Like These Classic Teen Dramas? Watch These Modern Shows
One thing we enjoy about all of the different streaming services available to us is that we have the ability to re-watch the classic shows we love repeatedly. Nothing is better than starting your twentieth watch of Gilmore Girls every time fall rolls around and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air. However, these services also allow us to watch new shows that remind us of our favorites.
Teen dramas are iconic and are such a large part of pop culture. For years they have entertained multiple generations of teens and continue to do so. No wonder why we have such strong connections to some of these shows! Teen dramas got us through the rough years of teenagehood.
We love triangles like the ones on Beverly Hills 90210 or Elena and the sexy Salvatore brothers on The Vampire Diaries. Sometimes we love a good teen mystery to captivate, or just a wholesome coming-of-age story about a group of friends in a small town. Whatever you are into, here is a list of classic teen dramas and current shows just like them that you can watch!
IF YOU LIKE: Dawson’s Creek
Love triangles, tight-nit friendships, young love, and the best teenage vibes are the exact ways to describe this iconic show. This coming-of-age classic is a must watch for anyone of any age. If you like small-town stories this is a perfect show for your liking.
You can stream Dawson’s Creek on Prime Video, Hulu, and Max.
WATCH: The Summer I Turned Pretty
More love triangles and the best portrayals of friendship make this show so addicting. We love watching the innocent love blossom between Belly (Lola Tung) and Conrad (Christopher Briney). It is a dream to spend a summer at Cousins Beach, and maybe find a summer romance.
You can stream both Seasons 1 & 2 on Prime Video.
IF YOU LIKE: The Vampire Diaries
Who doesn’t love a steamy vampire drama! This masterpiece of a vampire show is perfect for anyone craving supernatural romance with a side of fighting vampires. We have to ask, are you team Damon (Ian Somerhalder) or team Stefan (Paul Wesley)? Either way, we love our Salvatore boys.
The Vampire Diaries can be streamed on Max and Peacock.
WATCH: Vampire Academy
Not only is this show produced by the same producer as The Vampire Diaries, but it also has an abundance of teen vampire angst. Based off of the hit book series, the show follows Rose Hathaway (Sisi Stringer) and her journey within the world of vampires and other supernatural creatures.
You can stream Vampire Academy on Peacock.
IF YOU LIKE: Pretty Little Liars
Perhaps one of the wildest shows to air on ABC Family (now Freeform), this drama still holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up watching seven seasons to learn who the mysterious “A” was. We also have to highlight the fashion tastes of the four leading ladies. They were definitely a choice!
You can stream all of PLL on Max.
WATCH: Cruel Summer
This anthology has taken teen mysteries to another level! Each season tells a different mystery, and leaves viewers shocked and pondering the question of “who killed who?” In the backdrop of the overarching mystery, the show contains themes of friendship, love, and betrayal.
Both seasons of Cruel Summer can be found on Hulu.
IF YOU LIKE: Saved by the Bell
The early 90s was a crazy time for wild hair and bold colors, but also produced iconic teen sitcoms like this show. We follow a group of close high school friends who have to navigate through high school romances, the pressure of school, and the challenges of maintaining friendships. It is no shock that this show still teaches important lessons about life to the teenagers of the 21st century.
You can stream all four seasons on Hulu.
WATCH: Never Have I Ever
First gen Indian American Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) is both a lovable and chaotic character, and so are her friends. This show takes a comedic route on covering the tumultuous time of being a high schooler. This show makes us all feel a little bit better about the embarrassing mistakes we made during that unspeakable period of our lives known as high school.
You can watch all four seasons on Netflix.
IF YOU LIKE: Skins
Being a teenager can be filled with both moments of fun but also scary moments of growing up and change. This British TV series cover the taboo topics of mental illness, sexuality, substance abuse, death, and more, in a compelling way. It shows a darker and heavier side to growing up.
All seven seasons are available on Hulu.
WATCH: Euphoria
Zendaya’s performance as a young adult struggling with addiction and the loss of a parent is both captivating and heartbreaking. Not only do we see her perspective, but we also learn about her friends and the troubles in their lives. Again, this show features mature topics and can be a heavy show to watch.
Both seasons are available on Max.
