There could never be the argument that the world is in short supply of teen dramas. FromCluelesstoJunothere’s been a huge variety of the teenage perspective over the last thirty years, filled with angst and rebellion. But while some are unquestionably better than others, there can be no denying that each one serves its purpose in reaching out to those awkward teens and reassuring them that yes, we’ve all been there. However, despite what once may have been a novelty or a passing attempt at being cool, you may have noticed a far more progressive understanding of what young adults are facing. From sex, drugs, personal identity, and mental health, shows today have become increasingly better at acknowledging and addressing the taboos of being a young adult.Netflixcurrently has a diverse range of thought-provoking and relatable shows, all capturing a different tone and topic. Whether they are made to make us laugh, spark a conversation, or provide some feeling of respite, here are the best shows to watch right now that can do just that.
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Heartstopper(2022-Present)
Episode Count:8
AverageRunTime:25 minutes
Creator/s:Alice Oseman
Cast:Kit Connor, Joe Locke, Yasmin Finney, William Gao, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell
If you’ve ever had one of those intense, fiery, world-ending crushes, then this show is worth a look. Originally based on the graphic novel byAlice Oseman,Heartstoppercenters around Charlie, a high school boy who falls in love with his classmate Nick. The main issue is that he is unsure about Nick’s sexuality, including Nick himself, who seems to struggle with his own identity. The show garnered a lot of praise and outstanding reviews, especially from the LGBT community for its remarkable representation. It has been particularly important for young adults who may feel too afraid to express their truths, providing a safe place for them and future generations to share those discussions that are only just getting started.
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Sex Education(2019-Present)
EpisodeCount:24
AverageRunTime:50 minutes
Creator/s:Laurie Nunn
Cast:Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Connor Swindells, Kedar Williams-Stirling, Alistair Petrie, James Purefoy
The title of this show can be quite deceiving as it isn’t at all what it may suggest.Sex Educationis a brilliantly mature and sincere take on the awkward and embarrassing sexual experiences of our teenage years. The premise of the show surrounds a fumbling high school student who sets up an underground therapy clinic for his peers at school. With his Mom being a sex therapist, he is an unwilling expert on the topic, but it’s his knowledge and ability to solve everyone’s sexual problems that inadvertently increase his social status and general popularity. However, it’s while helping others that he realizes that he may have problems of his own, issues probably easily remedied if he would just listen to the advice he gives to others. The show has made some very bold choices on important subject matters we should probably be educated on, proving to be responsible without being too serious, and light-hearted without being too comical.
Derry Girls(2018-2022)
EpisodeCount:19
Average RunTime:25 minutes
Creator/s:Lisa McGee
Cast:Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Dylan Llewellyn
A fantastic comedy written byLisa McGee,Derry Girlsfocuses on a group of girls who are trying to navigate their way through life repressed by religion, tradition, and political conflict. Aside from portraying the history that illustrates the cultural unrest in Northern Ireland during the 1990s, it is a sharp-witted and heartfelt commentary on growing up as a normal teenager, along with all of its various drawbacks. McGee has effortlessly made light of the things that are usually quite uncomfortable to discuss, as well as writing an astute observational comedy that we will be watching for many years to come.
Everything Sucks!(2018)
EpisodeCount:10
Creator/s:Ben York Jones and Evan Mujica
Cast:Peyton Kennedy, Jahi Di’Allo, Patch Darragh, Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako, Quinn Liebling
Another one set in the 90s,Everything Sucks!almost comes across as a cheesy teen drama but is more of a parody. There is something astonishing about the way this show pokes fun at teenage culture, finding the humor in the ridiculous and exposing what were once soul-crushing anxieties as a fleeting hiccup. It’s true that all of our problems from our youth would be a mere inconvenience today, especially compared to the more ‘grown-up’ stuff, but this series justly represents those problems as still being relevant. We should all be able to relate to the characters inEverything Sucks!as if their fears were our own because much like them, we all want to be taken seriously.
I Am Not Okay With This(2020)
EpisodeCount:7
AverageRunTime:20 minutes
Creator/s:Jonathan Entwistle and Christy Hall
Cast:Sophia Lillis, Sofia Bryant, Wyatt Olef, Kathleen Rose Perkins
If ever there was a more apt statement of adolescence, this would be it. Adapted from the book written byCharles Forsman,I Am Not Okay With Thisis a show about problematic teen quirks, unrequited love, family complications, and dysfunctional high school life. It also has a surprising but interesting supernatural twist that adds a whole new dimension to a plot that has been done countless times. The frustration and trauma that the protagonist is struggling with are far from a casual concern, and one that manifests itself into an ugly superpower, but her numerous faults and eccentricity do well to support the message that weird is wonderful. If anything, one thing this show does is reassure the idea that although you may not be okay, you eventually will be.
Atypical(2017-2021)
EpisodeCount:38
AverageRunTime:35 minutes
Creator/s: Robia Rashid
Cast:Keir Gilchrist, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bridgette Lundy-Paine, Amy Okuda, Michael Rapaport
Robia Rashidcreated this Netflix series, about a teen boy who is on a mission to get a girlfriend. As well as being engaging and hilariously funny,Atypicalbrings to the forefront a compelling story about a boy on the autism spectrum. If being a teenager wasn’t hard enough, this show provides an informative but heart-warming view of the added social pressures and constant difficulties that many autistic people face. Such difficulties are not highlighted as abnormal but as regular everyday problems that we can all strive to understand and normalize. Rashid explores what it means to be normal, taking the characters down unexpected paths and having them learn that by gaining their independence they gain clarity of who they are. A lesson that is true for us all.
Never Have I Ever(2020-Present)
EpisodeCount:20
AverageRunTime:28 minutes
Creator/s:Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher
Cast:Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Darren Barnet, Jaren Lewison, Richa Moorjani, John McEnroe
Mindy KalingandLang Fisherhave provided a fresh and honest approach to the life of an Indian-American teenager. Attempting to switch out her routinely boring life for adventure and shake up her social status, Devi is forced to confront several issues she has kept on the back burner. She rebels against the protest of her friends and family, in the hope to improve her life, chasing excitement above all else. Devi surely won’t be the first or last to make poor judgment calls and silly mistakes, but if one thing’s certain there is nothing about teenage trials and tribulations that could ever be considered smooth sailing. There’s a reason why they call it a dark comedy, as this chaotic but charming series, will either have you doubled over in laughter or moved to tears.
The Get Down(2016-2017)
EpisodeCount:11
AverageRunTime:60 minutes
Creator/s:Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Adly Guirgis
Cast:Justice Smith, Shameik Moore, Herizen F. Guardiola, Skylan Brooks, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jimmy Smits
Brilliantly crafted byBaz LuhrmannandStephen Adly Guirgis,The Get Downis based on the emergence of hip hop in the South Bronx during the late 70s. Hip-hop pioneers likeNasandGrandmaster Flashwere also involved in the project, lending their musical and cultural expertise to the show, which helps it stand apart in its authenticity. The story is told from the perspectives of a group of youths, who are determined to integrate themselves into the new genre and become musical artists. The series examines themes of poverty, crime, street violence, and abandonment, creating a startling picture of life and culture in New York at the time. The teens must learn to overcome many obstacles to achieve their dreams but remain ever hopeful and steadfast, refusing to give up on their aspirations. It is an inspiring story that will take you on an exhilarating ride through the streets of New York, whilst proving that love and friendship can prevail against all.
Teenage Bounty Hunters(2020)
Episode Count:10
Average Run Time:50 minutes
Creator/s:Kathleen Jordan
Cast:Maddie Philips, Anjelica Bette Fellini, Kadeem Hardison, Virginia Williams
When two twin sisters accidentally wreck their father’s truck, they decide to pay for the repairs by bounty hunting. In a career that is highly volatile and intense without the burdens of being a teenager, the girls have to balance school rivalries, boyfriend dramas, and their studies, all without their parent’s knowledge. It’s an offbeat comedy, with cool action sequences and hilarious stereotypes, exposing the teenage psyche as quite the head-scratching mystery that we will never understand.
Julie and the Phantoms(2020)
Episode Count:9
Average Run Time:30 minutes
Creator/s:Dan Cross and David Hoge
Cast:Madison Reyes, Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, Jeremy Shada, Carlos Ponce, Jadah Marie
The show focuses on Julie Molina, a high school student who is trying to come to terms with her mother’s death. Her grief and low self-esteem are evident in her inability to play music, leading to her dismissal from her school’s music program. The show has an unusual paranormal feature, as Julie accidentally summons three boy band members who died in the 90s. They help her regain her confidence and pursue her musical passions.Julie and the Phantomsis a heartwarming tale that reflects the vulnerability and pain associated with loss, but with the reassurance that nothing bad lasts forever. With plenty of funny and compassionate moments to make you smile, this series encapsulates the meaning of inner beauty, validating its presence in people who seem to question if theirs exists.
