Shows about growing up as a teenager

By Bryanne Salazar 8:17am PST, Jan 26, 2018

On Jan. 31, 2018, one of the greatest teen dramas of all time, "The Wonder Years," turns an unbelievable 30 years old. The series, which ran for six seasons and finally came to an end in 1993, revolved around the adolescent years of Kevin Arnold (played by Fred Savage) and most famously included the angsty love story of Kevin and his crush, Winnie Cooper (played by Danica McKellar). In honor of the show's big birthday, Wonderwall.com is taking a look at all the great teenage-centric TV series from past to present. Keep reading for more…

"My So-Called Life"

Teens from the '90s know that no show hit as close to home as "My So-Called Life" starring Claire Danes as Angela Chase and Jared Leto as her high school crush, Jordan Catalano. The ABC drama incorporated storylines about teenage sex, relationships, identity, drug abuse, family violence and more and became one of the central shows for just about every adolescent in America. Plus it was the launching pad for both Claire and Jared's Hollywood careers.

"Beverly Hills, 90210"

From 1990 to 2000, the teenage drama to watch was "Beverly Hills, 90210" starring Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Luke Perry, Ian Ziering, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green and Gabrielle Carteris. The series, which initially focused on Beverly Hills newcomers Brandon and Brenda Walsh (played by Jason and Shannen), evolved into its own microcosm of teen angst, drama and scandal. The series was rebooted in 2008 as "90210" but it didn't hold a candle to the original (sorry not sorry).

"13 Reasons Why"

In addition to being one of the most controversial teen dramas that ever aired, the Netflix original series "13 Reasons Why" was also a powerful look into the lives of modern teenagers. The series, which starred Katherine Langford (seen here) and Dylan Minnette, debuted in 2017 and told the story of Hannah Baker, a girl who committed suicide — but first recorded a series of tapes revealing 13 things that led her to the fatal decision. In addition to opening the door for parents and children to talk about teen suicide, it also explored themes of love, secrecy, bullying, identity and more.

"Glee"

Blending our love of musicals with teenage drama turned out to be a winning combination for "Glee." The high school-based series, which debuted in 2009, featured a cast of diverse characters played by young actors and actresses including Jenna Ushkowitz, Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Amber Riley and Lea Michele and introduced storylines about cyber bullying, eating disorders, sexual abuse, teen pregnancy and more. The series ended in 2015 and managed to snag multiple Emmys and Golden Globe Awards on its way out the door.

"Dawson's Creek"

One of the first shows to make teenage sexuality a major theme in its storyline was "Dawson's Creek" starring Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson. The series, which debuted in 1998, followed high school filmmaker Dawson Leery as he came of age alongside his closest friends. While critics lambasted the series as being overtly sexual, the show's popularity proved that teenage romantic dramas were exactly what fans wanted to watch.

"Degrassi: The Next Generation"

Long before Drake was the hottest rapper in the land, he was Aubrey Graham, a young Canadian actor starring on the 2001 teenage drama "Degrassi: The Next Generation." The series, which was the fourth in a long list of "Degrassi" franchises, delved deep into taboo teen waters with storylines about alcoholism, family dysfunction, date rape, suicide and more. Drake left the series for good in 2009, but it continued on until its finale in 2015.

"Party of Five"

For six years, parents and teens had a show they could watch and love together thanks to "Party of Five" starring Scott Wolf, Lacey Chabert, Matthew Fox and Neve Campbell. The series, about a group of orphaned siblings who are held together by their oldest brother, Charlie (played by Matthew), debuted in 1994 and gave viewers a window into the realities of being a teen while also helping teens understand the difficult task of raising a family.

"Daria"

In an age of "Beavis and Butt-Head," teens were hungry for an animated series that explored more than fart jokes and video games. Enter "Daria." The MTV dramedy featured a brainy high schooler named Daria (voiced by Tracy Grandstaff) with antisocial tendencies who was forced to live in a world full of Beavises and Butt-Heads.

"Gilmore Girls"

Although not exclusively a teenage drama, "Gilmore Girls" was a show teens could sink their teeth into. Featuring Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel as a mother-daughter duo learning about themselves and each other in a small town in Connecticut, the show didn't shy away from important teenage issues like love, friendships, family and pending adulthood. The series quickly became a cult favorite and in 2016 came back as a four-episode Netflix miniseries that followed the lives of both women nearly 10 years after the original series came to an end.

"Sister, Sister"

In 1994, the world met Tia Mowry and twin sister Tamera Mowry with the debut of their hit family comedy "Sister, Sister." The show was about twin sisters who find each other after being separated at birth and convince their parents to move in together so they can live as a family. Not only did the series explore themes like adoption, step-parenting, identity and relationships, but it also provided diversity and representation of the African-American community on TV during a time when most shows about teens featured all-white casts, opening the door for future shows like "Moesha."

"The O.C."

Following in the footsteps of "Beverly Hills, 90210" was "The O.C." (short for "The Orange County," as in California) starring Ben McKenzie, Mischa Barton, Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson. The stylish series about money, privilege, teenagers and all their drama debuted in 2003 and ran for four seasons before going off the air in 2007.

"7th Heaven"

A beloved family-friendly series about growing up and doing good, "7th Heaven," debuted in 1996. The drama starred Beverley Mitchell (seen here), Jessica Biel, Stephen Collins, Catherine Hicks, Barry Watson and David Gallagher and while its focus was on wholesome entertainment, it didn't shy away from heavier topics like teen pregnancy, stealing, peer pressure and more. The Emmy-nominated show ran for 11 glorious years before resting peacefully in syndication.

"The Get Down"

It only lasted for one 11-episode season, but "The Get Down" was still one of the best teenage musical dramas we've ever had the pleasure of watching. Debuting on Netflix in 2016, the series — which featured stars like Jaden Smith (seen here) as well as Shameik Moore, Justice Smith and others — followed a group of teenage friends from the Bronx in the '70s during the birth of hip hop. The series was later dubbed Netflix's most expensive show in history thanks to its whopping $120 million budget.

"One Tree Hill"

When it comes to shows about teenagers growing up, none hit the sweet spot quite like "One Tree Hill" starring Sophia Bush, Chad Michael Murray, Hilarie Burton, James Lafferty and Bethany Joy Lenz. The series, initially about two half-brothers (and rivals) who face off over sports, girls and parental affection, later covered controversial issues like school shootings, depression, roofied drinks and (of course) sex, making it resonate with teen audiences around the country. After nine powerful and provocative seasons, the series went off the air in 2012.

"The Fosters"

If you're not watching "The Fosters," we're judging your TV choices, big-time. The powerful series, starring Maia Mitchell and Elliot Fletcher, debuted in 2013 and featured themes not typically covered in family entertainment, like homosexuality, adoption, foster care, the criminal justice system and more. Sadly, the series was cancelled and will wrap for good at the end of its fifth season. While disappointing, there's also good news: A 13-episode spin-off series starring Maia and Cierra Ramirez has been ordered — and it promises to include guest spots for the rest of the "Fosters" gang.

"The Secret Life of the American Teenager"

Facing teen pregnancy head-on, "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" starring Shailene Woodley, Molly Ringwald, Greg Finley, Megan Park and more debuted to mixed reviews in 2008. While some critics panned the series as being all about sex, others felt it was an invitation for parents and their teens to talk about the consequences of sexual activity. After a five-season run, the series came to an end in 2013. It also managed to launch Shailene's career — and revitalize Molly's.

"Awkward"

Sometimes, a good laugh is all teens need to make sense of their crazy lives. Fortunately, that's exactly what "Awkward" delivered when it debuted in 2011. The MTV comedy series starred Ashley Rickards and Beau Mirchoff in a story about a girl named Jenna who finds she's suddenly the most popular girl in school after students mistake her accidental fall as a suicide attempt. The show focused on relevant teen issues like bullying, suicide, peer pressure, friendships, romantic relationships and identity and was nominated for several awards (including a People's Choice Award) before going off the air in 2016.

"Saved By the Bell"

The now-iconic teenage comedy series "Saved By the Bell" starring Elizabeth Berkley, Lark Voorhies, Mario Lopez, Tiffani Thiessen, Dustin Diamond and Mark-Paul Gosselaar first aired in 1989. The show ran for four seasons before evolving into "Saved By the Bell: The College Years," which only lasted one season. Some of the more dramatic themes covered by the high school series included drug addiction, dating and divorce, giving it more depth than typical comedies of the time.

"Gossip Girl"

The drama "Gossip Girl" starring Blake Lively and Leighton Meester was one of the most scandalous teen shows to date (and we loved every second of it). Debuting in 2007, the series, which followed a small group of elite teens on Manhattan's Upper East Side, was purposefully provocative, placing characters in romantic entanglements, drug dramas and battles for hierarchy. After six seasons, the series ended in 2012, the same year the show's star, Blake, married Hollywood hunk Ryan Reynolds.

"Boy Meets World"

The same year Fred Savage filmed the final episode of "The Wonder Years," his little brother, Ben Savage, debuted on the small screen in one of our other favorite teen shows, "Boy Meets World." The series, which co-starred Danielle Fishel and Rider Strong, focused on a young Cory Matthews (played by Ben) as he navigated the waters of school, friendships, romance and his future. After seven seasons, the show was cancelled, but years later, it spawned the 2014 spin-off series "Girl Meets World," which starred Ben and Danielle as married parents to Riley Matthews (played by Rowan Blanchard) who, much like her dad, attempts to figure out life as a teenager.

"Moesha"

Following in the footsteps of "Sister, Sister," the primetime family comedy "Moesha" arrived on network television in 1996. The series was a hit for many reasons, but the biggest was probably that it starred top-charting pop and R&B singer Brandy. Co-starring Countess Vaughn, the show was a blend of humor and reality that delved into issues like step-parents, romance, friendships, grades and more — things that every teen could relate to — while also giving representation to the often marginalized black community. "Moesha" ran for six seasons before ending its TV run in 2001.

"Freaks and Geeks"

Although the comedy-drama "Freaks and Geeks" only ran for one season, it was still a powerful examination of teen life and deserves a nod. Starring Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel and Busy Philipps, the series followed smart high schooler Lindsay, who winds up befriending a group of rebellious pot-smoking teens, and her little brother Sam, who's just trying to survive freshman year. The show became a launching pad for most of its stars, who went on to find longstanding fame in Hollywood.

"Blossom"

One of the highlights of '90s television was the comedy series "Blossom" starring Mayim Bialik, Jenna Von Oy, Michael Stoyanov, Ted Wass and Joey Lawrence. The show didn't just launch a generation of floppy-hat fashion though — it also gave many of us our first major Hollywood crush (thanks, Joey) and explored serious teen issues like body image, heartbreak, fitting in and discovering our own identities. After five seasons, the show came to an end in 1995.

"That '70s Show"

Can you believe it's already been 20 years since the teenage comedy "That '70s Show" first aired? Starring Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Laura Prepon, Topher Grace, Wilmer Valderrama and Danny Masterson, the show was a major hit with adults that grew up in the '70s as well as teens of the '90s and early 2000s. The show was a true coming-of-age story that featured humorous moments as well as dramas (like losing one's virginity, dealing with rumors, difficult parents and more) that kept fans tuning in each week until it went off the air in 2006. Fun fact: Ashton and Mila played boyfriend and girlfriend on the series and went on to marry in real life.

"Malcolm in the Middle"

The intensely funny comedy "Malcolm in the Middle" starring Frankie Muniz as the title character was, in many respects, a modern-day "Wonder Years" (with a lot more humor). Debuting in 2000, the family-friendly series followed an excessively smart Malcolm as he waded through the waters of his teen years while dealing with his goofy family members. The show ended in 2006 after seven seasons.

"The Facts of Life"

Last but never least was the family comedy-drama "The Facts of Life" starring Lisa Whelchel, Charlotte Rae, Nancy McKeon, Mindy Cohn and Kim Fields. The series — about a house mother responsible for guiding the lives of her teenage charges while they live together at their boarding school — was one of the few all-female shows on TV at the time. The series debuted in 1979 and quickly became one of the most adored network shows. After nine seasons, it finally came to an end in 1988. Gone but never forgotten.