Unveiling the Ultimate TV Gems that Resonate with Millennials

Here are ten TV shows that perfectly capture the millennial experience as they enter their 30s and 40s. From Broad City to How I Met Your Mother, these shows emerged during a time when streaming became popular and shed light on a new generation of voices. These shows portrayed the struggles of Generation Y in a more diverse and fast-paced manner, showcasing lives caught between screens. The best television about millennials went beyond clichés like avocado toast and student loan debt; they aimed to authentically depict the transition from youth to adulthood.

Despite being stereotyped as entitled and technology-obsessed, millennials have shown resilience in their entertainment choices. Having experienced terrorist threats and economic depression in their youth, they have adapted to a changing world with optimism. From the rise of social media to the financial pressures of the gig economy, millennials have learned to navigate a revolution in communication and identity. These ten television shows capture the awkwardness, pressure, and absurdity of a generation trying to find themselves and meaningful connections in the digital age.

10 Broad City

Broad City has become a comedic masterpiece over the past decade, capturing the struggles and camaraderie of millennials. The show revolves around Abby and Ilana, two inseparable friends navigating the challenges of living together, finding jobs, building relationships, and embracing the unpredictable nature of New York City. Not only does Broad City continue to attract new viewers with its humor, but it also reflects the hustle and trends prevalent in the mid-2010s, particularly in the realm of social media. For instance, one episode cleverly tells its story exclusively through Snapchat, while another episode humorously portrays the girls attempting to rent out their apartments on AirBnB. By effectively portraying the economic hardships and quirky communication that define millennial culture, Broad City strikes a perfect balance between realism and the celebration of friendship, as exemplified in the heartwarming episode "Friendiversary."

9 Gossip Girl

The original Gossip Girl is a defining millennial teen show renowned for its gripping drama, narrated by an anonymous blogger. The pilot episode commences with the resonating indie pop hit "Writer's Block" playing in the background as a montage of flip phones announces the highly anticipated return of Serena, New York's iconic It Girl. From Generation X's beloved 90210 to Gen Z's captivating Euphoria, each era has had its scandalous portrayal of privileged teenagers. Creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage skillfully captured the allure and criticism of the New York elite, while also highlighting the emergence of new forms of communication and the digital realm, through phones and blogs.

8 Ramy

Ramy depicted the challenges faced by a young Muslim American of the millennial generation as he navigates between his religious upbringing and his desire for an independent adult lifestyle. The Hulu comedy delved into the intricate and sometimes uncomfortable dilemmas that millennials encounter when exploring their lives outside the constraints imposed by their conservative or religious families. Both the creator and star, Ramy Youssef, authentically portrayed the struggles of a single millennial in his late 20s who grapples with the expectations from his family and society to settle down and start a family. Through Ramy, the show thoroughly explores the protagonist's desires and questions whether they are his genuine aspirations or merely a reflection of the cultural and societal expectations that continue to resonate with his generation.

7 How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother was a sitcom that targeted millennials with its use of a laugh track. Despite following the traditional multi-camera setup, the show often took creative storytelling risks by incorporating flashbacks and flash-forwards to uncover the story of how Ted Mosby eventually met the mother of his children. The series showcased the growth of millennial friendships into marriages, careers, and families, all while managing to squeeze in moments of lighthearted silliness like "Slapsgiving." Although the ending of How I Met Your Mother may have sparked debate among viewers, the show continues to offer a sense of comfort as these friends navigate the important milestones of life together.

6 Workaholics

Workaholics embraced the idea of three college friends landing jobs at the same company, but their focus was far from work. Instead, Adam, Blake, and Anders, known for their telemarketing job, preferred to prioritize partying over productivity. This comedy series cleverly satirized college fraternity culture while capturing the millennial mindset of valuing fun and friendship over work. The portrayal of immaturity in the workplace in Workaholics might have perplexed critics, but any millennial can relate to the idea that a seemingly trivial job with friends can create some of the most cherished memories.

5 Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls has managed to maintain its popularity and captivate viewers even two decades after its release, despite not receiving as much attention as other teen drama shows. The series revolves around the enduring friendship between a young mother and her teenage daughter in the enchanting and whimsical town of Stars Hollow. The show owes its longevity to the clever and humorous writing of creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, as well as the relatability of its characters across different generations. While millennials might have initially identified with Rory, the teenage daughter, they now find themselves relating more to Lorelai, the mother. The characters of Gilmore Girls serve as a comforting presence, much like a friend who is always there to console you at the end of a tough day.

4 High Fidelity

High Fidelity garnered a devoted following during its single season on Hulu, solidifying its place on this Top 10 list of millennial shows. While the original book and movie resonated with Generation X, exploring their coming-of-age struggles and musical preferences, the show successfully transitioned into the realm of millennial culture and conversations, offering a refreshing take on the music scene of the 2010s. Through the relatable discussions between Rob Brooks and her friends at the record store, viewers were immersed in topics such as failed relationships, the perils of Instagram stalking, and even the timeless debate of Michael Jackson versus Kanye West. High Fidelity painted an enticing picture of what a dream job for a millennial could entail.

3 Master of None

Master of None delves into the life of a struggling actor navigating the complexities of dating in New York City. However, the show goes beyond that, capturing the challenges faced by millennials as they compare themselves to their parents' generation and navigate an app-dominated world with endless choices. The title itself perfectly encapsulates the sentiments many millennials have about their own abilities. While the characters Dev, Arnold, and Denise may experience a somewhat idealized version of young life in New York, the show also beautifully portrays the nostalgia, feelings of isolation, and the obsession with food that are prevalent in millennial culture.

2 My So-Called Life

My So-Called Life had a short run of just one season, but it left a lasting impact on older millennials and continues to resonate with today's frustrated youth. This teenage drama delved into various social issues such as parental divorce, homelessness, alcoholism, and homophobia, portraying them in a realistic and unfiltered manner. Unlike typical after-school specials or "very special episodes" of television, My So-Called Life refrained from providing easy solutions, allowing the characters to authentically grapple with these challenges. Although almost three decades have passed since its end, My So-Called Life serves as a time capsule of '90s adolescence, offering a glimpse into the emotional battleground that millennials would continue to navigate in the 2000s.

1 New Girl

New Girl offered a fresh perspective on network sitcoms by introducing Jess, a teacher in her early 30s, who moved in with three eccentric men. The single-camera sitcom embraced a more lighthearted and youthful sense of humor, with the main characters engaging in petty arguments and playful pranks. However, the show also addressed the financial struggles faced by young adults with jobs who still couldn't afford their own place, while highlighting the enduring nature of friendships that can span decades. New Girl demonstrated to millennials that true friendships can both bring out their playful side and contribute to personal growth.