The 10 Best Teen Romance TV Shows Ever Made, Ranked
- Joao Nsita
- 2 hours ago
- 18 min read
It’s a Wednesday evening in late September, and a new, more intimate mood is beginning to settle over London. The sun is dipping below the skyline earlier, the air is cooler, and the cozy, introspective season of autumn is in full swing. It is a time for nostalgia, for comfort, and for the simple, profound joy of getting lost in a truly great story. And in the vast landscape of television, no genre offers a more potent and beloved dose of escapist, heartfelt, and deliciously dramatic comfort than the teen romance.
The heyday of the teen romance, a glorious period that stretched from the late 1990s to the early 2010s, created some of the most iconic and influential television series of all time. This was the era when the emotional lives of teenagers were finally taken seriously by the mainstream, a time when their heartbreaks, their friendships, and their epic love stories were given the grand, sweeping, and often wonderfully melodramatic treatment they deserved. On social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the legacy of these shows is a vibrant and powerful force. We see a new generation discovering and passionately debating the merits of classic love triangles, creating aesthetic video edits dedicated to their favourite "ships," and celebrating the iconic fashion and, most importantly, the unforgettable soundtracks that defined these series.
To rank the ten “best” teen romance shows is to take a journey through a landscape of pop culture history. It is to revisit the coffee shops, the high school hallways, and the supernatural small towns that felt like a second home to millions. This is not just a list; it is a celebration of the shows that weren't afraid to be dramatic, to be messy, and to be deeply, profoundly romantic.
This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the titans of the genre. We will take a deep dive into each of these ten legendary shows, presented in descending order, exploring the iconic couples, the unforgettable storylines, and the enduring magic that makes them as binge-worthy and as relevant today as they were upon their first, explosive release.
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10. The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–Present)
The Vibe: A dreamy, sun-drenched, and deeply nostalgic story about the one perfect summer that changes everything. It’s a modern, aesthetic-driven take on the classic coming-of-age romance.
The Premise: Based on the incredibly popular book trilogy by Jenny Han, the author of To All the Boys I've Loved Before, this Prime Video series follows Isabel "Belly" Conklin during her annual summer holiday at the idyllic Cousins Beach. For years, she has spent her summers at a beautiful beach house with her mother's best friend and her two sons, the broody, enigmatic Conrad and the sunny, playful Jeremiah. But this summer is different. At 16, Belly is finally coming into her own, and she finds herself at the centre of a heart-wrenching and deeply romantic love triangle with the two brothers who have always been a part of her life.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Romance: The Summer I Turned Pretty is a modern phenomenon, a show that has perfectly captured the hearts of a new generation. The "coastal granddaughter" aesthetic of the show is a massive trend on social media, with fans obsessing over the dreamy, sun-soaked visuals and the perfect, Taylor Swift-heavy soundtrack. The show is a beautiful and often painful exploration of first love, of first heartbreak, and of the bittersweet, transformative power of a single summer. The central love triangle is a source of endless, passionate debate among fans, a testament to the show's compelling characters and its powerful, emotional storytelling. For more on the author's work, the official Jenny Han website is a great resource.
The Enduring Legacy: While still a relatively new series, its cultural impact is already undeniable. It has become the definitive "summer" watch for a new generation, a show that is both a beautiful, escapist fantasy and a surprisingly nuanced and heartfelt journey of self-discovery. The show’s complex romantic dynamics are a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 7 Best Love Triangle Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime Video. You can purchase the original book series on Amazon.
9. Teen Wolf (2011–2017)
The Vibe: A thrilling, action-packed, and surprisingly romantic supernatural drama that perfectly blends high school angst with the high-stakes world of werewolves and ancient myths.
The Premise: This MTV series is a dark and sexy reimagining of the classic 80s comedy film. The story follows Scott McCall, a regular, asthmatic high school student whose life is changed forever when he is bitten by a werewolf in the woods. He is suddenly thrust into a dangerous and hidden supernatural world, and he must learn to navigate his new, powerful abilities while also dealing with the everyday challenges of school, friendships, and his first, epic love with the new girl in town, Allison Argent, who comes from a family of werewolf hunters.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Romance: Teen Wolf is a perfect example of the supernatural romance boom of the early 2010s. The show is a fantastic blend of thrilling, horror-infused action and a series of deeply compelling and passionately shipped romantic relationships. While the central romance between Scott and Allison is a classic, tragic, "star-crossed lovers" tale, the show's true romantic heart is the slow-burn, friends-to-lovers journey of the sarcastic, human sidekick, Stiles Stilinski, and the popular, intelligent Lydia Martin. Their relationship, which evolves over multiple seasons from an unrequited crush to a deep, profound, and life-saving love, is one of the most beloved in all of teen television.
What Makes It a Classic: The show was a massive hit, a show that was celebrated for its brilliant ensemble cast, its clever mythology, and its perfect balance of humour, horror, and heart. It is a show that is both a thrilling supernatural adventure and a powerful, moving story about the importance of a "pack," both literally and metaphorically. The show’s focus on a powerful friendship is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of 5 Must-Watch Movies About Unlikely Friendships.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Teen Wolf on platforms like MGM+ in the UK, or purchase the complete series on major platforms.
8. Pretty Little Liars (2010–2017)
The Vibe: A glossy, addictive, and completely outrageous mystery-thriller that is a perfect, high-stakes, "guilty pleasure" binge-watch.
The Premise: The series begins one year after the mysterious disappearance of Alison DiLaurentis, the popular and manipulative queen bee of her high school clique. Her four best friends—Spencer, Aria, Hanna, and Emily—have drifted apart, but they are brought back together when they all start receiving a series of anonymous, threatening text messages from a mysterious figure known only as "A," who seems to know all of their darkest secrets. The show follows the four "liars" as they try to unmask their tormentor, all while navigating their own complicated love lives and the endless, shocking secrets of their seemingly perfect suburban town.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Romance: While the central mystery is the engine of the show, the romantic relationships are the fuel that kept fans coming back week after week. The show is famous for its passionate and often very problematic "ships," from Aria's forbidden romance with her English teacher, Ezra, to Spencer's on-again, off-again relationship with the mysterious Toby. The show was also groundbreaking for its time in its central, positive portrayal of a lesbian relationship with the character of Emily Fields.
What Makes It a Classic: Pretty Little Liars was a cultural phenomenon, a show that perfectly captured the dawn of the social media era and became one of the most tweeted-about television shows of all time. It is a show that is famous for its outrageous, and often completely nonsensical, plot twists, its incredible fashion, and its addictive, "just one more episode" quality. It is a wild, fun, and completely unforgettable ride. For more on the author of the original book series, the Sara Shepard official website is a great resource. The show’s complex and often toxic relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 7 Best Movies About Toxic Relationships.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the complete series of Pretty Little Liars on BBC iPlayer in the UK.
7. One Tree Hill (2003-2012)
The Vibe: A classic, heartfelt, and wonderfully dramatic teen soap opera that is a perfect, nostalgic time capsule of the early 2000s.
The Premise: The series is set in the fictional, basketball-obsessed town of Tree Hill, North Carolina. It follows the lives of two estranged half-brothers, Lucas Scott, the quiet, literary boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and Nathan Scott, the arrogant, popular star of the high school basketball team. Their lives, and the lives of their friends and families, are a tangled web of rivalries, romances, and long-buried family secrets.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Romance: One Tree Hill is the ultimate teen soap opera, and its romantic relationships are the stuff of legend. The show is famous for its epic love triangles, its grand, sweeping romantic gestures, and its earnest, often overly-dramatic, declarations of love. The central love triangle between Lucas, his artistic and broody soulmate, Peyton Sawyer, and his best friend, the popular and vibrant Brooke Davis, was a source of passionate debate for an entire generation of fans. The show is also celebrated for the powerful, enduring, and ultimately very healthy relationship between Nathan and Haley, which was a rare and beautiful portrayal of a young, married couple growing up together.
What Makes It a Classic: The show was a massive hit that ran for nine seasons, a testament to the deep, emotional connection that fans had with its characters. It is a show that is famous for its iconic, alternative rock soundtrack, which defined the "emo" era of the 2000s. It is a show that is full of heart, of drama, and of a deep, abiding belief in the power of love and friendship. The show’s iconic soundtrack is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movie Soundtracks of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the complete series of One Tree Hill on platforms like ITVX in the UK.
6. Veronica Mars (2004–2019)
The Vibe: A sharp, witty, and brilliantly constructed neo-noir mystery series that is a perfect, genre-bending masterpiece.
The Premise: The series follows the titular character, a high school student in the fictional, class-divided town of Neptune, California, who moonlights as a private investigator for her father's P.I. agency. After the murder of her best friend, Lilly Kane, and a series of personal betrayals that see her go from the most popular girl in school to a complete social outcast, Veronica becomes a cynical, hardened, and incredibly brilliant young detective. The show follows her as she solves a new, "case-of-the-week," all while trying to unravel the season-long mystery of her best friend's murder.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Romance: While it is one of the greatest mystery shows of all time, Veronica Mars is also home to one of the most iconic, epic, and beloved "enemies-to-lovers" romances in television history. The relationship between the determined Veronica and the arrogant, troubled, "obligatory psychotic jackass" Logan Echolls is a slow-burn masterpiece. Their journey from bitter enemies to reluctant allies, and finally, to a deep, all-consuming, and often very tragic love, is the powerful, beating heart of the series.
What Makes It a Classic: Veronica Mars is a true critical darling and a massive cult classic. It is a show that is celebrated for its incredibly sharp, witty, and fast-paced dialogue, its complex, season-long mysteries, and its powerful, feminist protagonist. It is a show that has had a profound and lasting impact on the television landscape, and its legacy is a testament to the enduring power of a brilliant story, well told. For more on the history of the show, the official show wiki is a great resource. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Favorite Movie Anti-Heroes of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the original series of Veronica Mars and the 2019 revival on Disney+ in the UK.
5. Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003)
The Vibe: The ultimate, iconic, and deeply heartfelt 90s teen drama. It’s a nostalgic, and often very dramatic, exploration of first love, first heartbreak, and the messy, beautiful business of growing up.
The Premise: The series is set in the idyllic, coastal town of Capeside, Massachusetts, and follows the lives of a group of close-knit, and often overly-articulate, teenagers. The show is centred on the aspiring filmmaker and hopeless romantic, Dawson Leery, and his lifelong best friend and soulmate, Joey Potter. Their lives, and their complicated, "will-they-won't-they" relationship, are thrown into chaos by the arrival of the worldly and troubled Jen Lindley, and their evolving friendships with the charming, wise-cracking class clown, Pacey Witter.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Romance: Dawson’s Creek, from the creator of the Scream franchise, Kevin Williamson, was a groundbreaking show for its time. It was famous for its smart, witty, and often very verbose dialogue, and for its willingness to tackle mature and often controversial themes with a surprising amount of honesty and sensitivity. The show is home to one of the most iconic, and passionately debated, love triangles in television history. While the central romance was initially between Dawson and Joey, it was the slow-burn, beautifully developed relationship between Joey and the lovable underdog, Pacey, that ultimately captured the hearts of millions of viewers and became the show’s true, epic love story.
What Makes It a Classic: The show was a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation. It is a perfect, nostalgic time capsule of the late 90s and early 2000s, from the fashion to the iconic theme song. It is a show that, for all of its melodrama, has a huge and very real emotional heart. For more on the show's incredible cultural impact, Vulture has some fantastic retrospective articles. The show’s complex romantic dynamics are a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Love.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the complete series of Dawson’s Creek on platforms like All 4 in the UK, or purchase on major platforms.
4. My So-Called Life (1994–1995)
The Vibe: A raw, honest, and painfully realistic portrait of teenage life that was so ahead of its time, it has become one of the most beloved and influential cult classics in television history.
The Premise: The series follows the life of 15-year-old Angela Chase, a deeply introspective and intelligent teenager who is in the midst of a full-blown identity crisis. The show is told from her perspective, with her insightful and often poetic voiceovers guiding us through her world. The story chronicles her journey as she pulls away from her childhood best friend, befriends a new, wilder crowd, and navigates her first, all-consuming, and often very painful crush on the beautiful, dyslexic, and emotionally unavailable Jordan Catalano.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Romance: While the show is about so much more than just romance, Angela’s unrequited love for Jordan Catalano is one of the most realistic and beautifully rendered portrayals of a teenage crush ever put on screen. The show perfectly captures the agonizing, all-consuming, and often completely illogical nature of first love. It is a story that understands that, for a teenager, a simple, fleeting moment of eye contact in a hallway can feel as epic and as meaningful as a grand, romantic gesture.
What Makes It a Classic: Despite only lasting for one, perfect, 19-episode season, My So-Called Life is one of the most critically acclaimed and influential television shows of all time. It was a show that was celebrated for its incredible, groundbreaking realism and its deep, empathetic understanding of the teenage experience. It is a show that has had a profound and lasting impact on the television landscape, paving the way for a new generation of honest, character-driven teen dramas. The show’s focus on a powerful journey of self-discovery is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 7 Best Coming of Age Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the complete series of My So-Called Life on Disney+ in the UK.
3. Gossip Girl (2007–2012)
The Vibe: A glossy, glamorous, and deliciously scandalous soap opera that is a perfect, high-fashion, "guilty pleasure" escape into the world of Manhattan's elite.
The Premise: The series follows the scandalous lives of a group of privileged teenagers at an elite private school on the Upper East Side of New York City. Their lives of love, betrayal, and high-stakes social maneuvering are all chronicled and often manipulated by the mysterious, anonymous blogger known only as "Gossip Girl." The story is centred on the lives of the beautiful and enigmatic "it-girl," Serena van der Woodsen, and her best friend and rival, the ambitious and impeccably dressed queen bee, Blair Waldorf.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Romance: Gossip Girl is one of the most addictive and binge-worthy shows of all time. The romantic relationships are the dramatic, beating heart of the series. From the classic, "good girl/bad boy" romance of Serena and the lonely boy from Brooklyn, Dan Humphrey, to the epic, toxic, and utterly unforgettable "will-they-won't-they" saga of Blair Waldorf and the billionaire bad boy, Chuck Bass, the show is a masterclass in high-drama, high-fashion, and high-stakes romance.
What Makes It a Classic: The show was a cultural phenomenon that had a massive impact on fashion and pop culture. The "preppy," high-fashion aesthetic of the show became a huge trend, and the characters of Blair and Chuck have become iconic, modern archetypes. The show is a perfect, escapist fantasy, a journey into a world of unimaginable wealth and privilege that is as glamorous as it is scandalous. For more on the show's iconic fashion, Vogue has some fantastic articles. The show’s complex and often fiery relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 7 Best Movies About Toxic Relationships.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the complete series of Gossip Girl on Netflix and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
2. The O.C. (2003–2007)
The Vibe: The ultimate, iconic, and perfectly crafted 2000s teen drama. It is a perfect blend of sun-drenched, escapist fantasy, sharp, witty dialogue, and genuine, heartfelt emotion.
The Premise: The series begins when Ryan Atwood, a smart, troubled teenager from a broken home, is taken in by his public defender, Sandy Cohen, and his wealthy wife, Kirsten. He moves from the wrong side of the tracks to the affluent, idyllic, and seemingly perfect community of Newport Beach, Orange County. The show follows his journey as he navigates this new world of wealth and privilege alongside his new foster brother, the nerdy, sarcastic, and incredibly lovable Seth Cohen. The show is centred on their friendships and their epic romances with the beautiful girl-next-door, Marissa Cooper, and the witty, ambitious, and initially unattainable Summer Roberts.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Romance: The O.C. is one of the most influential and beloved teen dramas of all time. It is a show that perfected the formula. The romantic relationships are legendary. While the tragic, doomed romance between Ryan and Marissa was the show's initial, dramatic core, it was the slow-burn, "friends-to-lovers" journey of the nerdy Seth and the popular Summer that became the show's true, iconic, and deeply beloved love story. Their relationship is one of the greatest and most realistic in teen television history.
What Makes It a Classic: The show was a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation. Its incredible, indie-rock soundtrack was so influential that it helped to launch the careers of bands like Death Cab for Cutie and The Killers. The character of Seth Cohen, with his nerdy, self-aware humour, became a new kind of teen heartthrob. The show is a perfect, nostalgic time capsule of the early 2000s and a masterclass in how to create a compelling, character-driven teen drama. For more on the show's incredible soundtrack, the official O.C. Music website is a great fan-run resource. The show’s incredible soundtrack is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of Top 10 Michael Jackson Songs of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the complete series of The O.C. on platforms like ITVX and All 4 in the UK.
1. The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017)
Why It's at the Top: While every show on this list is a classic in its own right, The Vampire Diaries takes the top spot because it is the undisputed, reigning, and binge-worthy champion of the modern teen romance genre. It is a show that took the "supernatural romance" trend of the late 2000s and perfected it, creating a world that was a perfect, addictive, and epic blend of high-stakes fantasy, heartfelt romance, and shocking, high-drama twists. It is a show that is not just a fan-favourite; it is a global, cultural juggernaut that has spawned its own, successful cinematic universe.
The Premise: The series is set in the small, historic town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, a town with a dark and hidden supernatural history. The story follows Elena Gilbert, a teenage girl who is grieving the recent death of her parents. She finds herself drawn to the mysterious and handsome new student at her school, Stefan Salvatore, who she soon discovers is a 162-year-old vampire. Her life is further complicated by the arrival of Stefan's older, more dangerous, and incredibly charismatic brother, Damon Salvatore. Elena finds herself at the centre of one of the most iconic, epic, and passionately debated love triangles in television history.
What Makes It a Classic: The show is a masterpiece of serialized, high-stakes storytelling. The central love triangle between Elena, Stefan, and Damon is the brilliant, beating heart of the series. But the show is also famous for its incredible ensemble cast of characters and its rich, complex mythology of vampires, witches, and werewolves. It is a show that is not afraid to be dark, to be violent, and to break its audience's heart with shocking and often permanent character deaths. But it is also a show that is full of a deep, abiding, and powerful love, not just between its romantic couples, but between its family and its friends. It is the ultimate, epic, and unforgettable teen romance. For a deep dive into the show's rich lore, the Vampire Diaries Wiki is an incredible resource.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the complete series of The Vampire Diaries on Netflix in the UK.
Conclusion
In the vast and ever-expanding universe of television, the teen romance holds a special and enduring power. The ten shows on this list are more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; they are a testament to the incredible, and often underrated, artistry of a genre that has defined a generation. From the sun-drenched beaches of Cousins to the supernatural-infested streets of Mystic Falls, these are the stories that have taught us about first love, first heartbreak, and the messy, beautiful, and unforgettable journey of growing up.
These are the shows that have given us some of the most iconic couples, the most passionate debates, and the most comforting, binge-worthy worlds in all of television. They are a powerful reminder that the feelings of our youth are not trivial; they are the epic, world-changing, and life-defining stories that shape us into the people we become. As the cozy, introspective season of autumn truly begins, there is no better time to revisit these classic tales of love and to fall for them all over again.
Enjoyed what you read? If you found this article insightful and it helps you discover your next great binge-watch, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes a show a "teen romance"? A teen romance is a show where the primary focus is on the romantic relationships of its teenage protagonists. While it can have other genre elements, like mystery or fantasy, the central, driving force of the story is the romance.
2. Why was the late 90s and 2000s such a golden age for this genre? This era saw a boom in television networks that were specifically aimed at a teen and young adult audience, such as The WB and The CW in the US. This created a huge demand for content that spoke directly to the lives and interests of teenagers.
3. What is a "ship"? "Ship" is short for "relationship." It’s a term used by fans to describe their support for a particular romantic pairing in a show. For example, you could "ship" Damon and Elena from The Vampire Diaries.
4. Are all these shows based on books? Many of them are! The Summer I Turned Pretty, Pretty Little Liars, and The Vampire Diaries are all based on hugely popular YA book series.
5. What is the "supernatural romance" genre? The supernatural romance genre, which was incredibly popular in the late 2000s and early 2010s (the "Twilight" era), is a genre that blends classic romance tropes with supernatural or fantasy elements, such as vampires, werewolves, or witches.
6. I love a good love triangle. Which show on this list has the best one? The Vampire Diaries, with its epic, season-spanning love triangle between Elena, Stefan, and Damon, is widely considered to have one of the greatest and most iconic love triangles in television history.
7. Where can I find more information about these shows? Fan-run "wiki" sites, like the Gossip Girl Wiki, are incredible resources that are packed with detailed episode summaries, character histories, and trivia for your favourite shows.
8. Are these shows suitable for a younger teen audience? The suitability of these shows can vary greatly. Shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty are generally suitable for a younger teen audience. However, shows like Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars deal with more mature themes, including sex, substance abuse, and violence, and are better suited for an older teen audience.
9. What's the best way to watch these shows for the first time? All of the shows on this list are highly serialized, so it is essential to watch them in order, starting with Season 1, Episode 1, to fully appreciate the character development and overarching storylines.
10. I've watched all of these! What should I watch next? If you love these teen romance classics, you could explore other great shows from the era like Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Roswell. For a more modern take on the genre, a show like Never Have I Ever on Netflix is a fantastic choice.
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