Revisit the Golden Era of Teen Dramas: Top 10 Must-Watch TV Shows That Will Transport You to the 2000s

Fortunately for fans of 2000s teen dramas, there is a wide selection of modern teen drama TV shows to choose from. From Degrassi to The OC, there was an abundance of teen dramas in the 2000s for fans to enjoy. While Degrassi tackled serious issues such as school shootings and drug abuse, shows like The OC and Gossip Girl followed the lives of wealthy kids in upscale neighborhoods. Despite the changes over time, the demand for teen dramas remains high, as evidenced by the variety of options available.

Contemporary teen dramas still explore relationship problems and forbidden romances, but they now incorporate more representation. Many shows now feature same-sex relationships and diverse main characters, which was not common in 2000s dramas. This inclusivity has allowed a broader audience to feel represented and has opened up discussions on topics like homophobia in high school. For fans who eagerly watched shows like Pretty Little Liars or Degrassi every week, here are 10 current teen dramas to check out.

10 Euphoria

9 Outer Banks

Euphoria, known as Degrassi on steroids, has solidified itself as one of the most beloved teen dramas of the past decade. Offering a reminiscent essence of the intense drama that unfolded at Degrassi High, this show is a must-watch for those longing to relive those nostalgic moments. Notably, with Drake serving as an executive producer, the parallels between the character Manny Sanchez from Degrassi and Maddy Perez from Euphoria cannot be disregarded. Although Euphoria delves into darker themes, fans of 2000s dramas will find themselves engulfed in a wave of nostalgia while watching this compelling series.

The mystery element in Outer Banks bears a striking resemblance to the treasure hunt plot featured in The Goonies. However, the discussions surrounding wealth disputes and the dynamic between John B and Sarah mirror the relationship between Ryan and Marissa in The OC. Although it deviates from the 2003 series by focusing more on working-class characters, it remains a show that merits attention for those seeking a nostalgic journey back to the captivating dramas of the 2000s.

8 The Summer I Turned Pretty

The Summer I Turned Pretty, which is based on Jenny Han's book series published in 2009, offers a much lighter tone compared to the first two options. However, it still delivers plenty of drama within the beach set series as Belly grapples with the difficult choice between brothers Conrad and Jeremiah. One brother is enigmatic and unreliable, while the other is outgoing and wears his emotions on his sleeve. The show evokes a strong sense of familiarity, reminiscent of the love triangles portrayed in 2000s dramas. Whether you're on Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah, or even Team Belly like the star Lola Tung, The Summer I Turned Pretty is an ideal series for any teen drama enthusiast.

7 Heartstopper

Unlike the majority of 2000s shows, which only scratched the surface of inclusivity with shows like Degrassi, Heartstopper represents a significant step forward. Available for streaming on Netflix, this series revolves around the romantic relationship between two high school boys, Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring. While exploring the challenges of coming out in a high school setting, Heartstopper retains the same appeal and relationship struggles as any drama from the 2000s.

6 Sex Education

Sex Education, an incredibly groundbreaking teen drama, has received high praise for its exceptional portrayal of sexuality in high school. Similar to Degrassi, the show fearlessly explores sensitive topics and handles them in a mature and responsible manner. Regrettably, the series will not have the longevity of Degrassi, as Netflix recently announced that Season 4 of Sex Education will be its last. However, there is a silver lining for fans: once Season 4 is released, the entire series will be available for streaming on Netflix.

5 XO, Kitty

Following the success of Jenny Han's series To All The Boys I Loved Before, she went on to have her content adapted into three highly acclaimed films prior to The Summer I Turned Pretty. This led to the creation of a captivating spinoff TV series called XO, Kitty, which beautifully encompasses all the charm and conflicts from the original movie trilogy. XO, Kitty portrays enthralling love triangles, intense feuds, and clandestine love affairs, offering a refreshing exploration of Kitty's sexuality, an aspect that would have been unthinkable in the 2000s. For those who crave drama reminiscent of the 2000s era, XO, Kitty proves to be an outstanding choice to indulge in.

4 Cruel Summer

Cruel Summer brings the intrigue of Pretty Little Liars together with the captivating romances that were present throughout the series. As an anthology series, Cruel Summer takes on a different story in its second season, while still revolving around a perplexing murder involving the main character. Similar to Pretty Little Liars, viewers are constantly kept guessing about who is truly guilty or innocent, with each new clue revealing more shocking revelations. For those who enjoy darker and enigmatic dramas, Cruel Summer is the perfect choice.

3 Never Have I Ever

Representation holds significant importance in contemporary teen dramas, and Mindy Kaling adeptly provided a platform for an Indian family's perspective through the creation of Never Have I Ever. In line with various teen dramas from the 2000s, Never Have I Ever encompasses the essence of love triangles and friend drama as Devi, the central character, navigates her way through high school. However, this series delves deeper as Devi also grapples with the recent loss of her father. Deciphering which individual Devi will ultimately choose by the conclusion of the Never Have I Ever series finale is undeniably one of the most captivating aspects of watching the show.

2 Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin

Lucky for fans of Pretty Little Liars who desperately miss the late 2000s drama, the series has been rebooted several times but saw the most success with its recent reboot, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. The series takes viewers on a thrilling journey that alternates between the 90s and present day. It revolves around five best friends who become targets of a mysterious figure, referred to as A, whose actions are connected to their mother's high school days. The revamped series delves into darker territory than its predecessor and has fortunately been renewed for a second season called Pretty Little Liars: Summer School.

1 Glamorous

Netflix's newest show, Glamorous, features Hollywood veteran Kim Cattrall as the lead, portraying a successful makeup mogul named Madolyn. However, stealing the spotlight is Marco, a non-gender conforming queer makeup artist who joins Madolyn's team. This groundbreaking series, similar to Heartstopper, not only offers more diverse representation than any teen drama from the 2000s but also delivers its fair share of conflict, flings, and intense breakups. The first season concludes with an intense cliffhanger, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting a potential second season that promises to be just as thrilling as the initial installment.