Teen dramas came into prominence in the early 1990s. With each passing year, as one series ends, there comes another one fit for its generation. Thanks to recent shows like Sex Education, Euphoria, Never Have I Ever, and Outer Banks, this trend is not slowing down. Gossip Girl even returned with a whole new set of characters for audiences to obsess over.
Some teen shows land on the sweet side like Gilmore Girls, while others like The OC or Skins carry more dramatic tones. Some are action-packed and even add mystical creatures like The Originals. Though critics usually dislike this type of content, teen dramas have been successful with young and mature audiences alike. The fan rankings on Ranker prove that no matter the genre or reviews, they all are entertaining in their own way.
One Tree Hill (2003)
This early 2000s gem portrayed complicated relationships and imperfect friendships. This series that spans nine seasons follows the storyline of teenage half-brothers Lucas, Nathan, and their high school friends. The show portrayed classic teen tropes such as the love triangle, broken family dynamics, romance, and crazy plot twists that kept audiences hooked.
The decision to jump four years into the future in the fifth season might've seemed like a risky one at the time. But, it allowed viewers to watch these characters grow, mature, and deal with more adult scenarios. In a way, the characters grew at the same rate as some of the audience members, increasing their relatability and making it a fan-favorite all the way to the end.
Shadowhunters (2016)
Shadowhunters had famously mixed reviews when it first premiered. As a fantasy drama, it's safe to say it had tough competition. Still, this adaptation of Cassandra Clare garnered a devoted fan base thanks to its protagonist Clary Fray, a teen angel-hybrid that discovers her ancestors were Shadowhunters who hunt down demons.
Even though the series did derail from its source material, the fact that it includes strong female friendships and LGBTQ+ representation made it relevant for the public. Add to that the mythological creatures such as Downworldlers, vampires, warlocks, and werewolves, and what's left is a teen supernatural drama with some proper world-building.
13 Reasons Why (2017)
As controversial as this Netflix series is, its impact is undeniable. This intense, dark drama based on a popular YA novel follows Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford), a teen that after a long, painful ordeal, dies by suicide. As the show progresses, heavy themes are introduced, such as bullying, sexual assault, and sexual orientation.
13 Reasons Why was not condescending to its adolescent characters and portrayed important issues with rawness and a pinch of reality that wasn't without its challenges. With the use of content warnings, the series pulled through in showcasing the hard truth of teenage life, making it last for four seasons.
The 100 (2014)
Premiering in 2014, this science-fiction series has been pretty popular in geek circles. Set 97 years after a devastating nuclear war wiped out most of Earth's residents, a group of delinquents comes back to re-populate the planet. The 100 does include some basic stereotypes, a classic of The CW teen dramas, but its concept and atmospheric visuals kept fans entertained for seven seasons.
One thing the TV show was very consistent about was keeping the stakes high. From the mercy-killing of Finn, imminent wars, the dangers of radiation, and cruel experiments, there was never a dull moment. The twist and turns are unforeseeable, which means that surprises await at every corner with each passing episode.
Riverdale (2017)
Riverdale is a show that either people hate or people love. The fans on Ranker decided that they love it, and the Archie Comic-inspired series perseveres. The show uses familiar archetypes like Archie (the sports dude), Betty (the smart one), Veronica (the new girl) and really embraces the high school feels, making it relatable for the teenage public.
A thing to be said is that the storylines are so bizarre at times, random, and unexpected that it's hard to predict what's going to happen. The musical numbers might not be to everyone's taste, but they strongly communicate teenage angst in a fun and different way.
Teen Wolf (2011)
Teen Wolf premiered during a time where vampires and werewolves were all the rage. Its timing was not only perfect, but it filled a space audiences were craving for. The series revolves around Scott McCall (Tyler Posey), trying to balance his newfound status as a werewolf with his daily, normal teen life. To his surprise, his town is filled with supernatural creatures he now has to deal with.
The show also provided audiences with plenty of on-screen romance, causing positive and negative reactions, and didn't forget to include some light-hearted comedy from time to time. Stiles (Dylan O' Brien) definitely worked as the comic relief in many scenes creating memorable moments, like when he fought a vending machine or tried to compete with his werewolf bestie. Teen Wolf's combination of supernatural and adolescent problems was the perfect fit for the audience of its time.
Pretty Little Liars (2010)
Premiering in 2010, Pretty Little Liars was one of the most-talked-about TV shows of the year. The series kept viewers guessing for seven seasons with the never-ending mystery of "Who is A?". Set in the fictional town of Rosewood, its four main characters, Aria, Hannah, Emily, and Spencer, were so layered and multifaceted, young women could easily empathize with their situation.
Although not everyone loved the series finale, the wholesome and wild moments it offered in between remains iconic for the devoted fan base. Who could forget the tension when the girls got their first text from their supposedly dead friend Alison and the many confusions of who exactly is "A"? PLL takes the crown for one of the best teen mysteries in recent years.
Stranger Things (2016)
Premiering in 2006 and with a fourth season on its way, Stranger Things has quickly escalated into one of the most beloved series on Netflix. The show has resonated with a wide audience thanks to its immersive setting and young cast. Being heavily influenced by '80s television and pop culture, adults have enjoyed the show just as much as teenagers. The camera work is reminiscent of old horror films, which give the viewers a classic and somewhat wholesome experience aided by the quality of the special effects.
From the moment Will and Barb disappear in Season 1 to Steve and Dustin's unlikely friendship, Robin's coming-out scene, and Billy saving Eleven, the sci-fi adventure is nothing short of a rollercoaster. Like One Tree Hill, the public (especially tweens and teens) has had the chance to grow along with the main characters, which adds a level of sympathy, interest, and engagement.
The Vampire Diaries (2009)
Premiering a year after the Twilight movie sensation, The Vampire Diaries captivated audiences with their sexy vampires and innocent protagonist, Elena. The love triangle between Stefan, Elena, and Damon remains one of the most chaotic ones on TV, proving once again that The CW knows its romance.
The world-building in this show is superb, with werewolves, witches, evil doppelgangers, and vampire hunters pushing the narrative forward. The backstory of the first vampires and the folklore it included brought a touch of authenticity to the supernatural drama, and even when Nina Dobrev decided to leave, fans were there to the very end. With a mixture of modern time settings and flashbacks going as far back as the 1800s, this TV show effectively demonstrated that romance and fantasy can work very well together.
Gossip Girl (2007)
Gossip Girl is one of the ultimate teen dramas of the early 2000s. With Kristen Bell narrating the scandals of Upper East Siders such as Serena, Blair, Chuck, Nate, and "Lonely Boy" Dan, the series deep-dived into the unbelievable, alcohol-fueled, party-crazy rich teenagers' lives. The aspirational aspect of these teens acting like adults with little to no consequences always makes for a juicy to watch. The most interesting feature of the show is that even though its characters are hardly relatable, their nonsensical and affluent nonsense is what makes it entertaining.
There's a particular tone and shtick that accompanies the storylines. Some characters die, then they reappear. There's betrayal, fancy dinners, a Queen B, an It Girl, a poor girl, and everything in between. It doesn't matter if the characters are in New York, Paris, or LA, the scheming never stops for these privileged young adults. With a sequel out now, Gossip Girl keeps finding new ways to connect with audiences that fall in love with its unique style.