Who doesn’t love a good teen drama? They often have a bit of everything: romance, tension, and lots of characters. Perhaps most importantly of all, they have ANGST. Despite the categorization as “teen” shows, these dramas often pull in crowds of varying ages. Sure, sometimes we have to suspend our disbelief. Where are their parents? When did they develop all these life-saving skills? Who cares? We’re hooked.
The 2000s were a perfect time for lovers of teen dramas. Each year new ones rolled onto the scene, carrying on for multiple seasons and sometimes 100+ episodes. Some have been lost to time, but others are available on various streaming platforms so we can bask in nostalgia for hours. Continue reading for 13 teen dramas from the 2000s you can binge on streaming now.
13 Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)
Max
Release Date September 19, 2007
Seasons 6
What happens when you take spoiled rich kids in Manhattan’s Upper East Side and throw in a few wannabes wanting to infiltrate? You get the CW’s smash hit Gossip Girl. Based on a book series, it follows a group of teens from their high school days and eventually into college. Documenting all their drama and scandals is an anonymous blogger named Gossip Girl.
You Know You’ll Love It
Who is Gossip Girl? That’s a secret they’ll never tell. Until the series finale, that is. And boy did the reveal spark lively discussions from fans. The show veers away from the book early on, making it exciting for all viewers. This show is the definition of rich people drama and it’s hard to look away from the glamorous train wreck.
12 The Secret Life of the American Teenager (2008 – 2013)
Hulu
Release Date September 3, 2008
Seasons 5
The Secret Life of the American Teenager is about a shy band geek named Amy who shocks her friends, family, and school when she gets pregnant. And by none other than popular womanizer Ricky, no less. While Amy is the central focus in season 1, the series widens its focus to follow the lives (particularly the dating and sex lives) of other Grant High School Students.
All the Drama
The dialogue in The Secret Life is stilted and the messaging can be so heavy-handed that some episodes feel like a “just say no” campaign video. While it’s unmistakably a drama, with intense music and even more intense acting, viewers might experience it differently today. If revisited on streaming, it could feel more like a comedy.
11 Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001 – 2015)
Max, Hoopla
Release Date October 14, 2001
Seasons 15
Yes, Degrassi: The Next Generation is where Drake got his start. But the show is much more than that. It follows the students (and sometimes the teachers and parents) of a Toronto school. Degrassi does not waste time tip-toeing around difficult issues. In the first episode, a pre-teen named Emma is lured to a hotel by an older man pretending to be a teenager.
Balancing the Light & the Heavy
That is just the start. Viewers witness the characters grow up on the screen and most of the actors are the age they play in the show (a novelty in teen series). While many Degrassi episodes are lighthearted and fun, they also tackle issues like school shootings, sexual assault, domestic abuse, revenge porn, and more.
Related Best Canadian TV Shows, Ranked
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10 Wildfire (2005 – 2008)
Netflix, Prime Video
Release Date June 20, 2005
Seasons 4
Kris Furillo in Wildfire just finished serving time at a correctional facility. She’s given the chance to start over when the Ritter family offers her a job at their ranch. There, Kris forms a bond with a horse named Wildfire. Little does she know, the Ritters’ ranch may be torn away from them. It’s up to Kris (and Wildfire) to keep the ranch afloat.
Many Missed Out
Wildfire isn’t just for horse lovers, though they’ll get plenty of enjoyment with that aspect. Kris starts the show at eighteen and, as such, feels a bit more mature than other popular teen dramas. Wildfire never truly broke out, always remaining a relatively niche show. Yet many fans believe it’s one of ABC Family’s (now Freeform) most underrated series.
9 Veronica Mars (2004 – 2007)
Hulu
Release Date September 22, 2004
Seasons 4
Veronica Mars blends teen drama with a gripping mystery. The titular character is a high schooler who’s also a private investigator. Her latest case hits close to home, as her best friend is murdered. This event devastates her and is the catalyst for a spiraling conspiracy with twists to rival even the most critically acclaimed noirs.
A Crowd-Funded Follow-Up
Kristen Bell played Veronica (she was also the voice of Gossip Girl) over four seasons. While the series was popular, the original run ended after three seasons. By that point, Veronica was in college and was on to a new central mystery. Bell and the show creator launched a Kickstarter to fund a Veronica Mars movie which was released in 2014.
8 Make It or Break It (2009 – 2012)
Hulu
Release Date June 22, 2009
Seasons 3
There’s a huge void of teen dramas that revolve around sports. Make It or Break It was able to scratch that itch for some. It centers on elite gymnasts who are training for the Olympics. Their training is shaken up when their coach leaves to coach at another gym. Alongside this, Payson, Lauren, Kaylie, and new girl Chelsea deal with the fierce social politics circling the gym.
What to Expect
What happens outside of the gym impacts each athlete in the gym, and vice versa. It’s a tangled web of backstabbing, love affairs, potentially career-ending injuries, and more that can dash their Olympics dreams. Be forewarned: the characters are not always likable. However, seeing how easily their ambition leads them down destructive paths is addicting.
Related Best Movies About Gymnastics, Ranked
Hollywood is no stranger to producing exhilarating sports films, with gymnastics becoming a go-to topic that features powerful and inspiring stories.
7 Smallville (2001 – 2011)
Hulu
Release Date October 16, 2001
Seasons 10
The superhero genre is dominated by adult characters, which is why Smallville was a breath of fresh air. It revolves around Clark Kent (aka Superman) and his teenage years. In season 1, Clark learns more about his origins and the abilities he has yet to master. Meanwhile, he is developing a relationship with his neighbor Lana and dealing with the aftermath of a meteor attack.
Superman Before the Cape
If seeing superheroes dressed to the nines in colorful tights and capes comes across as a bit corny, Smallville may be the show for you. It normalizes Clark even as he deals with wild events. Eventually, the show matures as it goes on, following Clark into adulthood. However, it’s these early seasons that stick with fans the most.
6 H20: Just Add Water (2006 – 2010)
Prime Video, Netflix
Release Date July 7, 2006
Seasons 3
H2O: Just Add Water is a teen fantasy drama that certainly skews on the younger side than other entries in this list. It revolves around three girls named Emma, Cleo, and Rikki. Rikki is the outsider, rougher around the edges than the other two. All three find themselves on Mako Island during a full moon. Soon after, they discover they are mermaids that transform whenever they come into contact with water.
Just Ordinary Girls… With Tails
H2O deals with typical teenage drama, like relationships, jobs, school, and family problems, with the added complication of avoiding water and learning to control their powers. The transformation scenes are silly but entertaining. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and will make audiences crave a beach trip.
Related The Best Movies About Mermaids, Ranked
Mermaids have been a recurring myth throughout culture for centuries, and the history of cinema is filled with some great mermaid movies as a result.
5 One Tree Hill (2003 – 2013)
Max
Release Date September 23, 2003
Seasons 9
Lucas and Nathan Scott are half-brothers but there’s no sibling love between the pair at the start of One Tree Hill. Their father never accepted Lucas as his own and in turn, Nathan doesn’t consider Lucas his brother either. Things get more complicated when Lucas joins Nathan’s basketball team, stealing some of the spotlight. Oh, and when Lucas starts showing interest in Nathan’s girlfriend.
Small Town, Big Drama
One Tree Hill is the epitome of messiness that fans eat up. It’s set in a fictional North Carolina town, giving teen drama fans a needed break from Los Angeles or New York City. Not only is the show available for streaming, but three of the show’s stars host a rewatch podcast called Drama Queens.
4 The O.C. (2003 – 2007)
Hulu, Max
Release Date August 5, 2003
Seasons 4
For more complicated family dynamics, look no further than The O.C.. Ryan Atwood is from a poor part of town and often gets into trouble. After his latest run-in with the law, his lawyer Sandy Cohen invites him to live with his family. Ryan has to adapt to the rich side of town and everything that comes with it, including his new stepbrother Seth.
A Brotherly Bond
It’s refreshing that Ryan and Seth’s relationship isn’t contentious from the start. Rather, they bond quickly and their connection is a driving force of the show. That’s not to say they never bump heads. They’re growing up and make many mistakes that impact one another. Exciting plot twists occur over the four seasons, but it’s the character dynamics that have stuck with fans since the series ended.
Related 8 Stars You May Have Forgotten Were in The O.C.
The O.C. introduced some of the best young actors of its time in its main cast, and it also delivered some exciting cameos from renowned movie stars.
3 Blue Water High (2005 – 2008)
Prime Video
Blue Water High is an Australian series centered on the teens who are chosen to attend a year-long surfing academy at Solar Blue. Getting into Solar Blue is tough enough, but those who come out on top at the end of the program will get to tour with a professional team. The kids come from all over the country and even abroad and face pressure internally and externally.
A Drama from Down Under
This is another series that deserves more love. It was quite popular in Australia but wasn’t as widespread overseas. The show reinvented itself for each of the three seasons by introducing new cast members. The show pulls in viewers with the scenic beach shots and keeps them there with the characters’ shenanigans.
2 Edgemont (2000 – 2005)
Prime Video
Edgemont isn’t afraid to put its characters in uncomfortable, yet realistic, situations. Set at McKinley High School, typical teen issues like school, romance, and friendship are fair game as far as episode topics. But the show also delves into heavier themes like sexuality, racism, and divorce.
Why It’s Great
This series never gained the mainstream recognition of Degrassi, but it has a similar appeal. For viewers who liked Degrassi’s balance of serious topics with seemingly trivial issues that feel monumental to teenagers, Edgemont is a great option. The characters are imperfect and immature, both those who stick around get to witness their growth over time.
1 Skins (2007 – 2013)
Hulu
Release Date January 25, 2007
Seasons 7
Skins is a British series set in Bristol about teens all dealing with various issues. There’s Tony, a popular boy who often leaves chaos in his wake. Cassie, a nice but troubled girl dealing with an eating disorder and mental health issues. Effy, Tony’s little sister, who is manipulative. If these characters don’t pique your interest, there are plenty more flawed characters to become invested in.
A Wild Ride
Skins paved the path for other controversial teen shows like Euphoria later on. It redefined what teen shows were, and the show’s creators didn’t hold back from authentically exploring topics. Shock value wasn’t the primary goal, though there’s plenty of that. The U.S. tried to recreate the magic with its own version, but it was canceled after one season. Luckily, the O.G. is available on streaming.
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