10 Near-Perfect Teen Shows of the 2020s
The 2020s have brought a wave of teen shows that take their young characters seriously. Some are sweet and romantic, others are dark and stylish, and a few are playful fantasies. The trouble is that the decade is still going, and the choice is huge. You want a list that helps you find the teen shows from this decade that are worth your time.
This ranking gives you ten teen shows from the 2020s that come close to perfect. You will find a tender queer romance, a Sydney high school, a summer on the coast, a Swedish royal drama, a Parisian spin-off and a few gothic and supernatural series. Each pick earns its place through a strong premise, memorable characters and stories that feel honest about adolescence.
So what makes a 2020s teen show great? For me, it starts with the characters. The best shows give you young people who are complicated, funny and easy to root for.
The second thing I look for is honesty. The strongest series do not talk down to their audience, and they treat first love, identity and grief with care. The third is style. A good teen show has a distinct look and tone that makes it feel like its own world.
It is also worth saying that these shows vary a lot. Some are light and romantic, others are darker and more stylish. I have tried to explain each premise clearly, so you can choose the one that suits your next binge.
Ranking teen shows from one decade is always personal, and you may have a different order in your head. What you will get here is a clear explanation for every position, so you can see why each show sits where it does and decide for yourself whether you agree.
Each entry starts with the premise, so you know exactly what you are watching before you read my opinion. After that comes the reasoning behind its ranking, followed by who will enjoy it most. Think of it as a friend who has watched the newest teen shows and knows which ones are worth the commitment.
One practical tip before you start. If you want something sweet and comforting, begin with the romances. If you prefer something dark or stylish, try the fantasy and horror-tinged series. Either way, the right show is the one that makes you say just one more episode.
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If you love this, check out: 10 Binge-Worthy HBO Teen Dramas to Watch Right Now
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10. School Spirits
School Spirits follows Maddie, a teenager who discovers she can see ghosts after a tragedy, and who finds herself caught up in the mysteries of her school. Peyton Elizabeth Lee plays Maddie, and the series mixes teen drama with supernatural suspense. The conflict is Maddie's search for answers against the ghosts and secrets of the school, and the stakes are her friendships and her sense of safety.
The premise is intriguing, and the supernatural setting gives the show a distinctive atmosphere. The cast is likeable, and the mystery has some strong moments. The tone can be uneven, and the storylines are sometimes slight, but the concept is fresh.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 10 because its premise and atmosphere are intriguing, but its tone is uneven. It beats the bottom of the list because its concept is distinctive, while it falls behind the nine shows above because its characters and storylines are less developed.
Who should watch: Fans of supernatural teen dramas and viewers who enjoy a ghost story set in high school.
Where to watch: Check your streaming service for current availability, as this varies by region.
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9. Wednesday
Wednesday follows Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega, a deadpan teenager sent to Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for outcasts. She investigates a series of murders while navigating the school's rivalries and her own dark sense of humour. Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, with Tim Burton directing several episodes, the series is stylish and gothic. The conflict is Wednesday's search for the truth against the dangers of the school, and the stakes are the students' lives and her own safety.
Ortega is excellent, and the gothic style is striking. The mystery structure works well, and the humour is sharp. The show can feel repetitive in places, and some storylines are predictable, but the look and the lead are memorable.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 9 because Ortega's performance and its gothic style are striking, but its mystery can feel predictable. It beats the bottom eight because its tone is so distinctive, while it falls behind the top eight because its characters are less varied.
Who should watch: Fans of gothic stories and viewers who enjoy a deadpan teen mystery with a stylish look.
Where to watch: Check Netflix for current availability, as this can change.
8. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
A teenager named Pip becomes obsessed with a murder from her small town five years earlier, after the case seems to have been solved too quickly. She starts her own investigation for a school project and soon finds herself close to people who would rather she stopped asking questions. Based on Holly Jackson's novel, the series is a clever teen mystery. The conflict is Pip's determination to find the truth against the danger of the people involved, and the stakes are her safety and the reputation of the town.
The series is clever and the lead is charming. Pip's voice drives the story, and the investigation has a satisfying rhythm. The format leans on the teen setting, which will suit some viewers more than others, but the puzzle is engaging.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 8 because its lead is charming and its investigation is clever, but its tone is lighter than the shows above it. It beats the bottom seven because its voice is distinctive, while it falls behind the top seven because its puzzle is less layered.
Who should watch: Fans of teen mysteries and viewers who enjoy a plucky amateur detective.
Where to watch: Check Netflix for current availability, as this can change.
7. XO, Kitty
XO, Kitty is a spin-off of To All the Boys I've Loved Before. Anna Cathcart plays Kitty Song Covey, a teenager who travels to South Korea to study at a boarding school and to find her long-distance boyfriend. The series follows Kitty's new friendships, her romantic misadventures and her growing independence. The conflict is Kitty's wish to find her own path against the romantic complications around her, and the stakes are her relationships and her sense of who she is.
Cathcart is charming, and the Korean setting gives the show a fresh energy. The romance is sweet, and the friendships are warm. The plotting can be predictable, and some storylines feel thin, but the lead carries it.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 7 because its lead and setting are charming, but its plotting can be predictable. It beats the bottom six because its romance is sweet, while it falls behind the top six because its storylines are less developed.
Who should watch: Fans of To All the Boys and viewers who enjoy a light, romantic story about a teenager abroad.
Where to watch: Check Netflix for current availability, as this can change.
6. My Life with the Walter Boys
After a tragic accident, a teenager named Madison moves in with a large family of brothers, the Walters, on their ranch. The show follows her attempts to adjust to a new home, new friends and a new romance, while the family's own secrets come to light. The conflict is Madison's grief against the new life she is building, and the stakes are her relationships and her sense of belonging.
The ensemble is warm, and the family dynamic is the centre of the show. The romance is sweet, and the setting is picturesque. The drama can feel predictable, and some storylines are slight, but the warmth is consistent.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 6 because its family dynamic and warmth are consistent, but its storylines can feel predictable. It beats the bottom five because its heart is so sincere, while it falls behind the top five because its drama is less surprising.
Who should watch: Fans of family teen dramas and viewers who enjoy a sweet romance with a big ensemble.
Where to watch: Check Netflix for current availability, as this can change.
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5. Young Royals
Young Royals follows Prince Wilhelm, a shy teenager who starts at an elite Swedish boarding school. When he falls for a classmate, Simon, his position and the expectations of his family make the relationship complicated. The conflict is Wilhelm's desire for love against the royal duties and secrets that surround him, and the stakes are his future and his place in the royal family.
The show is tender and warm, and the performances are sincere. The romance is well handled, and the school setting feels lived-in. The pacing can be slow, and some plots are predictable, but the emotional honesty is strong.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 5 because its romance is tender and sincere, but its pacing can be slow. It beats the bottom four because its honesty is so clear, while it falls behind the top four because its plots are less varied.
Who should watch: Fans of queer teen romances and viewers who enjoy a tender story about first love and expectation.
Where to watch: Check Netflix for current availability, as this can change.
4. The Summer I Turned Pretty
The Summer I Turned Pretty follows Isabel "Belly" Conklin, played by Lola Tung, who spends every summer at a beach house in Cousins Beach with her mother and the two brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, who are the centre of her world. Based on Jenny Han's novels, the series is sweet, nostalgic and full of coastal romance. The conflict is Belly's love triangle against the changes that growing up brings, and the stakes are her friendships and her first real love.
Tung is charming, and the summer setting is beautifully shot. The romance is emotional and sincere, and the friendships feel real. The love triangle can frustrate some viewers, and the pacing is sometimes slow, but the nostalgia is strong.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 4 because its setting and romance are sincere and nostalgic, but its love triangle can frustrate. It beats the bottom three because its warmth is so consistent, while it falls behind the top three because its storytelling is less sharp.
Why critics admire it: Many viewers praise the show's coastal look and its nostalgic romance.
Who should watch: Fans of coming-of-age romances and viewers who enjoy a nostalgic summer story about first love.
Where to watch: Watch it on Prime Video, and check for other current availability.
3. Heartbreak High
Heartbreak High is set at a high school in western Sydney, where students navigate friendship, identity, romance and the pressures of growing up. The series follows a group of students whose lives cross at school. The conflict is the students' search for their place against the pressures of their families and their peers, and the stakes are their friendships and their futures.
The show is sharp and honest about teenage life, and the cast is lively. The writing treats its characters with care, and the Sydney setting gives the show its energy. Some storylines feel familiar, and the tone can be uneven, but the warmth is real.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 3 because its honesty and energy are strong, but some storylines feel familiar. It nearly takes a higher spot, but Never Have I Ever and Heartstopper have more consistent emotional arcs.
Why critics admire it: Many viewers praise the show's honest portrayal of teen life and its lively cast.
Who should watch: Fans of school dramas and viewers who enjoy an honest, lively story about growing up.
Where to watch: Check Netflix for current availability, as this can change.
2. Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever follows Devi Vishwakumar, played by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, a teenager in Los Angeles who is determined to change her life after a difficult year. Created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, the series is funny, warm and honest about grief, friendship and first love. The conflict is Devi's ambition and her grief against the chaos of high school, and the stakes are her relationships and her sense of herself.
Ramakrishnan is excellent, and the narration is funny and frank. The show balances comedy with real emotional weight. The later seasons can feel repetitive, but the early seasons are strong.
Why it ranks here: It sits at number 2 because its lead, narration and emotional balance are excellent. It nearly takes the top spot, but Heartstopper has a gentler and more consistent warmth across its run.
Why critics admire it: Many critics praise Ramakrishnan's performance and the show's honest, funny take on grief.
Who should watch: Fans of teen comedies and viewers who enjoy an honest, funny story about grief and growing up.
Where to watch: Check Netflix for current availability, as this can change.
1. Heartstopper
Heartstopper follows Charlie, played by Joe Locke, a shy and openly gay teenager at a British boys' school, who falls for a rugby player named Nick, played by Kit Connor. Based on Alice Oseman's graphic novels, the series is gentle, sweet and deeply kind. The conflict is Charlie's wish for love and acceptance against the fears and pressures of school, and the stakes are his friendships and his happiness.
The show is tender and warm, and the cast is outstanding. The romance is sweet, and the friendships are beautifully drawn. The series is gentle, which may feel slow to some viewers, but its kindness is what makes it special.
Why it ranks here: It takes the number 1 spot because it combines the most sincere romance, the warmest friendships and the kindest tone of any show on this list. Never Have I Ever is a close second for its sharp humour, but Heartstopper builds its story around a kindness that is rare in teen TV, and the characters grow in a way that feels earned. That gentleness is more rewarding than the sharper but harsher shows below it, which is why it beats everything else here.
Why fans and critics love it: It is widely praised as one of the most tender teen series of the decade, with a loyal following for its cast and its kindness.
Who should watch: Anyone who loves a sweet teen romance and fans of stories about first love and friendship.
Where to watch: Check Netflix for current availability, as this can change.
Before we reveal our No. 1 pick…
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Final Thoughts
Looking back over the list, a few patterns stand out. The strongest 2020s teen shows treat their young characters with honesty and let their worlds shape every choice. First love, identity and friendship recur across the list.
Different viewers will land on different favourites. If you want sweet romance, Heartstopper and Young Royals are lovely. For something funny, Never Have I Ever and Heartbreak High are sharp. If you want style, Wednesday is striking.
Heartstopper stays at the top because it does nearly everything a teen show should. Its romance is sincere, its friendships are warm and its tone is kind. It is the show I would recommend first to anyone who wants a teen show from the decade.
Now I would love to hear from you. Which 2020s teen show is your favourite? Do you agree with the order, or would you move something up or down?
And if I missed a show that deserves a place, tell me in the comments. I am always looking for the next teen show with a big heart.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 2020s teen show on this list?
Heartstopper is the top pick. Its sincere romance and kind tone make it one of the most tender teen series of the decade. Never Have I Ever is a close second for viewers who want sharper humour.
What should I watch after Heartstopper?
Young Royals is a natural next step, since it is another tender queer love story. Never Have I Ever is a good choice if you prefer more humour.
Is Wednesday suitable for younger viewers?
It has a dark, gothic tone and some violence, so check Netflix's rating for the latest guidance before watching with younger viewers.
Is The Summer I Turned Pretty based on books?
Yes. It is based on Jenny Han's novels, and the series follows Belly's summers at the coast.
Is XO, Kitty a spin-off?
Yes. It is a spin-off of To All the Boys I've Loved Before, following Kitty Song Covey in South Korea.
Is School Spirits scary?
It is a supernatural teen drama with some eerie moments. It is more mystery and atmosphere than gore.
Which 2020s teen show is easiest to binge?
Never Have I Ever and Heartbreak High both have a quick pace and a strong hook. Heartstopper is also short and easy to watch in long sessions.
Are these shows available on streaming services?
Availability varies by region and changes often. Check your streaming service for the current listing before you plan a watch.
Are there more teen show lists on That Love Podcast?
Yes. That Love Podcast has several teen show guides, including teen dramas from the 2000s and 2010s. The links in the You May Also Like section above are a good place to start.
More Places to Find Great Movies and TV Shows
IMDb: a large film and TV database with cast, crew and release details for Heartstopper.
Rotten Tomatoes: critic and audience scores for Heartstopper.
Wikipedia: an overview of the series, its seasons and its production history.
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