Content Warning: This article contains discussions of bullying, homophobia, drug use, and death.
It's safe to assume that a majority of high school-aged teenagers believe prom is going to be one of the greatest moments of their entire lives. An understandable assumption considering how often high school proms are depicted on television.
Just like real-life proms, proms on television are highly unpredictable. Some are purely magical experiences, where two individuals finally get together and all is right. Some deal with the societal pressures of what "prom night" means in a different context. And some are downright dramatic, featuring kidnappings and major health scares. It's safe to say that there's a prom episode out there for everyone - even anti-prom-themed ones.
Full House - "Prom Night" (Season 6, Episode 22)
Full House was a quintessential family sitcom in the 80s and 90s, turning out some pretty great television moments year after year. One of the most iconic episodes from the series (especially one centered around DJ) was the season six episode, where eldest daughter DJ attends her boyfriend's senior prom.
This episode is great because it tackles real-life issues teens face while at prom. After Steve wins prom king and his ex-girlfriend wins prom queen, DJ begins to feel jealous and acts out. In the end, this adorable couple works it out and stays together.
Parenthood - "The New Plan" (Season 2, Episode 20)
Despite running for six seasons, Parenthood is underrated in the world of family drama series. Especially when it comes to their iconic season two prom episode that did something no other prom episode has really done: focus on the parents.
In the episode, both Haddie and Amber are gearing up for their senior prom, with Haddie taking on a major role on the prom planning committee. Seeing his little girl growing up is not an easy thing for Adam, who begins to fear what kind of shenanigans Haddie is going to find herself in.
The Goldbergs - "A Night To Remember" (Season 4, Episode 19)
With three teenage children, The Goldbergs has more than one prom-themed episode. However, by far the most iconic and memorable was Erica's senior prom during season 4. In fact, it's extremely fun because all three Goldbergs get to attend.
Erica gets her perfect prom dance with her boyfriend Geoff and it's the heartfelt moment of everyone's dreams. In another plot, Barry pulls off the biggest romantic gesture in true '80s fashion to win over the love of his life, Lainey. Even the youngest Goldberg, Adam, gets invited to prom by a junior.
Glee - "Prom Queen" (Season 2, Episode 20)
Glee became a quintessential teen drama series the minute it began airing in 2010. And though its plots were sometimes convoluted, it was one of the most diverse and groundbreaking shows on network television at the time.
Of course, the season two prom episode is one of the most memorable episodes for good and bad reasons. While Kurt did get crowned Prom Queen at the prom, it wasn't a spot he was seeking and instead was only voted by his peers to humiliate him. However, Kurt didn't let his homophobic and cruel classmates get to him and instead lived out his prom fantasies with a little help from Blaine.
The Middle - "Hallelujah Hoedown" (Season 4, Episode 22)
Like many family sitcoms, The Middle had a handful of prom-themed episodes over its nine-season run. However, a fan favorite has always been the season four prom episode which centers on Axl's senior prom.
This prom episode deals with the bittersweetness that prom night has to offer as it's a reminder to high school seniors that their time as being carefree teenagers is ending. Axl learns this the hard way when his girlfriend, Cassidy, breaks up with him after he's crowned Prom King. In the end, a brokenhearted Axl consoles a crying "weird Ashley" after her date ditches her, thus making his prom experience come full circle.
Dawson's Creek - "The Anti-Prom" (Season 3, Episode 22)
Not everyone's prom experience is a fairytale in the making, which leaves teenagers two options: ditch prom altogether or host an anti-prom. The teens at Capeside High chose the ladder, holding their own anti-prom after the prom committee criticized Jack and his chosen prom date.
While this Dawson's Creek episode was progressive for its time because of Jack and Ethan's relationship, it wasn't as progressive as it could have been. Instead, the main romantic plot revolves around the love triangle Joey finds herself in since she's being pursued by Joey and Pacey.
Boy Meets World - "Prom-ises, Prom-ises" (Season 5, Episode 22)
When it comes to sitcoms dealing with real-life issues affecting teenagers, no one did it quite like Boy Meets World. The show was no stranger to "special episodes" and even made them great by not making the moral messages too preachy, like this season 5 prom episode.
In this episode, the viewers see Cory and Topanga challenge the stigmas that come with 'Prom Night'. As fans remember, Cory is more preoccupied thinking about what might happen after prom than he is about prom itself. And while Cory and Topanga are on the same page at first, they quickly realize they are feeling the pressure of taking the next step solely because it's prom night. In the end, the two realize that they are not ready and go back to enjoy prom night as King and Queen.
The Fosters - "Prom" (Season 5, Episode 9)
The Fosters quickly became one of Freeform's most memorable and most-watched teen drama series, a title it definitely deserved. Though the show regularly dealt with heartache, the Adam-Foster kids got a rare night of happiness during the season 5 prom-themed episode, thanks to Mariana.
In the episode, Mariana throws an alternative prom in the midst of all the controversy facing their school as it attempts to become a private school. Callie gets to live out the prom of her dreams alongside her prom date Aaron while Brandon has a bittersweet night with his terminally ill girlfriend, who is losing her battle.
Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air - "Just Say Yo" (Season 3, Episode 19)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was known for being a fun and heartfelt family sitcom but every now and then they aired their own "special episode." In an interesting decision, their prom-themed episode turned into one of those "special episodes."
The episode revolves around Will who, feeling the stress of high school and looming adult life, begins to take speed to stay awake. Things take a turn when Carlton mistakes the speed for vitamins and overdoses at prom, causing Will to spring into action. Instead of focusing on the carefree side of prom night, this episode chose to dig deeper and expose the pressure teenagers are under and how that can sometimes lead them to do drugs.
13 Reasons Why - "Prom" (Season 4, Episode 9)
13 Reasons Why is arguably one of the most controversial teen drams of all time, making more mistakes than positive choices. However, the series did have some high moments including the senior prom episode - at least the episode started that way.
After years of strive, the seniors at Liberty High finally get to be normal celebrating and dancing with their friends. The heartfelt moment gets even more amazing when Alex and Charlie are named Prom King and Queen. There's also an insanely romantic gesture when Justin shows up to prom to dance with Jess, despite denouncing prom earlier. Unfortunately, the show falls back on its dramatic ways at the end of the prom episode as Justin collapses in the middle of the dance floor.