate in your best friend to waking up that the first person you date may not actually be the person you end up reconsidering. dawson’s bay is a must for a return to simpler times - and for being able to survive the inevitable crush on the right choice in the aforementioned debate, Pacey Witter.
“Freaks and Geeks” (1999–2000)
Before Velma’s red jumpsuit or Jason Segel fateful performance “Man or Muppet”, was Freaks and geeks. But aside from comedic legends, Freaks and geeks still loved by fans for its recognizable portrayal of the challenges and emotional vulnerability involved in trying to find your place in high school.
While its cancellation is a legitimate cause for turmoil, the show’s small feat of 18 episodes makes it the perfect rewatch, so put on a denim jacket or your best flannel, rock to Bad Reputation, and recap Sam’s biggest life lesson. : “I don’t need another friend, I already have two.”
“Gilmore Girls” (2000–2007)
Beloved for its small-town charm, precious mother-daughter relationship, and all-too-niche pop culture references, Gilmore girls this is not a show that viewers casually enjoy, but rather one that requires endless deep dives, analysis, and online discussions. Chances are if you’ve seen the show in its entirety before, you’re already watching the annual fall revision, and for good reason. Gilmore girls it’s the television equivalent of a bachelorette party with your best friends from high school or a cozy breakfast in bed on a Sunday morning.
However, for a show that’s so comforting, it’s certainly divisive. But remember, whether you love Rory or hate it, the greatest test of whether someone can be trusted is to ask them which Rory guy they swear allegiance to (and then flee the scene at first sight). to Dean Winchester). apologist).
“One Tree Hill” (2003–2012)
One tree’s hill blessed viewers with not only one of the greatest brother duos on TV, but everything from teenage marriage to murderous babysitters and unprecedented character development in the show’s top character, Brooke Davis. The series is responsible for a generation of viewers buying Keith Scott Body Shop hoodies and Raven basketball jerseys, and a group of teenage girls painting their bedroom walls black and telling their friends they run red lights to look more like Peyton. Sawyer.
reviewing One tree’s hill is a must to relive Nathan and Hayley’s first kiss in Switchfoot’s “Dare You to Move”. Or just as a reminder of all that a typical teenage experience should include; that is, a successful musical career at 17 and a fleeting romance with Pete Wentz.
‘OS’ (2003-2007)
OS gave the audience a lot. It gave them Chrismukkah, it gave them Seth Cohen, it gave them the greatest theme song of all time, and it gave them endless fuel for jokes in a gem that is “mmm, what do you say.”
Like all great teen dramas, OS is a form of escapism that provides viewers with 45-minute episodes in which they can fantasize about the sweet life in Newport Beach with a pool house and bagel guillotine. But be careful when reviewing OS will probably send you into a terrible rage when you ask how Seth Cohen (Adam Brody)could ever be seen as an unwanted geek.
“Friday Night Lights” (2006–2011)
If there’s one thing that teen dramas wanted viewers to get out of watching it, it was a savior complex and a twisted sense of confidence that they could “fix” the show’s bad boy. Friday night lights not an exception.
But Friday night lights inspires viewers with a sense of hope in more than one way, showcasing one of television’s most powerful couples in Eric and Tammy Taylor. It presents a heartfelt depiction of the underdog’s triumph, offering an uplifting mantra that will grace walls and Instagram fan bios for years to come: “Clear eyes, full of heart, you can’t lose!”
‘Glee’ (2009-2015)
reviewing jubilation in an age of relentless TikTok discourse, browsing is unmatched; choir the cultural footprint is truly unmatched in other teen dramas.
jubilation it’s a hilarious and highly satirical portrayal of adolescence, responsible not only for creating the iconic Santana Lopez and Sue Sylvester’s incredible one-liners, but also for a generation of fans telling people that “this song was on Glee.” And now that Spotify is giving users a little reprieve from carefully controlling their listening experience, it’s the perfect time to jubilation reconsider as you can confidently listen to Blaine Anderson’s performance of “Cough Syrup” on repeat with little consequence.
“Awkwardness” (2011-2016)
awkward it’s certainly not the first show that comes to mind for many when they think of classic teen shows that are in dire need of a revisit, and yet, it is. awkward follows teenager Jenna Hamilton as she overcomes the confusion, sexual pressure, and social hierarchies that come with high school.
Possibly more comedic than other teen dramas. awkward full of witty dialogue and subtle teen stereotypes, and a key element of any successful teen show or movie: the relationship between an outcast and someone at the top of the social ladder. reviewing awkward (or viewing for the first time) will finally end the shocking amount of people who went through adolescence without falling in love with Matty McKibben and make you say “welcome” like Sadie in the blink of an eye.
Pen15 (2019-2021)
Maybe more teenagers than teenagers Handle15 This is one of the most realistic depictions of what it’s like to be a teenager insecure about his place in the world. Despite the inherently comedic nature of the two 13-year-old protagonists, played by adults, the show’s ability to deal with family breakdown, embarrassing puberty and sexual curiosity proves it more than anything else.
But with that authenticity comes a constant desire to cower at their former self and flinch at their painfully awkward first kisses. However, Handle15 it’s a stroke of genius, a somewhat hidden gem in the teen drama genre that should be watched over and over again and foisted on friends with whom you can laugh and live in denial about your own teenage awkwardness.
“Cardiac Stop” (2022)
Where other teen dramas have sorely, well, lacked variety, heart block this is a love letter to young people (and people of all ages) who are coming to terms with their truth and the importance of doing it the right way for them. Accompanied by a delightful soundtrack of songs by LGBTQ+ artists. heart block it’s a refreshing and much-needed (albeit heartbreaking at times) portrayal of sexuality and gender in all its complexities.
And in just eight modest episodes, reviewing heart blockand inevitably tying yourself to its tumultuous emotional rollercoaster is a feat that can easily be accomplished in a day (or even multiple times a day if you truly crave warmth and emotional support from Olivia Colman maternal role).
Source: Collider
