The End of the F***ing World

This dark series casts a loner teen as a methodical would-be killer of his irksome and fiery companion, but that does surprisingly little to distract from its comedic effect. While it's difficult to say that James and Alyssa are likable characters, they're almost instantly sympathetic, despite (or perhaps because of?) their utter contempt for what they consider their meaningless lives and the people in them. The show's narrative style gives viewers insight into both teens' innermost feelings, which is a good thing because both are people of few words. By piecing together what they say, what they think, and what they recall in flashback scenes, viewers slowly develop a full sense of these two complex teens and, more importantly, what draws them to each other.

The End of the F***ing World, which is based on Charles Forsman's 2013 graphic novel, is much more than a Thelma and Louise story for the teen set. In fact, given the often mature content, its appropriateness for teens is questionable at best. It's a masterfully calculated and morbid dysfunctional love story in which you find yourself heavily -- and somewhat guiltily, given the contemptible nature of the star-crossed lovers -- invested in surprisingly little time. If the weighty angst, pervasive language, and murder-in-the-making elements aren't too much for your teen, the series also raises some important topics you can discuss afterward, including emotional wellness and isolation, bullying, and healthy ways of dealing with stress.