It’s hard to beat a good teen show. From classics like Degrassi and Dawson’s Creek to The O.C. and Freaks and Geeks, teen shows have the rare ability to combine the heartwarming with the hilarious, the earnest with the eccentric.
2021 saw a plethora of excellent teen content, both in the form of new shows and new seasons. Read on to discover the best teen shows of 2021.
Best teen shows of 2021: Never Have I Ever
Co-created by Mindy Kaling, this show centers around Devi Vishwakumar, an Indian-American high schooler from Southern California. Dealing with grief from her father’s passing, conflict with her overbearing mother, and all the stress that comes with being in high school — crushes, friendships, grades, etc. — Never Have I Ever is one of the most layered and realistic depictions of high school out there.
Season 2 premiered on Netflix this summer.
Best teen shows of 2021: Sex Education
Sex Education is one of the boldest, most daring shows out there in any genre. Focusing on the nitty-gritty of sex and puberty, Sex Education touches on important topics like sexuality and assault in a respectful way while never losing its heart or comedic touch. Few shows can say every single person in their large ensemble brings something unique to the table the way Sex Education can.
Season 3 premiered on Netflix this fall.
Best teen shows of 2021: All American
All American has to be one of the most underrated teen shows out there. So much more than a simple sports drama, All American tackles tough topics like substance abuse, mental health, and police brutality with sensitivity and grace. Beyond its skill with handling social issues, it’s an entertaining show with relatable characters we look forward to every week.
Season 4 premiered on the CW this fall. The first three seasons are currently available to stream on Netflix, with season 4 available to watch on the CW app.
Best teen shows of 2021: On My Block
After several amazing seasons, we were devastated to have to say goodbye to On My Block earlier this year. Thankfully, though, the show went out with a bang, giving us a fitting ending to our favorite friend group from Freeridge with its signature blend of comedy and drama.
Season 4 premiered on Netflix this fall.
Best teen shows of 2021: PEN15
On My Block wasn’t the only show we tragically had to say goodbye to this year, as PEN15 was another unfortunate casualty of 2021. Thankfully, co-creators Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle (who both co-created the show and starred as their middle school selves — an unconventional choice that pays of in spades) ended the show exactly how they wanted it to, giving us a final batch of episodes that tackled the cringe and nostalgia of puberty.
Season 2 premiered on Hulu this winter.
Best teen shows of 2021: Dickinson
On final knife to the heart! Dickinson also aired its final episodes this year. Starring Hailee Steinfeld as famous poet Emily Dickinson, the show is part period drama, part quirky comedy, and all completely addictive and loveable. From the sharp writing to the spot-on performances, this is another hidden gem, even winning a prestigious Peabody award in 2020.
Season 3 aired on Apple TV+ this fall.
Best teen shows of 2021: Saved By the Bell
In an endless sea of reboots and revivals, Saved By the Bell has to be one of the most effective. Saved By the Bell is snappy and not afraid to make fun of itself, both paying tribute to the original series while parodying it at the same time. There are countless laugh-out-loud moments at Bayside from returning characters and fresh faces alike.
Season 2 premiered on Peacock this fall.
Best teen show of 2021: Reservation Dogs
Reservation Dogs is undoubtedly one of the best new shows to come out of this year. Featuring all Indigenous writers and directors, as well as a mostly Indigenous cast, Reservation Dogs is groundbreaking in terms of representation — not to mention it’s also just really great TV. The ensemble of teens trying to move from Oklahoma to California is pitch-perfect and impossible not to root for.
Season 1 premiered on Hulu this summer.
Best teen shows of 2021: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
This was the year of Olivia Rodrigo — in more ways than one! In addition to her record-smashing album Sour, she also starred in the second season of Disney Plus’ excellent High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Much like Saved By the Bell, this is a show that’s not afraid to make fun of itself as well as wear its heart on its sleeve. The second season saw the Wildcats putting on a production of Beauty and the Beast while navigating new challenges and relationships. If you’re looking for a feel-good watch, look no further.
Season 2 premiered on Disney Plus this spring.
Best teen shows of 2021: Cruel Summer
Not to be confused with the Taylor Swift song (although it is a certified bop), Cruel Summer is a Freeform thriller set throughout three consecutive summers in the 90s. With a compelling central mystery, sharp writing, and career-starting performances, Cruel Summer had us on the edge of our seats every week. The show has already been renewed for a second season, and we can’t wait to see the other tricks it has up its sleeve.
Season 1 premiered on Freeform this spring and is available to stream on Hulu.
What was your favorite teen show of this year? Comment below!