A Definitive Ranking of Popular Teen Television Series
Streaming services have kept us more than satisfied with the number of television series they've pumped out in the past few years, especially in the teen dramedy category. Within the past five years alone, we've been blessed to meet newcomers like Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Antonia Gentry on series like Never Have I Ever and Ginny & Georgia while simultaneously seeing iconic actors like Zendaya transition into more mature roles.
I've watched quite a few series over the past few months, with some becoming my all-time favorites. Below, I ranked six popular teen television shows you know and love.
6. Euphoria
I love Zendaya probably more than any other actress, but even she cannot save Euphoria for me. This show has the most inaccurate depiction of what high school is, and I cannot get over how much they act like adults rather than children. If I wanted either of those, I'd reach for a fantasy series or a show about, you know, actual adults.
Don't get me wrong, the cast and their acting are spot-on, and the events themselves can be entertaining, but the high school setting makes everything creepy.
I don't think I'm in the minority to say I'd love to see Rue Bennett's story in the hands of someone other than Sam Levinson.
Also read about: 39 of the Best Quotes From Euphoria
5. Gossip Girl (2021)
I am an unapologetic fan of both the original and new Gossip Girl, but I feel like the 2007 version changed the trajectory of my teenage life when I first watched it. Like Euphoria, it was unrealistic—but only because I didn't grow up as one of the richest kids on the Upper East Side.
I still enjoyed the new version of Gossip Girl, but because it was a reboot, I had the bias and perspective of the original show playing in my head. I'd be curious to see how this show would perform with a similar storyline in slightly different circumstances. Nonetheless, it's an easy watch.
4. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
High School Musical was one of my favorite childhood series, but for some reason, despite the reboot being a reboot, I never compared it to the original series the way I did with Gossip Girl. I think the show was just too entirely different, and it wasn't so much trying to copy the storyline and essence of the original film rather than pay homage to it.
I'll admit: part of me ranks this show so high because I was very present during the Olivia Rodrigo (miss you, Nini!) and Joshua Bassett drama in 2020. It's almost like fond nostalgia. Plus, I love the cast's real-life bond.
3. Ginny & Georgia
Ginny & Georgia has some of the most chaotic storylines, but I eat it up every single episode. Yes, the writing can be cringy, but let's be real—teenagers are cringy.
Personally, I felt like the two writers handled Ginny and Georgia's characters and trauma with a lot of care, and because of the current climate of television, showing that compassion is more important than ever. If I had to recommend any show on this list to a broad audience, it would likely be Ginny & Georgia.
Also read about: 15 Quotes from Season 2 of Ginny & Georgia That Make Great Instagram Captions
2. XO, Kitty
Jenny Han has the superpower of radiating good vibes through every story she creates, and of course, XO, Kitty is no different.
I binged watched this entire series in one day. It's cheesy in the best way, and somehow, the drama still left me with a smile. Shows like these are perfect for my taste because I get emotionally invested in the series. I never felt stressed for any of the characters, but I, instead, rooted for all of them throughout this journey that honestly could have been much avoided, but that wouldn't make for good television, right?
Plus, the timing of this show aligned perfectly with my own trip to Korea, so it was twice the fun to watch this series. And if you haven't visited Seoul, Kitty Song-Covey's adventures will make you want to book a ticket immediately.
1. Never Have I Ever
Maybe it's because the show is fresh on my mind, but Never Have I Ever might be my favorite teen television series of the decade.
I'll be honest, I have a few minor qualms with the series (that's for another day), but this series feels the most true to the American public high school experience. And, besides Paxton, these were the most believable teenagers next to Ginny & Georgia.
As I said, I have a preference for lighthearted series and Never Have I Ever has a lighter tone than Ginny & Georgia, but there were still a few moments that pulled on my heartstrings. I wanted to see every character on this show win despite their irritating teenage behavior. Never Have I Ever, without a doubt, will be a show I'll never get tired of re-watching.
Wondering when the next season of your favorite series is arriving? Read HERE to see our ultimate guide to when the most popular teen shows will return.