Best Teen Shows on Netflix: A Guide to Adolescence

Okay, here’s a long-form article exploring the best teen shows on Netflix, aiming for approximately 5000 words:

Best Teen Shows on Netflix: A Guide to Adolescence

Navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence is a universal experience, marked by intense emotions, shifting identities, and the constant search for belonging. It’s a period of profound change, both internal and external, and it’s no surprise that it’s become fertile ground for compelling storytelling. Netflix, with its vast library of content, has become a go-to destination for teen dramas, comedies, and everything in between. These shows offer more than just entertainment; they provide a mirror reflecting the anxieties, joys, and complexities of being a teenager, offering comfort, validation, and sometimes, even guidance.

This guide delves into the best teen shows currently available on Netflix, categorizing them by genre and highlighting what makes each one stand out. We’ll explore the diverse range of themes they tackle, from first love and heartbreak to mental health struggles, social justice issues, and the ever-present pressure to figure out who you are. Whether you’re a teenager yourself, a parent looking to connect with your teen, or simply a fan of well-crafted storytelling, this guide will help you navigate the rich and rewarding world of Netflix’s teen programming.

I. Coming-of-Age Classics & Contemporary Hits:

This category encompasses shows that capture the quintessential coming-of-age experience, focusing on the core themes of identity formation, first experiences, and the challenges of growing up.

• 1. Stranger Things (Sci-Fi/Horror/Coming-of-Age)

  • Synopsis: Set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, Stranger Things follows a group of friends who encounter supernatural forces and government conspiracies after the disappearance of their friend, Will Byers. The show blends elements of science fiction, horror, and nostalgic coming-of-age drama.
  • Why It’s Great: Stranger Things masterfully balances its thrilling sci-fi elements with deeply relatable portrayals of adolescence. The core group – Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and later Max – navigate the usual teenage struggles of friendship, crushes, and bullying, all while battling monsters from the Upside Down. The show beautifully captures the power of childhood friendship and the bittersweet transition into adulthood. The 80s setting adds a layer of nostalgia that appeals to older viewers, while the universal themes of friendship and courage resonate with younger audiences. The show’s character development is exceptional, allowing viewers to truly invest in the fates of each individual.
  • Themes: Friendship, loyalty, courage, loss, grief, first love, identity, the power of belief, government conspiracies, supernatural phenomena.
  • Target Audience: Teens and adults who enjoy a blend of sci-fi, horror, and heartfelt drama.

• 2. Sex Education (Comedy-Drama/Coming-of-Age)

  • Synopsis: Otis Milburn, a socially awkward teenager, lives with his sex therapist mother, Jean. Despite his own inexperience, Otis teams up with Maeve Wiley, a rebellious and intelligent classmate, to start an underground sex therapy clinic at their school.
  • Why It’s Great: Sex Education is groundbreaking in its frank, honest, and often hilarious exploration of teenage sexuality. It tackles a wide range of topics, from consent and contraception to gender identity and sexual orientation, with sensitivity and humor. The show features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique struggles and triumphs. It avoids clichés and stereotypes, presenting complex and nuanced portrayals of teenage relationships. The show is also praised for its sex-positive approach, promoting open communication and healthy attitudes towards sex and relationships. It’s not just about sex; it’s about communication, self-discovery, and accepting yourself and others.
  • Themes: Sexuality, relationships, consent, gender identity, sexual orientation, body image, mental health, communication, family dynamics, friendship.
  • Target Audience: Mature teens and adults who appreciate a frank and honest portrayal of teenage sexuality and relationships.

• 3. Never Have I Ever (Comedy-Drama/Coming-of-Age)

  • Synopsis: Created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, the series follows Devi Vishwakumar, an Indian-American teenager dealing with the recent death of her father while navigating the complexities of high school, friendships, and romance.
  • Why It’s Great: Never Have I Ever offers a refreshing and relatable portrayal of the teenage experience from the perspective of a first-generation immigrant. Devi is a flawed but endearing protagonist, and her journey of grief, self-discovery, and cultural identity is both hilarious and heartwarming. The show tackles serious issues like grief and cultural expectations with sensitivity and humor. It also features a strong supporting cast, including Devi’s best friends, Eleanor and Fabiola, and her rival-turned-love interest, Ben. The narration by John McEnroe adds a unique and quirky element to the show.
  • Themes: Grief, loss, cultural identity, family relationships, friendship, romance, academic pressure, self-discovery, mental health.
  • Target Audience: Teens and adults who enjoy a coming-of-age story with a focus on cultural identity and family dynamics.

• 4. Heartstopper (Romance/Coming-of-Age)

  • Synopsis: Based on the graphic novels by Alice Oseman, Heartstopper tells the story of Charlie Spring, a shy and openly gay teenager, who falls for Nick Nelson, a popular rugby player. The series follows their blossoming romance and the challenges they face navigating their feelings and coming out.
  • Why It’s Great: Heartstopper is a heartwarming and uplifting celebration of LGBTQ+ love and friendship. It’s a gentle and positive portrayal of a queer romance, focusing on the joys and anxieties of first love. The show is praised for its authentic representation of LGBTQ+ characters and its sensitive handling of coming-out stories. The art style, which incorporates elements from the graphic novels, adds a unique visual charm. It’s a show that promotes kindness, acceptance, and self-discovery. It’s also remarkably successful in portraying the subtle nuances of teenage crushes and the internal struggles of coming to terms with one’s identity.
  • Themes: LGBTQ+ romance, coming out, friendship, bullying, self-acceptance, mental health, family relationships.
  • Target Audience: Teens and adults, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ+ or are allies.

• 5. On My Block (Comedy-Drama/Coming-of-Age)

  • Synopsis: Set in a predominantly Black and Latino neighborhood in Los Angeles, On My Block follows a group of four friends – Monse, Cesar, Ruby, and Jamal – as they navigate the challenges of high school, gang violence, and the search for a hidden treasure.
  • Why It’s Great: On My Block offers a realistic and often humorous portrayal of life in an inner-city neighborhood. It tackles serious issues like gang violence and poverty with sensitivity and nuance, while also celebrating the strength and resilience of the community. The show features a diverse cast of characters and explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and family. The central mystery of the RollerWorld money adds an element of intrigue and suspense. The show is praised for its authentic representation of Black and Latino teenagers and its ability to balance humor with serious social commentary.
  • Themes: Friendship, loyalty, family, gang violence, poverty, community, romance, identity, coming-of-age in a challenging environment.
  • Target Audience: Teens and adults who enjoy a coming-of-age story with a focus on social issues and community.

II. High School Mysteries & Thrillers:

This category features shows that blend the typical high school setting with elements of mystery, suspense, and often, the supernatural.

• 6. Riverdale (Mystery/Drama/Teen)

  • Synopsis: Based on the characters from Archie Comics, Riverdale is a dark and twisty take on the seemingly idyllic town. The series follows Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, and Jughead Jones as they navigate high school while uncovering the town’s sinister secrets.
  • Why It’s Great (or Controversial): Riverdale is known for its over-the-top storylines, melodramatic acting, and often bizarre plot twists. While it’s not always critically acclaimed, it has a dedicated fanbase that enjoys its campy and unpredictable nature. The show starts with a murder mystery and quickly spirals into a series of increasingly outlandish events, involving cults, gangs, and supernatural elements. It’s a guilty pleasure for many, offering a highly stylized and escapist take on the teen drama. The show’s aesthetic is a major draw, with its noir-inspired visuals and retro-modern setting.
  • Themes: Murder, mystery, secrets, betrayal, family drama, romance, social class, cults, supernatural elements (in later seasons).
  • Target Audience: Teens and young adults who enjoy melodramatic and over-the-top mysteries.

• 7. 13 Reasons Why (Drama/Mystery/Teen)

  • Synopsis: Based on the novel by Jay Asher, 13 Reasons Why follows Clay Jensen as he listens to a series of cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, a classmate who died by suicide. Each tape reveals a reason why Hannah took her life, implicating various people in her decision.
  • Why It’s Great (and Controversial): 13 Reasons Why sparked significant debate upon its release due to its graphic depiction of suicide and other sensitive topics. While praised for raising awareness about mental health issues and bullying, it was also criticized for potentially romanticizing or glorifying suicide. The show is undeniably powerful and emotionally challenging, forcing viewers to confront difficult and uncomfortable truths. It explores themes of bullying, sexual assault, mental health, and the consequences of our actions. Despite the controversy, the show generated important conversations about these issues. Later seasons moved away from Hannah’s story and focused on other characters and storylines, but the impact of the first season remains significant.
  • Themes: Suicide, bullying, sexual assault, mental health, grief, guilt, responsibility, social media, high school pressures.
  • Target Audience: Mature teens and adults (with caution and awareness of the sensitive content). Trigger warnings are strongly advised.

• 8. Elite (Thriller/Drama/Teen)

  • Synopsis: This Spanish-language series follows three working-class students who receive scholarships to Las Encinas, an exclusive private school in Spain. The clash of cultures and social classes leads to tension, rivalry, and ultimately, murder.
  • Why It’s Great: Elite is a stylish and suspenseful thriller that explores themes of class, privilege, and the dark side of wealth. The show features a diverse cast of characters and complex relationships, with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers guessing. It’s known for its fast-paced plot, intriguing mysteries, and exploration of social issues. The show also tackles topics like sexuality, drug use, and religious differences. The setting of an elite private school provides a backdrop of wealth and privilege, contrasting sharply with the backgrounds of the scholarship students.
  • Themes: Murder, mystery, social class, wealth, privilege, corruption, sexuality, relationships, betrayal, family secrets.
  • Target Audience: Teens and adults who enjoy suspenseful thrillers with a focus on social issues.

• 9. Outer Banks (Action-Adventure/Mystery/Teen)

  • Synopsis: Set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, this series follows a group of teenagers known as the “Pogues” who are searching for a legendary treasure linked to the disappearance of the main character, John B’s father.
  • Why It’s Great: Outer Banks combines the thrill of a treasure hunt with the classic dynamics of a teen drama. The show features stunning scenery, exciting action sequences, and a compelling mystery. The class divide between the “Pogues” (the working-class residents) and the “Kooks” (the wealthy elite) adds another layer of conflict and social commentary. The show is fast-paced and adventurous, offering a sense of escapism while also exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and family. The characters are well-developed and relatable, even amidst the extraordinary circumstances they find themselves in.
  • Themes: Treasure hunt, mystery, adventure, friendship, loyalty, family, social class, romance, coming-of-age.
  • Target Audience: Teens and young adults who enjoy action-adventure stories with a touch of mystery and romance.
• 10. Control Z (Mystery/Drama/Teen)
  • Synopsis: This Mexican series takes place at Colegio Nacional, a prestigious high school. A hacker begins releasing students’ most intimate secrets to the entire school, causing chaos and upending social order. Sofía, a socially awkward but observant student, takes it upon herself to uncover the hacker’s identity.
  • Why It’s Great: Control Z taps into the anxieties and vulnerabilities of the digital age, where privacy is increasingly fragile. The show explores the impact of social media, cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain a perfect online persona. The mystery of the hacker’s identity keeps viewers engaged, while the show also delves into the personal lives and struggles of the various students. It highlights the diverse range of issues that teenagers face, from sexual identity and gender expression to family problems and mental health. The show is fast-paced and suspenseful, offering a timely and relevant commentary on the challenges of growing up in the internet era.
  • Themes: Hacking, cyberbullying, privacy, secrets, social media, identity, sexuality, mental health, family issues, social hierarchy.
  • Target Audience: Teens and young adults who are interested in mysteries with a focus on technology and social issues.

III. Genre-Bending & Unique Teen Shows:

This section highlights shows that defy easy categorization, blending genres or offering unique perspectives on the teenage experience.

• 11. The End of the Fing World*** (Dark Comedy/Drama/Teen)

  • Synopsis: James, a self-proclaimed psychopath, plans to kill Alyssa, a rebellious and cynical classmate. They embark on a road trip together, and their journey takes unexpected turns as they develop a strange and complex connection.
  • Why It’s Great: The End of the F*ing World is a darkly comedic and surprisingly poignant exploration of teenage alienation and mental health. James and Alyssa are both deeply flawed and troubled characters, but their journey together is both hilarious and heartbreaking. The show’s unique tone, blending deadpan humor with moments of genuine emotion, sets it apart from other teen dramas. It tackles difficult topics like trauma, abuse, and mental illness with sensitivity and a touch of dark humor. The short episode format makes it highly binge-able.
  • Themes: Mental illness, psychopathy, trauma, abuse, alienation, rebellion, love, connection, coming-of-age.
  • Target Audience: Mature teens and adults who appreciate dark humor and complex characters.

• 12. Atypical (Comedy-Drama/Coming-of-Age)

  • Synopsis: Atypical follows Sam Gardner, an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum, as he navigates the challenges of high school, dating, and independence. The show also explores the impact of Sam’s autism on his family.
  • Why It’s Great: Atypical offers a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of life on the autism spectrum. Sam is a relatable and endearing protagonist, and his journey of self-discovery is both funny and heartwarming. The show avoids stereotypes and presents a realistic depiction of the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals with autism and their families. It also explores themes of family dynamics, sibling relationships, and the search for independence. The show is praised for its authentic representation and its ability to educate viewers about autism in a compassionate and engaging way.
  • Themes: Autism, neurodiversity, family relationships, independence, dating, social skills, coming-of-age, acceptance.
  • Target Audience: Teens and adults, particularly those interested in learning more about autism and neurodiversity.

• 13. I Am Not Okay with This (Supernatural/Comedy-Drama/Teen)

  • Synopsis: Sydney Novak, a teenager dealing with the recent death of her father, discovers she has telekinetic powers. She struggles to control her powers while navigating the usual challenges of high school, friendships, and her sexuality.
  • Why It’s Great (but Sadly Short-Lived): I Am Not Okay with This is a unique blend of supernatural elements, dark comedy, and coming-of-age drama. Sydney is a relatable and complex protagonist, and her struggles with her powers mirror the internal turmoil of adolescence. The show’s retro aesthetic and soundtrack add to its charm. Unfortunately, the series was canceled after one season, leaving fans with a cliffhanger ending. Despite its short run, it remains a compelling and unique teen show.
  • Themes: Superpowers, telekinesis, grief, loss, sexuality, friendship, family secrets, mental health, coming-of-age.
  • Target Audience: Teens and adults who enjoy supernatural dramas with a touch of dark humor.
  • 14. Trinkets(Drama, Coming-of-Age)
  • Synopsis: Three teenage girls from different social circles – Elodie, Moe, and Tabitha – form an unlikely friendship after meeting in a Shoplifters Anonymous meeting.
  • Why It’s Great: Trinkets offers a refreshing and relatable portrayal of female friendship and the challenges of navigating high school. The show explores the underlying reasons behind the girls’ shoplifting, delving into their personal struggles with grief, family issues, and social pressures. It’s a character-driven drama that emphasizes the importance of connection and support. The show also touches upon themes of identity, belonging, and breaking free from societal expectations. The diverse cast and realistic portrayal of teenage struggles make it a compelling watch.
  • Themes: Friendship, shoplifting, addiction, grief, family issues, identity, social pressures, rebellion.
  • Target Audience: Teens and young adults, particularly those interested in female-centric stories and explorations of personal struggles.

• 15. Grand Army (Drama/Teen)

  • Synopsis: Set in a large public high school in Brooklyn, Grand Army follows five students as they grapple with issues of race, class, sexuality, and social justice in the aftermath of a nearby terrorist attack.
  • Why It’s Great (and Intensely Realistic): Grand Army is a raw and unflinching portrayal of the challenges faced by contemporary teenagers. The show tackles complex and timely issues with sensitivity and nuance, offering a diverse range of perspectives. It explores the impact of systemic racism, sexual assault, economic inequality, and the pressure to succeed. The characters are complex and flawed, and their stories are often heartbreaking and difficult to watch. The show is praised for its realism and its willingness to engage with challenging social and political issues. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking series that demands attention.
  • Themes: Race, class, sexuality, social justice, terrorism, sexual assault, economic inequality, mental health, activism, identity.
  • Target Audience: Mature teens and adults who are interested in realistic and socially conscious dramas.

IV. Finding Your Perfect Fit: Choosing the Right Show

With such a diverse range of teen shows available on Netflix, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you find your perfect fit:

• Consider Your Interests: Are you drawn to mysteries, comedies, romances, or something with a supernatural twist?
• Think About the Themes: Are you looking for a show that tackles specific issues, like mental health, LGBTQ+ representation, or social justice?
• Read Reviews and Watch Trailers: Get a sense of the show’s tone, style, and content before committing.
• Check the Maturity Rating: Some shows are more appropriate for older teens due to mature themes and content.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New: You might be surprised by what you discover!
• Consider the Cultural Context: Many of these shows deal with culture-specific ideas. Some might be relatable to people of that culture, and other shows can help those not in that culture learn something about it.

V. The Importance of Teen Representation on Screen

The prevalence and popularity of teen shows on Netflix highlight the importance of representing the adolescent experience on screen. These shows offer:

• Validation and Empathy: Teenagers often feel isolated and misunderstood. Seeing characters grapple with similar challenges can be incredibly validating and provide a sense of connection.
• Exploration of Identity: Adolescence is a time of intense self-discovery. Teen shows provide a space to explore different identities, sexualities, and values.
• Discussion of Important Issues: Many teen shows tackle difficult topics like mental health, bullying, and social justice, sparking important conversations and raising awareness.
• Models of Resilience: Seeing characters overcome adversity can inspire hope and resilience in young viewers.
• Entertainment and Escapism: Sometimes, teenagers just need a break from the pressures of their own lives. Teen shows can provide a welcome escape and a source of entertainment.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Teen Stories

The teen shows on Netflix offer a diverse and compelling tapestry of stories that capture the complexities, joys, and heartaches of adolescence. From lighthearted comedies to gritty dramas, from supernatural thrillers to realistic portrayals of social issues, there’s something for everyone. These shows are more than just entertainment; they’re a reflection of the teenage experience, a source of comfort and connection, and a reminder that the journey through adolescence, while often challenging, is ultimately a shared one. As long as teenagers continue to grapple with the universal questions of identity, belonging, and purpose, the appeal of these stories will endure. And Netflix, with its ever-expanding library, will continue to be a prime destination for exploring the rich and rewarding world of teen television.