10 Best Teen Shows of the Last 10 Years, Ranked

From 'Stranger Things' to 'Euphoria,' the 10 Best Teen TV Shows of the Last 10 Years, Ranked Stranger Things Season 4 cast gather around an open book.Image via Netflix By  Jessica Nobleza Published 24 minutes ago Jessica is a young writer from Brisbane, Australia. An avid consumer and lover of all things Film and TV, you will never tear her away from a screen. A tendency rooted from childhood, she once had dreams of becoming a member of the famed kids-band 'Hi-5'. Perhaps that's what pushed her to secure an education with a theater background. But now, as dreams evolved, her passions have turned to admiring performances from afar. Frankly, she's just grateful that she can put her binging skills to good use. Outside of work, Jessica recently completed her undergraduate double degree in Arts/Communications at the University of Queensland. Other than that, she spends most of her free time with family and friends, probably never forgetting to talk about the new movie or show she watched the day prior. Sign in to your Collider account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

The "teenage genre" has always been a staple for television. And yet, many would argue that it has undergone a significant glow-up over the past decade. Sure, there are some that still fall under the fluffy and predictable banner, but there are others that have wowed critics and audiences for being bold, emotionally rich, and shockingly sophisticated.

Tacking everything from grief and identity to friendship and sexuality, creators have pushed boundaries and redefined the kind of stories about (and for) young people. Filled with heart and humor that keep audiences coming back, these stellar teen shows don't just entertain; they manage to shift the cultural conversation.

10 'Never Have I Ever' (2020–2023)

Ramona Young, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Lee Rodriguez in Never Have I EverImage via Netflix

After a traumatic year following the sudden death of her father, Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan)—an Indian-American high-schooler—decides to improve her social status. But life proves to be far messier than she imagined as she navigates her grief, her cultural identity, and the chaos of family dynamics (not to mention juggling crushes).

Revitalizing the coming-of-age genre with a sharp blend of awkward comedy, heartfelt honesty, and Gen Z flair, Never Have I Ever perfectly captured the chaos of adolescence for the modern-day viewer. Indeed, the show felt like a breath of fresh air with its willingness to let its protagonist be messy, impulsive, and even unlikable at times—just as so many of us were. Better still, Devi's cultural duality wasn't reduced to a trope, but a lens through which the series explored growing up, family pressure, and the universal desire to be seen.

9 'On My Block' (2018–2021)

Image Via Netflix

Set in the fictional Los Angeles neighborhood of Freeridge, four bright, street-savvy friends navigate the trials and tribulations of high school. And while they deal with the heartbreaks of friendship and love, the teens also confront the harsher realities of their community, which include gang violence, systemic inequality, and the complex pressures that come with growing up too fast.

On My Block captivated audiences with its ability to juggle tones so effortlessly—being just as capable of breaking your heart as it was of making you laugh out loud. Its authentic representation of varying cultural groups offered a refreshing counterpoint to the often sanitized and glossy world of teen TV. So much so that by the time the credits rolled on its first season, the show had secured its legacy as one of the most underrated teen show gems: real, raw, and full of soul.

8 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' (2022–2025)

Christopher Briney, Lola Tung, Gavin Casalegno in the poster for 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 3.Image via Prime Video

For years, Isabel "Belly" Conklin (Lola Tung) and her family have spent their summers at a beach house on Cousins beach alongside her mother's best friend and her two sons, Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). But while this year may be no different, she's struck with the complications of a love triangle.

There's no denying that this year saw The Summer I Turn Pretty become a complete global phenomenon, blending breezy romance with genuine emotional depth. Indeed, beyond its picturesque beach houses and Taylor Swift needle drops, the show captured the bittersweet shift from adolescence to adulthood—the way love, family, and identity evolve under the glare of a summer sun. Sure, it may have divided fans into Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah (at least for the first few seasons), but that's what makes Jenny Han's stories so fun. They leave us passionate and wanting more. Thankfully, we have a movie brewing.

7 'End of the F***ing World' (2017–2019)

James & Alyssa in a restaurant in The End of the F***ing World.Image via Netflix

At the age of 17, James (Alex Lawther) believes himself to be a psychopath—a rather apt categorization given that he's now bored with killing animals and is ready to move onto humans. Setting his eyes on his rebellious classmate, Alyssa (Jessica Barden), James takes up her suggestion to run away together, hoping he gets the opportunity to commit the fatal deed.

Darkly funny and completely unpredictable, The End of the F***ing World reinvented the teen road trip story with its deadpan wit and nihilistic charm. And while it could've been a gimmicky black English comedy, the show became a surprisingly touching exploration of trauma, alienation, and human connection. It's such a shame it came to an end, because in just two seasons, it managed to do what few shows could—find tenderness in the macabre, and hope in the hopeless.

6 'Reservation Dogs' (2021–2023)

Devery Jacobs, Lane Factor, Paulina Alexis and D'Pharaoh Woon-a-Tai in Reservation DogsImage via FX

Set in rural Oklahoma, four indigenous teenagers continue to grapple with the grief of losing their friend, Daniel (Dalton Cramer). In doing so, they decide to commit crimes to help fund their dream of moving to California—the one place Daniel dreamed of moving to himself, all the while confronting their own personal struggles that complicate their lives.

Reservation Dogs broke new ground for Indigenous representation both on and off-screen, offering a perspective long absent from mainstream television—one brimming with humor, heartbreak, and cultural pride. Reservation Dogs is a show that never settled for stereotypes and instead found strength in small, lived-in movements that celebrated the dry humor and unspoken bonds that tied communities together. Balancing spiritual surrealism with slice-of-life realism, it redefined what a teen dramedy could be—funny, poignant, and quietly revolutionary.

5 'Sex Education' (2019–2023)

Sex Education posterImage via Netflix

Socially awkward teenager Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield) is paradoxically ambivalent about sex, despite being raised by his frank and boundary-bushing sex therapist mother. But after inadvertently helping the school bully overcome his sexual performance anxiety, Otis—alongside his sharp and rebellious classmate Maeve Wiley (Emma Mackey)—decides to start an underground sex therapy clinic to help fellow students with their sexual problems.

Few shows have unpacked adolescence with the same wit, empathy, and sophistication as Sex Education. The series handled taboo subjects with disarming humor and sincerity, treating teenage sexuality not as scandalous or gratuitous but as a complex, ever-evolving part of growing up. Its diverse ensemble allowed it to explore everything from gender identity to generational trauma, making it a standout in the British comedy landscape as well as a modern classic in teen storytelling.

4 'Heartstopper' (2022–2024)

Image by Nimesh Niyomal Perera

Charlie (Joe Locke), a high-strung, openly gay teen, unexpectedly befriends Nick (Kit Connor), a gentlehearted rugby player, when they are made to sit next to each other in class. Along the way, Charlie develops a crush, though he is convinced there's no chance of reciprocation—unaware that Nick is beginning to question his own feelings in ways he never anticipated.

Adapted from Alice Oseman's hit graphic novel, Heartstopper became an instant phenomenon for its warm and affirming portrayal of queer love. In a genre often defined by trauma, the show dared to be joyful, offering a world where acceptance and tenderness were possible. Beautifully acted and visually luminous, Heartstopper reminded audiences that the most powerful love stories are often the simplest (and the most genuine).

3 'Stranger Things' (2016–2025)

Stranger Things cast staring in worry.  Image via Netflix

Set in the 1980s, in the small fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the disappearance of young Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) leads his friends to a mysterious girl with psychokinetic abilities. With her help, the group continues on their mission to find Will, but soon becomes embroiled in a world of secret government plots and supernatural forces.

A genre-blending show that's part supernatural thriller, part nostalgic throwback, Stranger Things became nothing short of a cultural juggernaut. Its blend of Spielbergian adventure, King-esque horror, and heartfelt character work made it instantly addictive. But beneath the demogorgons and neon glow, the series thrived on friendship, bravery, and the confusing ache of growing up. With its pitch-perfect casting and cinematic ambition, it cemented itself as one of the most defining shows of the decade.

2 'Derry Girls' (2018–2022)

The cast of 'Derry Girls' stand in the middle of the street.Image Via Channel 4

In the early 1990s, during the time of the Northern Ireland Troubles, a group of friends—Erin (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), Orla (Louisa Harland), Clare (Nicola Coughlan), Michelle (Jamie-Lee O'Donnell), and Michelle's English cousin James (Dylan Llewellyn)—must navigate the chaos of adolescence while dealing with their conservative all-girls Catholic school, dysfunctional families, and the lived-environment of political conflict.

Derry Girls turned the absurdity of teenage life into comedic brilliance, all against a backdrop of real historical turmoil. With razor-sharp dialogue, impeccable timing, and a cast overflowing with charm, the series balanced political satire with emotional resonance. It was undeniably chaotic, but completely heartfelt and blisteringly funny—a testament to the idea that even in uncertain times, laughter and friendship remain constants (especially when showcased through a stellar ensemble cast).

1 'Euphoria' (2019–)

Rue standing at a fair looking upset in Euphoria.Image via HBO

A group of Californian high-school students, including 17-year-old Rue Bennet (Zendaya)—a drug addict who has recently returned from rehab—learns to navigate through life, love, and trauma in a world saturated with narcotics, social media, sex, and violence. They all struggle along the way (some more than most).

With its bold cinematography, hypnotic soundtrack, and raw performances (led by Zendaya's Emmy-winning turn), Euphoria redefined what modern teen television could look and feel like. It refuses to moralize or simplify teenage pain, and instead presents adolescence as a bruised and bewildering experience—that's often hidden under the glitter of life. In doing so, Euphoria not only pushed artistic boundaries (and became somewhat controversial), but cemented itself as one of the definitive teen series of its time—unflinching, unforgettable, and entirely its own.

Like Follow Followed Euphoria TV-MA Drama Release Date June 16, 2019 Showrunner Sam Levinson Directors Augustine Frizzell, Sam Levinson, Jennifer Morrison, Pippa Bianco

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