Drama TV for Teens

The best dramas pull you in with great stories, compelling characters, and complex moral questions. These picks for teens have it all, and characters they can relate to make it easy for you to start conversations afterward. From Pretty Little Liars to Madam Secretary to Manhattan, these shows span interests, historical periods, locations, and themes -- but they'll all keep you glued to the screen for "just one more" episode. For more, check out our list of Shows like Pretty Little Liars and Shows for the Modern Family.

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Marvel's Agent Carter Poster Image
TV

Marvel's Agent Carter

age 12+

Strong female lead defies stereotypes in tantalizing series.

Network: ABC (2015)
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TV

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland

age 12+

TV spin-off takes dark fantasy drama to another dimension.

Network: ABC (2013)
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TV

Everwood

age 13+

Engaging but controversial show for teens.

Network: WB (2002)
Gameboys Level-Up-Edition TV Poster: Elijah Canlas and Kokoy De Santos lean their heads against each other, smiling.
TV

Gameboys Level-Up Edition

age 13+

Sweet series follows online romance during a pandemic.

Network: Netflix (2020)
Gilmore Girls Poster Image
TV

Gilmore Girls

age 13+

Fun coming-of-age drama that's great for teens.

Network: Freeform , CW (2000)
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TV

Hindsight

age 13+

Fresh time-warp drama has likable lead, worthwhile message.

Network: VH1 (2015)
Midsummer Night TV show poster: A woman looks to the side while an older woman raises a wine glass in front of her face
TV

Midsummer Night

age 13+

Relationship secrets exposed in Scandinavian family drama.

Network: Netflix (2024)
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TV

Red Band Society

age 13+

Likable teens tackle tough circumstances in moving dramedy.

Network: Fox (2014)
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TV

Battle Creek

age 14+

Odd-couple cops deliver laughs and drama, with some blood.

Network: CBS (2015)
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TV

Bunheads

age 14+

Likable drama blends good role models, small-town humor.

Network: Freeform (2012)
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TV

Crisis

age 14+

Twisty hostage drama involves kids in danger.

Network: NBC (2014)
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TV

Degrassi

age 14+

Superb, socially conscious drama deals with tough issues.

Network: TeenNick (2001)
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TV

Elementary

age 14+

Smart Sherlock drama is a great choice for mature teens.

Network: CBS (2012)
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TV

The Fosters

age 14+

Heartwarming drama about foster teens and their two moms.

Network: Freeform (2013)
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TV

Friday Night Lights

age 14+

Poignant football drama scores; OK for teens.

Network: Freeform , NBC (2006)
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TV

Gotham

age 14+

Dark, violent drama tells compelling Batman backstory.

Network: Fox (2014)
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TV

Gracepoint

age 14+

Compelling crime drama centers on a tween's murder.

Network: Fox (2014)
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TV

Lost

age 14+

Hit sci-fi drama has violence, mature themes, suicide.

Network: ABC (2004)
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TV

Madam Secretary

age 14+

Strong female lead in smart, teen-friendly drama.

Network: CBS (2014)
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TV

Manhattan

age 14+

Tense rendering of nuclear project is OK for brave teens.

Network: WGN (2014)