Top 10 Best TV Shows for Teenagers

You've probably heard of some of the teen shows on this list and maybe even spent countless hours binge-watching them. These shows aren't just about entertainment. They're about the ups and downs of adolescence, first loves, friendships, and the challenges of growing up.

They offer a glimpse into the lives of characters you can relate to, whether they're navigating the complexities of high school social circles or facing supernatural threats.

The Top Ten

Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars is an American teen drama mystery thriller television series developed by I. Marlene King. It is loosely based on the novel series of the same name written by Sara Shepard. The show premiered on ABC Family (now Freeform) on June 8, 2010, and ran for seven seasons until June 27, 2017... read more

Pretty Little Liars is the best TV series ever, and certainly the best on this list! Every week, I'm excited about the next episode. Many teenagers can see themselves in one of the five main characters. Each one has their own personality and style. It doesn't focus on just one theme. It delves into a myriad of themes such as drama, mystery, love, friendship, comedy, jealousy, and more!
My favorite character is Hanna Marin, portrayed by Ashley Benson in real life. She is an amazing actress! In fact, they all are, but she stands out as the best of the five girls for me. She has been acting since she was 5 years old! Pretty Little Liars is simply the best, and it always will be. I will forever love Pretty Little Liars, and I'm proud of it.
The Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries is an American supernatural teen drama television series developed by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec. It is based on the novel series by L. J. Smith and aired on The CW from September 10, 2009 to March 10, 2017. Spanning eight seasons and 171 episodes, the show gained a large fanbase... read more

I used to hear all my friends talk about The Vampire Diaries, and I never actually thought it would be good. However, when I watched an episode, I couldn't get off my computer. It is so addicting. I watched three whole seasons in two days. That's how amazing it is.
It always leaves you on a cliffhanger, which makes you want to watch more and more. Now, we all have to wait until October 11th to watch the fourth season. Every time I think about how long I have to wait, I think about Damon and I cry. By the way, Damon is the BEST character ever. At first, you'll like Stefan, but near the end of season 1, you'll love Damon. He's hilarious. Why does it have to take so long to come out?
Oh, and my favorite episode is season 3, episode 19 - Damon and Elena.
Drake & Josh

Drake & Josh is an American television sitcom created by Dan Schneider for Nickelodeon. The series follows two teenage boys with opposite personalities, Drake Parker (played by Drake Bell) and Josh Nichols (played by Josh Peck), who become stepbrothers. Both actors had previously appeared on The Amanda... read more

This is the best show that Nickelodeon ever aired, way better than what Nickelodeon airs today. It was produced during the golden era of great Nickelodeon shows, which ended in 2013.
I was too young to watch it when it was on air, but when I got older, I started watching and really enjoyed it.

First, I have to say it was the only thing I watched for a while. It never got boring. There was always something new and exciting happening. I'm sad they ever stopped it.

I'm really sad they removed the show from TV. I used to watch it every time I had free time. However, I think you can watch it on YouTube or put it on hold at your local library.
Teen Wolf

Teen Wolf is an American supernatural teen drama television series developed by Jeff Davis for MTV. It is loosely based on the 1985 film of the same name and stars Tyler Posey as Scott McCall, a teenager who is bitten by a werewolf. The show follows his struggles to manage his new identity and its impact... read more

Amazing. I thought it was just going to be some Twilight knockoff when I first heard of it, but I'm so happy I gave it a chance because it is so much more. The acting is great, the characters and their relationships with one another are dynamic and intricate. Although it is about werewolves, it's one of the most relatable shows I've ever watched.
If you get past season 1 episode 7 and still don't like it, you'll be the first. It may seem like a girl show on the surface, but I know an equal number of guys who watch it as well, including my brother! Give it a chance. You won't be disappointed. It's witty, suspenseful, and on top of that, easy on the eyes!
One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill is an American television drama series created by Mark Schwahn. It premiered on September 23, 2003, on The WB and later moved to The CW. The show follows the lives of a group of young people in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina.

One Tree Hill can never be replicated nor forgotten. It's better than all that came before and after it. It will go on as the best and most original, and that's not an opinion. It's a fact. Here's a definitive ranking of every season:
1. Season 3: best episodes
2. Season 1: best storylines
3. Season 4: most enjoyable
4. Season 2: most emotional
5. Season 7: most mature
6. Season 5: most refreshing
7. Season 9: most thrilling
8. Season 8: most unique
9. Season 6: has a little bit of everything

One Tree Hill should definitely have a higher rating. The show inspires so many teens, including me. I fell in love with the stories behind the characters and the chemistry all of the characters have with one another.
All nine seasons were brought together with love, laughter, and tears. You definitely won't find another One Tree Hill out there. It's the number one show for teens, in my opinion.
The Fosters

The Fosters is an American family drama television series created by Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg. It first premiered in the United States on June 3, 2013, on the Freeform television network. The series follows a lesbian couple raising a blended family of biological, adopted, and foster children... read more

This is definitely one of my favorite shows ever. There are moments when you can't stop laughing and times when tears are unavoidable. The standout feature of this show is its pace. You're never bored. Something is always happening. It's one of the most relatable TV shows I've ever watched.

This is my favorite show. All the characters face challenges, but they are always there for each other. They are siblings who deeply care for one another, and they have two moms who adore them. It strikes the perfect balance between drama and comedy.
The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is an American horror drama television series developed by Frank Darabont. It's based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. Andrew Lincoln plays the show's lead character, sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes, who awakens from a coma to... read more

How is this ranked so low? Most of the shows on here are terrible and seem designed for kids, not teenagers. This is clearly the best show for teenagers.
Listing shows like Shake It Up, Jessie, and Good Luck Charlie makes it seem like we have way too many superficial shows out there. Trust me, I'm a teen.

This show is the best show to exist. I mean, yes, the zombies can be gross, but after a while, you start to notice all the subtle details the editors include. The other shows on this list are more suitable for younger viewers, like Wizards of Waverly Place. I watched that when I was 5. It's time to grow up.
The Secret Life of the American Teenager

I personally love this show. It offers real-life situations from the perspectives of various circumstances and family crises. It's a truly amazing show.
Yes, it does discuss sexual relations quite a bit, but isn't that a prevalent topic in high school anyway? Not that it should be. I highly recommend this show. It has taught me many life lessons and helped me understand that there are always two sides to a situation.

If this is the best show you've ever seen, then you haven't watched many shows. This show has an interesting storyline but suffers from poor writing and acting. I believe the actors are decent, but the writing is so bad that they can't salvage it. I would never recommend someone watch this show.
Family Guy

Family Guy is an American adult animated sitcom created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series centers on the Griffins, a family consisting of Peter, Lois, their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie, and their anthropomorphic dog, Brian. The show is set in the fictional city of Quahog... read more

I love Family Guy! It would be nothing without my favorite character (and everyone else's), Stewie Griffin. Stewie is the main key to Family Guy's success. Others are Quagmire, Lois, Peter, John, and Cleveland. Honestly, the primary reason anyone watches Family Guy is because of the humor, sexual content, violence, and injuries.

Family Guy is the best! Stewie is the best character by far. I love almost all the characters except for Meg. She is so boring! If I had to choose my five favorite characters, it would go like this: Stewie, Peter, Herbert, Quagmire, and then Consuela. If you do not already love Family Guy, I suggest you watch it.
Awkward.

I love this show so much. I got my friend to watch it and she loves it as well. I've seen it about three times and am still not bored of it.
I love Jenna and Matty together, and even when they aren't together, they are still best friends. I can't wait for the rest of season 5 to come out. I love watching all the drama in the show and how it leaves you in suspense. I recommend it if you love a good teenage high school drama.

I can't believe Jenna Hamilton didn't stick with Matty. I can't wait until the next season comes out. I actually cried when there weren't any more seasons.
I hope MTV makes another season because I really want to see if Jenna Hamilton will dump Luke and go back out with Matty McKibben or stay with Luke. Team Matty! I've watched the seasons about 10 times because it was so good. I think Matty McKibben is so cute!

The Newcomers

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Last of the Summer Wine

Three old men in a Yorkshire village, behaving like young teens, get into all sorts of misadventures.
Essentially, it's like an earlier version of the Top Gear dynamic.
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Riverdale

Riverdale is an American teen drama television series based on the characters from Archie Comics. The show was developed for The CW by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who is the chief creative officer of Archie Comics. It is produced by Warner Bros. Television and CBS Studios and blends mystery, romance, and... read more

It's amazing! So mysterious and thrilling. The characters are well-developed and easy to relate to.
One of the best TV shows out there. Though I must say, it is nothing like the Archie comics.

Jason's dad killed him and then hung himself! Not appropriate for teens.

Best TV show ever! Can't wait for season 2!

The Contenders

Glee

Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series that aired on the Fox network in the United States from May 19, 2009, to March 20, 2015. The show centers on the fictional William McKinley High School glee club, New Directions, which competes in show choir competitions.... read more

This show is my all-time favorite. I have rewatched all 6 seasons at least 5 times. It is absolutely hilarious, and all the characters are very relatable. Although the music has a big impact on the show, it's not just about singing. I was hesitant about it at first because I don't really like TV musicals (though I love Broadway, which is quite ironic).
This is by far better than any show I have ever seen. BE WARNED: one of the characters dies, and it is very sad. Most of that episode wasn't planned (like Naya's (Santana) breakdown) because he did die in real life. I couldn't even finish it because I was crying so much.
Aside from that, I really hope you watch this show and become a Gleek.
The Simpsons

The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening. It originally aired as shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show starting April 19, 1987, and debuted as a standalone series on December 17, 1989.
As of 2026, it remains the longest-running animated sitcom. The show follows Homer Simpson... read more

This is the best. It totally beats all of them. Family Guy is good too, but The Simpsons has always been my favorite. Plus, it has its own movie, unlike all these other shows. In my opinion, this is the Beatles of TV.

It's the awesomest show ever! I love how they mock stuff! I think the new episodes are on par with the old episodes, but I find that the season one episodes are harder to watch because the animation is so crude.

I love The Simpsons and wish that they never end. I have been watching this show for 10 years and I still love it.
I have seen each episode a million times, and I still love each and every episode.
Degrassi

Degrassi: The Next Generation, later shortened to Degrassi for seasons ten through fourteen, is a Canadian teen drama television series. It is set in the Degrassi universe created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood in 1979.
The series is the fourth in the Degrassi franchise, following The Kids of... read more

Before I started watching this show, I thought it was dull and uninteresting. But after giving it a chance, I found it to be amazing. My favorite aspect is the drama and tension between the characters.
There is never a dull episode. To me, this is one of the best shows out there, and I hope others can see its merits too.

This show is fantastic. Not one episode is boring. I've been watching it for years, and it's only improved over time. With every new generation, the writers seem to conjure up more storylines that never bore. While you might miss the old characters, you also learn to love the new ones even more.
Family Matters

Family Matters is a sitcom that aired from 1989 to 1998. It originally centered on the Winslow family, but the focus gradually shifted to their nerdy neighbor Steve Urkel, who was only supposed to appear in one episode. The show often features characters learning important life lessons after making mistakes... read more
South Park

South Park is an American adult animated sitcom created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone for the Comedy Central television network. The show centers on four boys: Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick, and their adventures in the fictional town of South Park, Colorado. It's known... read more

South Park is the best show ever, and it is mega sweet! No other shows compare. In every episode, there is something new, whether it's helping Jesus and the league of best friends or it's about Cartman smuggling KFC or being a beefcake. If you aren't watching this already, you should pick up the movie, and you'll be hooked forever.

South Park should be ranked higher. No matter how offensive the show is, it's one of the funniest shows ever for teens with that sense of humor. It's such a great classic!
Gossip Girls

Gossip Girl is an American teen drama television series based on the book series of the same name written by Cecily von Ziegesar. The show originally aired from 2007 to 2012 and was set in New York City's Upper East Side. It follows the lives of privileged high school students as narrated by the mysterious... read more

When I heard about Gossip Girl, I thought it was just some show about girls at school gossiping. It sort of is, but it's way better than I expected. My sister bought the first four seasons, but I had to wait until she went to work to sneak into her room and grab them. I dedicated my holidays to watching six seasons of Gossip Girl!
I've seen the whole series once, and I'm going to watch it again. The actors are amazing, and they're quite attractive. A definite 10/10. Gossip Girl, here's your one and only source into the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite! You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl.

This show is dramatic, exciting, and full of interesting plotlines. I love it, even though it ended 2 years ago. I love Chuck Bass, Blair Waldorf, and don't forget Dorota.
The only thing I would complain about is the Chair (Chuck and Blair) storyline after season 2. Seriously, Chuck with Jenny Humphrey? And Blair with the Prince of Monaco and Dan Humphrey? That last one made me want to throw up every time I saw them on screen.
Anyways, great show. Watch it!
The Originals

The Originals is an American television series that premiered on The CW on October 3, 2013. Created as a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, the show follows vampire-werewolf hybrid Klaus Mikaelson as he and his family navigate supernatural politics in New Orleans. On May 10, 2017, The CW renewed the series... read more

I adore The Originals. When you're looking at reviews of all these shows, you might be really confused about which show to watch. Even though this show has dark themes, it is an absolutely amazing show.

This should be number one, along with The Vampire Diaries and Teen Wolf. These are the best. The other shows on here are horrible in comparison to these three masterpieces that I watch all the time. Love it.

I love how the Original family started off in The Vampire Diaries and then became a show of its own. However, I didn't like that Klaus left TVD and his relationship with Caroline.
I absolutely love The Originals. I'm obsessed with it. I love the characters: Klaus, Elijah, Rebekah, Kol, Marcel, Hayley, Camille, Davina. I adore them all. I also appreciate the actors. My favorites are Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies, Daniel Sharman, and Charles Michael Davis. My absolute favorites are the Aussies: Nathaniel Buzolic, Claire Holt, and Phoebe Tonkin.
Beavis and Butt-Head

Beavis and Butt-Head is an American animated sitcom created and designed by Mike Judge. The series originated from Frog Baseball, a 1992 short film by Judge that originally aired on Liquid Television. The show became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s and was revived for new seasons in the 2010s and... read more
Seinfeld

Four single friends, comic Jerry Seinfeld, bungling George Costanza, frustrated working gal Elaine Benes, and eccentric neighbor Cosmo Kramer, deal with the absurdities of everyday life in New York City.
Seinfeld is a sitcom that originally aired on NBC from 1989 to 1998. It is often regarded... read more

I love this TV show, and I'm 16. Most of my friends like it, and my parents like it too.
My favorite episode that I've ever seen is The Doll. My favorite character is Kramer. This is actually better than Friends or The King of Queens. It's my favorite sitcom right behind Everybody Loves Raymond and Full House.

Okay, not very much for people younger than, say, 15 or 16... but I still watch it.
There are things from that show I learned that most kids in my grade don't know. Ah, good times, nonetheless. And Kramer will always be the greatest.
Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time is an American fantasy drama television series on ABC that debuted on October 23, 2011, and concluded on May 18, 2018. The first six seasons are primarily set in the fictional seaside town of Storybrooke, Maine, focusing on Emma Swan and Regina Mills. The series blends classic fairy... read more

Once Upon A Time should NOT be #16! It should be #1! Although I agree that PLL is outstanding and SUPER amazing, Once Upon A Time is THE BEST SHOW OF ALL TIME! It may sound babyish, but trust me, IT'S NOT! You grow to love each character and can feel what they are feeling. When they are in trouble, you start thinking about ways that can help them! You start to scream at the T.V., shouting, "NOOO, STOP! DON'T DO IT!" And then cry when they do.
When something wonderful happens, or someone turns back from their evil ways, you cheer, clap, and sometimes even cry of happiness! Once Upon A Time takes the fairy tales we grew up with and makes them more complex and entertaining. You enjoy and hate the suspense and excitement. At the end of each episode, you are left with a cliffhanger, and the promo for the next episode gets you more excited, and the show becomes more intense. Once Upon A Time is a MUST-watch show, so you MUST watch it!
Zoey 101

Zoey 101 is an American teen drama television series that aired on Nickelodeon from January 9, 2005, to May 2, 2008. The show follows the life of Zoey Brooks, played by Jamie Lynn Spears, along with her younger brother Dustin, played by Paul Butcher, and their friends. They all attend Pacific Coast Academy... read more

I remember this show! I can't believe they stopped airing it. It was such an awesome show. I've loved it since I was 6 years old. I miss it so much. I'd use more exclamation marks, but they'd take up the whole page.

It's a good show. The actors and actresses were brilliant. I think they should reintroduce this show to TV. It was excellent, always made viewers smile, and presented interesting ideas.

I miss it! It was such a great show, especially season 2. While the plots were somewhat silly, they were endearing. It felt like you were right there with Zoey. It's the best show!
Full House

Full House is an American sitcom created by Jeff Franklin for ABC. The show chronicles a widowed father, Danny Tanner, who enlists his best friend and brother-in-law to help raise his three daughters. It originally aired from 1987 to 1995 and became a staple of family television during its run.

This was such a good show. You can watch reruns of it repeatedly and never get bored. It deals with issues that might seem minor to adults, but are significant to kids, such as bullying and awkward situations. This was, and still is, one of the best shows on Nickelodeon.

I always love watching it. It showcases great family values and always leaves you feeling inspired and happy after watching. It sends a great message to kids of all ages and is funny to watch.

This was recommended for me. At first, I hated all the shows, but then I saw it was on the list. This should easily be number one.
iCarly

iCarly is an American teen sitcom that ran on Nickelodeon from September 8, 2007, until November 23, 2012. The series was created by Dan Schneider and focuses on teenager Carly Shay, who creates her own web show called iCarly with her best friends Sam Puckett and Freddie Benson. The show was a major... read more

I love iCarly. I grew up watching it. It's a funny show that keeps you interested. Carly Shay lives in Seattle, Washington with her older brother Spencer.
She has two best friends, Sam Puckett and Freddie Benson, and they have a good friend named Gibby. Carly, Sam, and Freddie create a webshow called "iCarly" where they do crazy, funny, weird, interesting, and cool things. It's a great show. I give it five stars.

iCarly is amazing! Every time I watch it, I crack up, and everyone just looks at me like I'm insane. I have seen almost every single episode. My favorite part is always when Freddie and Sam are fighting. It's so funny!
SpongeBob SquarePants

SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated television series created by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon. It has become one of Nickelodeon's most popular and longest-running shows, attracting both children and adults.... read more

No matter how old, you have to enjoy this! Even parents, with the subtle references they include, find it funny.

I've been watching this since I was five. You're never too old for SpongeBob!
New Girl

New Girl is an American sitcom television series that premiered on Fox on September 20, 2011. Developed by Elizabeth Meriwether under the working title Chicks and Dicks, the series revolves around a quirky teacher named Jess, who moves into a Los Angeles loft with three men named Nick, Schmidt, and Winston.... read more

So funny! It makes me laugh all the time. I would really recommend watching this, especially on those lonely nights. Zooey Deschanel is really hilarious!

So funny! I laugh every time I watch this show. I think it can appeal to people of all ages, so you should definitely check it out.

This show is amazing. I can't express how good it is. Jess and Nick are the best. I love them so much. I'm so sad it ended.