Top 10 Best TV Shows for Teenagers

The Top Ten
1 Pretty Little Liars Pretty Little Liars is an American teen drama mystery thriller television series developed by I. Marlene King and is loosely based on the novel series of the same name written by Sara Shepard.

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.

It's my all-time favorite show. I started watching the series five years ago, and it was the first American TV show I ever watched. I was instantly captivated. I binge-watched the first season before I even knew what binge-watch meant. I fell in love with all the characters, couples, and the intricately woven plot. It's not just about discovering who A is. In fact, I don't particularly care about A. What truly matters to me is the unbreakable bond of friendship among the liars, the individual struggles of the characters, the relationships that I root for in every episode, and the personal lives and relationships of the actors. I also value Marlene's tweets and care deeply about the vast PLL community we've built. We are united by our shared love for PLL, making it the most vibrant and best fandom ever.

2 The Vampire Diaries The Vampire Diaries is an American supernatural teen drama television series developed by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, based on the popular book series of the same name.

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&elena.

This show is unbelievable. If you listen to people arguing and shouting about the show and think What a stupid show, don't. I used to be like that. Some of my friends thought the first season was slow, but then it really got going. I disagree, but if that's the case for you, KEEP GOING. Every character is an individual, and you will have such strong emotions for each one: hatred, love, guilty pleasure. And just because there are vampires, DO NOT THINK this is like Twilight or Teen Wolf. It's ranked second here for a reason.

I watched FIVE seasons in ONE week, and now I have to wait a whole week for the next one to come out. Surprising events happen, crazy stuff that is eventually explained, but at the time, you are screaming your head off. This show is fantastic. Some shows I watch have weak storylines and are slightly predictable, but not this one. It will make you laugh and cry within seconds of each other, truly stirring all emotions. I don't know a single person who started watching and stopped. Most people just don't want to start. Don't be one of them. Please watch this and keep the show going. The thought of cancellation is unbearable.

3 One Tree Hill One Tree Hill is an American television drama series created by Mark Schwahn, which premiered on September 23, 2003, on The WB.

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 #1 show for teens, in my opinion.

One Tree Hill is the kind of TV show that teaches you the most important life lessons and helps you discover who you are. The characters feel like your family after a while, and you can relate to them so much. Even when they make mistakes, you love them, and you realize that mistakes and fears are only human, as are pain, guilt, and frustration. For me, One Tree Hill isn't just a TV show. It's my adulthood.

4 Drake & Josh Drake & Josh is an American television sitcom created by Dan Schneider for Nickelodeon. The series follows the lives of two teenage boys with opposite personalities, Drake Parker (Drake Bell) and Josh Nichols (Josh Peck), who become stepbrothers. Both actors previously appeared in The Amanda Show along with Nancy Sullivan, who plays Drake and Megan's mother in the series. Miranda Cosgrove plays Megan,... 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.

5 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.

I love this show. It made me cry and feel young again. However, I want to comment on the excessive use of the word "sex." I really wish it could be used less frequently. It's irritating sometimes. The characters seem to say it every 5 minutes. Please lessen its use. Thanks.

6 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 a teenager named Scott McCall, who is bitten by a werewolf and must cope with how it affects his life and the lives of those closest to him.

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!

A show about friendship and love that teaches you to fight for what's right. It was an amazing show, in my opinion. Yes, it had some low points, such as the graphics for the monsters or werewolves, and some aspects didn't make much sense. However, the characters were well-developed and underwent significant growth. I cried, laughed, and even screamed throughout the show, and it truly deserves to be watched. Some people criticize it without even watching it, and it doesn't deserve that. I highly recommend watching this show.

7 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.

When I heard about Gossip Girl, I thought it was just some crap about girls at school gossiping. It sort of is, but it's way better. My sister bought the first 4 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 6 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 plot lines. 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!

8 Degrassi Degrassi: The Next Generation (later renamed Degrassi for seasons ten through fourteen) is a Canadian teen drama television series set in the Degrassi universe, which was created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood in 1979. It is the fourth series in the Degrassi franchise, following The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High, and Degrassi High. Like its predecessors, the series follows an ensemble... 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.

How is Degrassi not ranked #1? This show is possibly the most relatable for teens on this entire list! It's genuinely about teenage problems. I'd recommend Degrassi to a teen over any of the other shows. Teens can glean valuable lessons from this series, and it boasts good acting and compelling storylines.

9 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. It focuses on the fictitious William McKinley High School glee club, New Directions, which competes on the show choir competition circuit while its disparate members deal with social issues, especially regarding sexuality and race, relationships, and learning... 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.

My favorite show of all time. I love most of the song selections, and all the characters are extremely talented. Every teen needs to watch this show. They deal with topics that teens need to be educated on. I am a huge fan of the show, but I will admit, the season that honored Finn's death was not great. However, the 6th and final season really brought the show back to its roots, which I enjoyed.

10 The Fosters The Fosters is an American family drama television series created by Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg which first premiered in the United States on June 3, 2013 on the Freeform television network.

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.

This show is so emotional. It portrays the harsh realities of the world and the cruelty of some people. I love that it genuinely supports the LGBT community and offers a perspective on how varied people's lives can be. I personally adore this show. It made me cry so much! So many emotions, cliffhangers, and romance!

The Contenders
11 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 parents Peter (Fat, Idiotic Dad) and Lois (Nagging Bitchy Wife), their children Meg (Socially Awkward Daughter) Chris (Fat, Idiotic Son), and Stewie (Sociopathic and Genuine Infant); and lastly Brian (Anthromorphic Pet Dog). The show... 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 5 favorite characters, it would go like this: Stewie, Peter, Herbert (pedophile), Quagmire, and then Consuela. If you do not already love Family Guy, I suggest you watch it.

One of the funniest TV shows of all time. It's comparable to South Park and The Simpsons. The fact that the show is always pushing the limits of social boundaries throws a lot of people off, but because of this, there are many deep insights into society.

12 The Simpsons The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening that originally started on April 19, 1987 as shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show. It got its own series on December 17, 1989 and is still running as of 2023, making it the longest running animated sitcom. It is about a man named Homer Simpson and his family (wife Marge and children Bart, Lisa and Maggie and pets, Snowball II and Santa's... 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.

13 The Originals The Originals is an American television series that began airing on The CW on October 3, 2013. Created as a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, the series follows vampire-werewolf hybrid Klaus Mikaelson as he and his family become embroiled in the supernatural politics of New Orleans.On May 10, 2017, The CW renewed the series for a fifth season.

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.

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

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 5 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!

I think that iCarly is a very funny show. I'm really bummed that it's already the final season. I hope someone makes a TV show that's like iCarly. iCarly has a GREAT cast.

15 SpongeBob SquarePants SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated television series created by marine biologist and animator the late Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon. SpongeBob is currently the most popular show on Nickelodeon, as well as the longest running show, running for 23 years, and is beginning its 13th season. The show revolves around a sea sponge called SpongeBob SquarePants and his adventures under the... 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 5. You're never too old for SpongeBob!

16 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.

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 #1.

17 7th Heaven

I just love 7th Heaven. It's one of my favorite shows to this day. I think some people can relate to the problems they address, which is what makes it such a great show.

This show made me a better person, and now I value my family even more. I loved it and am sad it's over.

18 Friends Friends is an American television sitcom, created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which originally aired on NBC from September 22, 1994, to May 6, 2004, lasting ten seasons. It now airs on Nick at Nite.

The story is primarily about 6 individuals (Ross [David Schwimmer], and his sister, Monica [Courtney Cox], Joey and Chandler [Matt LeBlanc and Matt Perry], who are best friends, Jennifer... read more

This is literally the best.

Phoebe: Cool, funny, has a sad past but doesn't let it get her down, and confident. She's one of my favorites.
Joey: Funny, a little crazy, but is mainly there to make you laugh. Super confident.
Chandler: Has issues and is super goofy but in a funny way that appeals to other weirdos. He's one of my favorites and is relatable.
Monica: A control freak with a dating problem but is relatable to most teens and adults.
Rachel: Pretty and stylish. She might seem kind of useless, but she's a really great friend.
Ross: He's kind of still an awkward teen at heart, except he has a kid and is divorced. He's smart and dorky.

They're all so different, but they're hilarious and relatable. Everyone can find something to like about the show, and we can all see a little bit of ourselves in the characters. It's the best of all time and has everything a good TV show needs: drama, comedy, good acting, and a great plot!

19 H2O: Just Add Water H2O: Just Add Water, also known as H2O, is an Australian dramatic fantasy television series for children and teenagers.

I LOVED this show as a child. But now that I'm a little older, I realize how corny it is. It's still an adorable show! I just wish the acting and quality were better, even if just a tiny bit. Kudos for how real and awesome they make the tails look, though! This show started my mermaid obsession and made me constantly bug my parents for a mermaid tail.

It's such a cute show with a lot of adventure and messages about what true friendship and love mean. It's a really good show, and it used to be one of my top favorites when I was a teenager. I remember I was watching "H2O: Just Add Water," "Charmed," and some other shows, and I was totally addicted! My favorite character would probably be Rikki.

I have watched part of this series on YouTube because I don't live in Australia or nearby. But once I saw the first few episodes, I was hooked! I wanted to be a mermaid too, though it didn't happen. I'm still hopeful! By the way, you should really check this out. It's so cool!

20 Zoey 101 Zoey 101 is an American teen drama television series which originally aired on Nickelodeon from January 9, 2005 until May 2, 2008. It focuses on the lives of teenager Zoey Brooks (Jamie Lynn Spears), her brother (Paul Butcher), and her friends as they attend Pacific Coast Academy (PCA), a fictional boarding school in Southern California.

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!

21 Make It or Break It

This show was honestly so relatable, inspiring, and very truthful. I am an elite gymnast, and I think this show was very well made. It was amazing to watch, and I can't believe there are only 3 seasons. This was by far one of my favorite shows.

Make It or Break It is my favorite TV series ever! It gets you so involved, and I usually cry every episode because there's so much drama and suspense! Will the girls make it, or won't they? I LOVE IT, love it, love it! 5 million stars.

It's so great. I don't think I will be able to find a TV show as great as this one. The perfect amount of drama and competition. This is a great TV show if you're competitive with sports or school events.

22 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 & Dicks, the series revolves around a kooky teacher Jess after she moves into a Los Angeles loft with three men, Nick, Schmidt, and Winston; Jess' best friend Cece and on-again-off-again loft mate Coach also appear regularly.

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.

23 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 3 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!

This is the best show I've ever watched! I genuinely care and feel the emotion of this show. Jenna is a regular teen girl and faces almost every problem that we experience. If you're a feeler, you will cry, scream, and be happy for all the cast. Well, I did! I hope you guys give it a chance because it will change or help your teenage life!

24 The Walking Dead The Walking Dead is an American horror drama television series developed by Frank Darabont, 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 discovering a world overrun by zombies, commonly referred to as "walkers" . Grimes reunites with his family... 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.

This TV show is absolutely amazing! It's one of my favorites. I don't know why it's ranked so low because, honestly, most of the TV shows higher up shouldn't even be there. The Walking Dead has everything a great TV show needs: suspense, action, romance, and obviously, zombies! If you're not already watching it, I suggest you start now!

25 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 is about four boys, who are Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick, and their adventures in South Park, Colorado.

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 BEEF CAKE. 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!

South Park has one of the best characters of all time: Eric Cartman. He is so much better than Peter from Family Guy. He simply KICKS ASS!

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