The 20 best teen dramas to stream right now

Betty (2020–2021)

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: Max

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

Related content: Skate Kitchen-inspired skater girl series gets official teaser

Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000)

Before he launched series like 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 — from their days at West Beverly Hills High to adulthood — 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, Gabrielle Carteris, Luke Perry, Brian Austin Green, Douglas Emerson, Tori Spelling

Related content: Beverly Hills, 90210 cast: Where are they now?

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

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, David Boreanaz, Seth Green, James Marsters

Related content: 15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s greatest fashion moments

Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003)

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 male/male kiss on primetime TV, the long-lasting off-screen friendship between Williams and Busy Phillips, and so much more. —J.M.

Where to watch Dawson’s Creek: Amazon Prime Video

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

Related content: Dawson’s Creek cast: Where are they now?

Euphoria (2019–present)

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, 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, 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: Max

EW grade: B (read the review)

Cast: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Barbie Ferreira, Angus Cloud, Maude Apatow, Eric Dane, Storm Reid, Colman Domingo

Related content: Euphoria season 3 to begin production in January with all principle cast returning

Elite (2018–2024)

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, Omar Ayuso, Mina El Hammani, Claudia Salas, Georgina Amorós, Manu Rios

Related content: The best teenage romance movies on Netflix

Glee (2009–2015)

Glee made Ryan Murphy one of the most powerful producers in the TV business, and for a 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

EW grade: A (read the review)

Cast: Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, Naya Rivera, Dianna Agron, Kevin McHale, Heather Morris, Jenna Ushkowitz, Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch

Related content: Glee cast: Where are they now?

Gossip Girl (2007–2012)

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 a Max Original spinoff, its legacy continues. —L.J.

Where to watch Gossip Girl: Max

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Cast: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Kristen Bell, Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford, Taylor Momsen, Ed Westwick

Related content: Gossip Girl cast: Where are they now?

Heartstopper (2022–present)

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’s story is 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. —J.M.

Where to watch Heartstopper: Netflix

Cast: Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Tobie Donovan, Rhea Norwood, Olivia Colman

Related content: Heartstopper fans were right! Jonathan Bailey officially joins season 3

Never Have I Ever (2020–2023)

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, Darren Barnet, Ramona Young, Lee Rodriguez, John McEnroe

Related content: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan doesn’t know if there will be more Never Have I Ever

The O.C. (2003–2007)

Ryan Atwood (Ben Mckenzie) is a troubled teen who gets 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 everything from The Real Housewives franchise to 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 isn’t just a great show for its pioneering indie music soundtrack or cultural impact; The O.C. 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, Chris Carmack, Tate Donovan, Melinda Clarke, Rachel Bilson, Alan Dale

Related content: Mischa Barton reveals she and Ben McKenzie dated while they were filming The O.C.

One Day (2024)

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 every year. 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, Jonny Weldon, Brendan Quinn, Billie Gadsdon, Toby Stephens, Joely Richardson

Related content: Inside the making of Netflix’s poignant, beautiful One Day adaptation

Pen15 (2019–2021)

It doesn’t matter if they’re unpopular, constantly the butt of everyone’s jokes, or never catch the eye of their crushes, 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. 

Set in the early 2000s, this teen dramedy may reflect primarily the millennial experience with its extremely-of-the-time 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 cringe 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, Melora Walters, Taj Cross, Dallas Liu

Related content: Pen15 creators discuss why they wanted to end the show now (and that bl–job scene)

Pretty Little Liars (2010–2017)

A year after their best friend Alison (Sasha Pieterse) disappeared, high schoolers Hannah (Ashley Benson), Spencer (Troian Bellisario), Aria (Lucy Hale), and Emily (Shay Mitchell) begin receiving cryptic texts from the ubiquitous “A,” who threatens to expose all their secrets. In a town where no one is who they seem, the four friends must band together to discover what happened to Alison while hoping to avoid her same fate. 

Filled with over-the-top drama and mind-blowing plot twists, Pretty Little Liars defies all logic while being undeniably irresistible. Spawning spinoffs and a successful Max reboot, this teen murder mystery is equal parts thrilling and camp, setting a high bar for how much turmoil and near-death experiences high schoolers can really endure. —L.J.

Where to watch Pretty Little Liars: Max

Cast: Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Shay Mitchell, Lucy Hale, Sasha Pieterse, Janel Parrish, Holly Marie Combs, Ian Harding, Bianca Lawson

Related content: Pretty Little Liars cast: Here’s where Shay Mitchell, Lucy Hale, and the other liars are now

Riverdale (2017–2023)

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, Marisol Nichols, Madelaine Petsch, Ashleigh Murray, Mädchen Amick, Luke Perry

Related content: Madelaine Petsch says it’s been tough saying goodbye to Riverdale: “You go through all the stages of grief”

Sex Education (2019–2023)

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 using the knowledge Otis has absorbed from his mother. Together, the group learns the intimate issues of everyone at their school all while dealing with their own quickly developing 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 is funny and deeply earnest, tackling 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, Kedar Williams-Stirling, Alistair Petrie, Mimi Keene, Aimee Lou Wood

Related content: Ncuti Gatwa says making Sex Education “wasn’t always joyous”: “I feel like we’ve outgrown it”

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)

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, Belly — who is used to being overlooked — now has all eyes on her, particularly the ones of two 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, Sean Kaufman, Alfredo Narciso, Minnie Mills

Related content: Watch The Summer I Turned Pretty cast hilariously spoof Nicole Kidman’s AMC ad

Teen Wolf (2011–2017)

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: N/A (read the review)

Cast: Tyler Posey, Dylan O’Brien, Crystal Reed, Holland Roden, Tyler Hoechlin, Colton Haynes

Related content: Love at first bite: An oral history of the Teen Wolf pilot

Veronica Mars (2003–2007; 2019)

Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) used to have everything a teenage girl could want: 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 servicing 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 the smartly written series. Veronica Mars grew a fan base so passionate that it landed a Kickstarter-financed film in 2014 and a revival season in 2019 (one that may have developed into an adult private eye show, but kept all its youthful passion). —L.J.

Where to watch Veronica Mars: Hulu

EW grade: N/A (read the review)

Cast: Kristen Bell, Percy Daggs III, Teddy Dunn, Jason Dohring, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Francis Capra, Enrico Colantoni, Ryan Hansen, Kyle Gallner, Tessa Thompson

Related content: All the best LoVe scenes on Veronica Mars, including Hulu’s revival season

Yellowjackets (2021–present)

In 1996, a high school girls’ soccer team crashed into the Canadian wilderness on their way to nationals, leaving the group stranded for almost two years. Twenty-five years later, the survivors lead varied lives: Taissa (Tawny Cypress) is running for state senate, Shauna (Melanie Lynskey) struggles in a loveless marriage, Natalie (Juliette Lewis) is out of rehab, and Misty (Christina Ricci) works as a geriatric nurse. Divided between two timelines, Yellowjackets sets out to answer the questions of what really happened after that plane crash, and if 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, Ella Purnell, Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, Samantha Hanratty, Steven Krueger, Warren Kole, Christina Ricci, Juliette Lewis

Related content: Where season 1 of Yellowjackets was filmed