The Ultimate College TV Shows Guide You Can't Miss: Exploring 'Grown-Ish,' 'The Sex Lives of College Girls,' 'Boy Meets World,' and Beyond

Over the years, several television dramas like Felicity, Grown-ish, Greek, and The Sex Lives of College Girls have successfully captured the attention of viewers and evoked strong feelings of university nostalgia.

During its run from 1998 to 2002, Keri Russell's portrayal of Felicity Porter in the eponymous series captivated audiences. Even now, over two decades later, fans continue to engage in passionate debates about who Felicity should have chosen between Ben Covington (Scott Speedman) and Noel Crane (Scott Foley).

Content must be written in English:

However, others can't help but discuss Felicity's personal journey and how she brilliantly captured the essence of stepping into a brand new world with no clue about what lies ahead.

"The true beauty of the show lies in its simple yet relatable concept. It's this romantic notion... that oftentimes when we are young, we are presented with the opportunity to completely transform our lives," Russell shared during a reunion with her fellow cast members at the ATX TV Festival in Austin, Texas, in the summer of 2018. "Everyone can look back and reminisce on that one pivotal moment: 'I wish I had chosen him or taken that leap of faith.' That's the sweetness, the beauty, and the truth of the show. And that's exactly what we brought to life through Felicity. She took the risks. She made the daring jump. That was the underlying strength and central narrative of the series."

In the years that followed, the portrayal of college life on television expanded. Shows like Greek placed a spotlight on fraternity and sorority experiences, while Boy Meets World transitioned from high school to the higher education setting.

Upon its debut in 2018, Grown-ish allowed fans to witness the transformation of Zoey Johnson (portrayed by Yara Shahidi) from a teenager to a young adult as she navigated the challenges of college, including issues related to sexuality, substance abuse, and interpersonal conflicts.

That vulnerability, along with the raw journey of self-discovery, is a significant aspect of the popular HBO Max drama, The Sex Lives of College Girls. Mindy Kaling, along with Justin Noble, co-created the show in 2021 and has expressed enthusiasm about how well the first season came together.

"In this initial season, there are undoubtedly many exciting events that take place, but each character also experiences their fair share of challenges and hardships. We wanted them to face serious and traumatic situations and observe how they navigate through them," commented the former Office actress in an interview with Collider in November 2021. "By subjecting these characters to such struggles, it allowed them to develop a greater reliance on one another."

Kimberley Finkle, played by Pauline Chalamet, Bela Malhotra, portrayed by Amrit Kaur, Leighton Murray, played by Renee Rapp, and Whitney Chase, portrayed by Alyah Chanelle Scott, depicted the group of roommates at the heart of the show. Together, they exemplified the diverse experiences that college life brings.

"They are assigned as roommates without their input, and some of them express their reluctance to live together," Kaling explained. "Campus life can be challenging for young women, and we wanted to showcase all aspects of it, not just the exciting and enticing parts, but also the gritty and unpleasant ones, to be frank."

Scroll down for the must-see college-centered TV series:

Credit: Shutterstock (3)

Best TV Shows About College: ‘Grown-Ish,’ ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls,’ ‘Boy Meets World’ and More

Content:

Television dramas like Felicity, Grown-ish, Greek, and The Sex Lives of College Girls have successfully captivated audiences and evoked nostalgia for university life throughout the years.

Keri Russell's portrayal of Felicity Porter on the show, which ran from 1998 to 2002, garnered a dedicated fan base. Even after more than two decades since its debut, fans continue to engage in heated debates about Felicity's romantic fate with either Ben Covington (played by Scott Speedman) or Noel Crane (played by Scott Foley).

Content: However, others can't help but discuss Felicity's personal journey and how she effectively captured the experience of navigating a new world without any clue about what to do.

"The show's beauty lies in its simple yet relatable concept. It revolves around the romantic notion that often when you are young, you have an opportunity to completely transform your life," Russell explained during a reunion with her fellow cast members at the 2018 ATX TV Festival in Austin, Texas. "Everyone can reflect on that one moment when they wished they had chosen differently or taken a chance. That is the essence, beauty, and truth of the show. And through the character of Felicity, we were able to embody and explore that. She took risks. She leapt into the unknown. That was the show's strength and its core narrative."

Following the subsequent years, the presence of the college experience in television gained wider recognition. Shows like Greek prominently showcased the fraternity and sorority lifestyles, while Boy Meets World smoothly transitioned from high school to higher education.

In 2018, with the premiere of Grown-ish, devoted fans witnessed the transformation of Zoey Johnson (portrayed by Yara Shahidi) from a teenager to a young adult, as she encountered challenges such as relationships, substance abuse, and dramatic situations at college.

That vulnerability, as well as the raw process of self-discovery, plays a significant role in the success of HBO Max's popular drama, The Sex Lives of College Girls. Mindy Kaling, who co-created the show in 2021 alongside Justin Noble, has praised the seamless cohesion of the first season.

"In this initial season, there are certainly many enjoyable experiences they encounter, but they also face numerous trials individually. We intentionally wanted them to confront serious and traumatic situations and observe how they navigate through them," the former star of The Office shared with Collider in November 2021. "By subjecting these characters to such challenges, it forged a stronger reliance on one another."

Kimberley Finkle (played by Pauline Chalamet), Bela Malhotra (portrayed by Amrit Kaur), Leighton Murray (acted by Renee Rapp), and Whitney Chase (played by Alyah Chanelle Scott) were the roommates central to the show. They exemplified the diverse experiences that can arise on college campuses.

"They were assigned as random roommates, and some of them expressed reservations about living together," explained Kaling. "We aimed to portray the challenging aspects of college life for young women, not just the fun and glamorous parts, but also the less attractive realities."

Scroll down for the must-see college-centered TV series:

Credit: YouTube

Greek

The ABC Family series depicted the experience of joining a sorority or fraternity, following the journey of the Kappa Tau Gamma, Omega Chi Delta, and Zeta Beta Zeta members throughout their college years. From 2007 to 2011, Scott Michael Foster, Spencer Grammer, Jake McDorman, and Amber Stevens transported viewers to toga parties and lively pledge events, providing an escape from the real world.

Credit: YouTube

Felicity

The WB drama, which aired from 1998 to 2002, remains one of the most adored shows focused on college life. Starring Russell as Felicity, it captivated viewers and made them feel truly seen. After choosing to accompany her high school crush Ben (Speedman) to college, Felicity is faced with the pivotal question of her own aspirations and whether Ben is her ideal partner. Throughout her journey, she develops feelings for Noel (Foley) and realizes that her own narrative is equally significant to the men she loves.

Credit: Courtesy of HBO Max

The Sex Lives of College Girls

In 2021, fans were introduced to four 18-year-old roommates from Essex College: Kimberley (Chalamet), Bela (Kaur), Leighton (Rapp), and Whitney (Chanelle Scott). The series, directed by Kaling, offered a unique perspective on college life, with a focus on the experiences of these young women. They navigated their sexualities, self-discovery, academic responsibilities, while also exploring the complexities of love and heartbreak.

Credit: Freeform/Tiffany Roohani

Grown-ish

Following the success of Black-ish, Shahidi embarked on her own path as the lead in the coming-of-age series on Freeform, which first aired in 2018. Throughout the series, Zoey (Shahidi) grapples with mature decisions, encounters obstacles along her journey of self-discovery, and finds solace among her fellow students, including Ana Torres (Francia Raisa), Aaron Jackson (Trevor Jackson), and sisters Jazz (Chloe Bailey) and Sky Forster (Halle Bailey).

Credit: Touchstone Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock

Boy Meets World

The Disney Channel series followed Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) throughout his academic journey, encompassing his college years in seasons 6 and 7. When Cory ventured off to college, he was accompanied by his close friends Shawn Hunter (Ryder Strong) and his girlfriend Topanga (Danielle Fishel). The addition of his brother Eric Matthews (Will Friedle) and his off-campus roommate Jack (Matthew Lawrence) brought a fresh dynamic to the series, transforming it into an entirely new show. The introduction of new love interests Angela Moore (Trina McGee) and Rachel McGuire (Matilda Ward) added an extra layer of complexity to this beloved comedy, which ultimately concluded in 2000.

Credit: Krasnoff Foster Pprods/Harmonius Claptrap/Russo Brothers/Kobal/Shutterstock

Community

Community college underwent a transformation when the NBC comedy made its debut in 2009, featuring Joel McHale as Jeff Winger, a lawyer on suspension who must return to school to progress in life. Little did Jeff know that he would encounter a cast of eccentric characters roaming the corridors of Greendale Community College, including Abed Nadir portrayed by Danny Pudi and Troy Barnes played by Donald Glover. This sitcom ran for a total of six seasons and concluded in 2015.

Credit: Steve Dietl/FOX

Scream Queens

Fortunately, the majority of college experiences do not involve a deranged murderer targeting sorority girls. However, Scream Queens goes beyond the ordinary drama. Airing from 2015 to 2016 on Fox, this series skillfully blended Greek life stereotypes with the slasher genre, resulting in an enthralling and sometimes humorous portrayal of university life. Emma Roberts' portrayal of the mean-spirited Chanel propelled her career to new heights, with her loyal followers Chanel #5 (Abigail Breslin) and Chanel #3 (Billie Lourd) finding themselves at the mercy of a serial killer, along with the aspiring Hester Ulrich (Lea Michele). In its second season, the show relocated to a chillingly haunted hospital, further intensifying the suspense.

Credit: YouTube

Undeclared

Judd Apatow's subsequent project to Freaks and Geeks went unnoticed between 2001 and 2003. Despite its short-lived run, this comedy brought forth several emerging actors like Jay Baruchel and Charlie Hunnam, captivating audiences. Joining the cast were Jason Segal, Seth Rogen, and Busy Philipps, who all made appearances in the series. The show revolved around Steve Karp (Baruchel), a college freshman, his girlfriend, and his dormmates as they navigated the challenges of life away from home.

Credit: Warner Bros Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock

Gilmore Girls

While Gilmore Girls began during Rory's high school years, her experiences at Yale University in the later seasons offered a glimpse into a different phase of her life. From navigating the complexities of a relationship with the notable Logan Huntzberger to managing a demanding course load, Rory's time at this prestigious Ivy League institution was highly relatable. However, her adventures with the enigmatic Life and Death Brigade added a touch of whimsy to her college years. Ultimately, the beloved WB series concluded in 2007 after captivating audiences for seven seasons.

Credit: Adam Rose/Netflix

Dear White People

Netflix’s Dear White People revolutionized the conventional portrayal of college-based series. Aiming to address racial discrimination, Samantha White (Logan Browning) embarks on a journey at a predominantly white Ivy League university where she fights against prejudice while striving to vocalize her beliefs. Standing alongside her are fellow Black students Tory Fairbanks (Brandon P Bell), Lionel Higgins (DeRon Horton), and Colandrea “Coco” Conners (Antoinette Robertson), each with their own share of challenges. This critically acclaimed show comprised 40 captivating episodes, captivating audiences from 2017 to 2021.

Credit: YouTube

Coach

Craig T. Nelson triumphed with two Emmys for portraying the indomitable football coach, Hayden Fox. Airing from 1989 to 1997, this series offered viewers a captivating glimpse into the often all-consuming reality of coaching at a university. Adding to its comedic brilliance, Jerry Van Dyke played the role of the assistant coach.

Credit: Eike Schroter/SYFY/NBCU

The Magicians

There was never a dull moment at Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy with Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph) embarking on his journey to become a magician. Amidst his academic pursuits, Quentin discovers that the once-believed fairy tale of the magical world is actually based on a perilous reality that threatens the safety of his loved ones. The show, which aired from 2015 to 2020, also featured stellar performances by Stella Maeve as Julia Wicker, Hale Appleman as Eliot Waugh, Arjun Gupta as William "Penny" Adiyodi, Summer Bishil as Margo Hansen, and Olivia Taylor Dudley as Alice Quinn.

Credit: Erik Voake/The CW

All American: Homecoming

After the triumph of All American, the CW turned its attention to college sports with the introduction of All: American Homecoming in 2022. This captivating series chronicles the journey of Simone Hicks (GeffriMaya), a talented tennis player, and Damon Sims (Peyton "Alex" Smith), a standout baseball player, as they strive to excel at the prestigious university level.

Credit: Blue Mountain State Prods/Lionsgate Tv/Varsity/Kobal/Shutterstock

Blue Mountain State

The Spike series, spanning from 2010 to 2011, follows the journey of three freshmen as they become part of Blue Mountain State’s football team, only to discover that college life is an entirely different ball game. Starring Darin Brooks, Alan Ritchson, Omari Newton, and Chris Romano, this risqué comedy hilariously satirizes the outrageous shenanigans that some students engage in on campus, while shedding light on the grueling reality of college athletics.

Credit: Enda Bowe

Normal People

The 2020 BBC miniseries quickly became a sensation by shedding light on the intricate dynamics that unfold after completing high school and throughout the college years. Inspired by Sally Rooney's novel bearing the same title, audiences were spellbound by the intertwining stories of Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal) as they navigated their way through the complexities of their lives at Trinity College Dublin.

Credit: ABC/Mitch Haaseth

How to Get Away With Murder

With an overwhelming amount of fatalities, viewers might overlook the fact that the ABC series took place in an academic institution. To be precise, the award-winning drama, spanning from 2014 to 2020, revolved around a cohort of aspiring lawyers and their exceptional professor, Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), as they tirelessly endeavored to unravel a convoluted murder — all in the pursuit of knowledge.

Credit: YouTube

Sweet/Vicious

The MTV series had a short run from 2016 to 2017, shedding light on the seldom-discussed dark aspects of college life. Throughout the show, Jules (portrayed by Eliza Bennett) and Ophelia (played by Taylor Dearden) dedicate themselves to seeking justice for victims of abuse and harm within the campus community.