Teen dramas, AKA, TV shows geared directly for teenagers (girls, mostly), are some of the worst and best shows ever. They became all the rage when I was about 6 or 7 and, because they're for people aged 14-21, the themes could be pretty "risqué" for a small child. I wanted to watch them SO BAD but, my parents being the amazing parents they are, shielded me from them until I was old enough to watch them. I watched some early (technical Disney so it didn't "count") but I mostly waited till I was 13-14. I'm actually glad I did since I can now appreciate the drama, the romance, the suspense and the comedy. I have soooooo many favorites, but here's my top of the crop, not necessarily in order because I just c a n t.
And the preemptive you're welcome, they're all on Netflix (not sponsored, unfortunately).
1. Riverdale
There's a LOT of drama in this show. Like, a LOT. I tried to summarize this show for my mom since she started watching at some point, but there are just too many pieces. That being said, the acting is a solid 7.5/10 and it truly draws you in. One thing to keep in mind: the actors are all in their 20s playing 16-year-olds (shocker), the girls dress like the real housewives of New York, and the storyline is extremely far fetched. Still recommended based off of my undying childhood love for Cole Sprouse. If you're reading this Cole, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I LOVE YOU. BUGHEAD FOREVER.
Rating: 7/10
2. H2O - Just Add Water
I'm pretty sure this is every little girl's dream: become a mermaid with special powers. Like whaaaaat? #goals. This one is definitely up there in the "far fetched" storyline, the acting is a sad 6.5/10 most of the time, but it's amazing to see played out. And it's set in Australia, and as a non-aussie, it's super dope to truly listen to their accents all day. I've watched this series at least 4 times and I'll probably watch it after I finish my current show (spoiler alert: it's on this list).
Rating: 7/10
3. Gossip Girl
XOXO, Gossip Girl.
HOW ICONIC IS THAT??? Like, UGH, this show is another one of every girl's dream, BUT it's mixed with a few nightmares too. And can we talk about Blaire and Chuck? Because couple goals and also couple what-not-to-do's. The up's and down's of this show are staggering, but well worth it for the romance IMO. My ooooonly issue is the ending. Like come on! I spent so much time invested in this show for the ending I knew was coming the entire time. Was it worth the ending? I'm still on the fence. Is it a must watch? Abso-freaking-lutely.
Rating: 7.5/104. Gilmore Girls
Before you say it, I know this isn't teeechnically a teen drama, but I've watched this show basically my entire life. Lorelai and Rory's relationship is literally me and my mom. And to be fair, this show is full of teen drama, graciously provided by Rory and her boyfriends, marriage wrecking, and college fleeing. The acting is honestly amazing, even though I'll admit, Alexis Bledel, AKA Rory, has her moments where I'm verbally yelling "honey, NO". Lauren Graham, AKA Lorelai, is amazing and I love her. But seriously, go watch this show.
Rating: 9.5/10
5. Vampire Diaries
I'm so very new to this show (I'm only on season 2 and this is the show I'm currently watching) but I'm actually watching it as I type so this is taking me a lot longer to write than I want. The storyline is literally impossible, the teenagers are played by people in their 20s (or in Ian Somerhalder's case, 29. 29!!), and it's gore is a little over the top. Thankfully gore doesn't bother me at all, but it might really bother some, so be warned. From what I've watched so far, and the reactions I've gotten from my friends when I post my reactions on snapchat, I have a really good feeling about this show.
Rating: 9/10
