A new golden era of television reared its head at the start of the 2010s. Studios began producing more high-concept teen shows, aiming to keep viewers tuned to their networks or binge-watching on their streaming services. With increased budgets, their quality turned more cinematic. Soon enough, teen television gained the critical acclaim that it had been lacking.
The 2000s had a penchant for glamorizing controversial topics like sex and substance abuse. The shows of the new era took to discussing them in a more mature, raw fashion, all while keeping those elements that make teen television so appealing to the public.
10 Shadowhunters Is An Adaptation Of One Of The Most Popular Fantasy Book Series (2016)
Cassandra Clare's fantasy book series, The Mortal Instruments, was adapted into a three-season show for ABC's young adult network, Freeform. Shadowhunters centers on Clary Fray. Clay is a young New Yorker who discovers she's a human-angel hybrid on her eighteenth birthday.
Shadowhunters ran for 55 episodes from early 2016 to mid-2019. It starred Arrow's Kate McNamara as Clary, Dominic Sherwood as Jace, and Glee's Harry Shum Jr. as Magnus Bane. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Shadowhunters won a GLAAD Award and multiple Teen Choice Awards.
9 The 100 Was Praised For Its Characters & Post-Apocalyptic Concept (2014)
The CW broadcasted The 100, a post-apocalyptic teen drama. The 100 followed a group of young adults, who returned to Earth to check on its conditions and must survive on the planet. An adaptation of the eponymous novel series by Kass Morgan, The 100 ran for exactly 100 episodes divided into seven seasons.
The 100 had a large ensemble cast that included Australian actors Eliza Taylor and Bob Morley as Clarke and Bellamy, Thomas McDonnell as Finn, and Octavia Blake as Marie. The 100 was praised for its high-concept science fiction and interesting characters. It received a Primetime Emmy nomination for its outstanding special effects.
8 Teen Wolf Is Known For Its Standout Ensemble Cast & Its Horror Tone (2011)
MTV's Teen Wolf follows a group of teenagers with supernatural powers, combatting the evil forces trying to wreak havoc in Beacon Hills. Teen Wolf was loosely based on the 1985 film of the same name starring Michael J. Fox. Teen Wolf ran for six seasons from 2011 to 2017.
Initially a run-of-the-mill supernatural teen drama, Teen Wolf slowly took on a darker tone. It often borrowed from the horror genre. Teen Wolf was one of the most popular teen shows during its time on air. It also won various fan-voted awards for its standout ensemble cast, which included Dylan O'Brien, Crystal Reed, and Tyler Hoechlin.
7 Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina Was A Macabre Take On A '90s Classic (2018)
A darker take on the '90s classic, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, was Netflix's horror teen show Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina. It focuses on Kiernan Shipka as half-witch Sabrina Spellman as she tries to balance everyday life with her witchcraft education. Chilling Adventures consists of 35 episodes and a Christmas special.
Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina was praised for its macabre tone and visuals, which gave it an edge when compared with other contemporary teen shows. After Chilling Adventures was canceled in mid-2020, Shipka reprised her role in a crossover episode with The CW's Riverdale for the sixth season.
6 Stranger Things Borrowed Various Aesthetics & Science Fiction Tropes From The '80s (2016)
Stranger Things received an overwhelmingly positive response from critics and viewers alike. Stranger Things earned over 30 Primetime Emmy nominations as of 2020. The sci-fi drama borrows aesthetics and horror tropes from the '80s to illustrate the strange events taking place in Hawkins, Indiana.
Strangers Things has a prolific adult cast, which includes Winona Ryder and David Harbour. Stranger Things is known for launching the careers of young talents like Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard. It remains one of Netflix's most-watched and best-received projects of all time, and is set to return for a fourth season in 2022.
5 On My Block Was Lauded For Its Multicultural Cast & Fresh Comedy (2016)
In early 2016, Netflix released the first season of On My Block. On My Block is a teen comedy-drama following a group of adolescents living in the Los Angeles neighborhood, Freeridge. On My Block was lauded for its multicultural cast, realistic depiction of teenagers and their everyday struggles, and good-natured comedy.
On My Block stars several young actors in their first main roles. This includes Sierra Capri as Monsé, Brett Gray as Jamal, and Jason Genao as Ruby. How To Get Away With Murder actress Jessica Marie Garcia plays Jasmine, earning her a Teen Choice Award nomination in 2019.
4 Sex Education Maturely Discusses Sex-Related Topics With Good-Natured Comedy (2019)
Netflix's Sex Education mainly follows Otis (Asa Butterfield). Otis is at Moordale Secondary, and his mother is a sex therapist. After befriending and joining forces with a girl in his class called Maeve, they establish their own sex therapy consultation to help others at school.
Sex Education has received acclaim for its mature treatment of sex-related topics, fresh comedy, and outstanding acting. Sex Education was nominated for nine BAFTAs, winning one for Aimee Lou Wood's role as Aimee Gibbs. 3 8-episode seasons have been released so far, with a fourth currently in production.
3 Anne With An E Is A Coming-Of-Age Story About Social Issues & Family (2017)
Anne With An E is a coming-of-age period drama about an orphan adopted by farm-owners in Prince Edward Island, Canada. It's based on Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel, Anne Of Green Gables. Anne ran for twenty-seven episodes, starring Irish-Canadian actress Amybeth McNulty as the titular character, Anne Shirley.
Anne With An E was praised for its discussion of childhood trauma and social issues. The themes included gender inequality and the mistreatment of Canadian Indigenous people. Anne won Best Drama Series at the Canadian Screen Awards for two consecutive years before being canceled in late 2019.
2 Pretty Little Liars Captivates The Audience With A Plot-Twist-Heavy Mystery (2010)
Arguably the most popular teen series of the early 2010s, Pretty Little Liars was loosely based on Sara Shepard's series of novels of the same name. Pretty Little Liars focuses on four girls, coping with the disappearance of their best friend, Alison. They begin receiving threatening texts from an anonymous entity.
Pretty Little Liars ran for seven years on Freeform, ending in 2017 after 160 episodes. Its high ratings led to the production of two short-lived spin-offs, Ravenswood and The Perfectionists, and an upcoming HBO Max reboot/sequel. PLL was known for its iconic ensemble cast, constant plot twists, and enthralling mystery.
1 Euphoria Explores Teen Struggles With Identity, Sex & Substance Abuse (2019)
Euphoria premiered on HBO and immediately became a critical favorite. Euphoria has raw storylines and cinematography. Zendaya plays Rue Bennett, a teenager who struggles with substance abuse. Rue falls in love and befriends her fellow classmates. Zendaya's performance in the role earned her a Primetime Emmy and a Satellite Award.
Euphoria consists of 16 episodes, 8 per season, and two specials. One special was co-written by actress Hunter Schafer, who also stars as Rue's love interest, Jules. Euphoria is also known for its superb score and soundtrack. Including songs by Billie Eilish and Rosalía, Arcade Fire, and Labrinth, among others.