Controversial TV Shows That Teens Are Watching

Last updated: September 3, 2025

While edgy TV shows sometimes make headlines due to extreme or explicit content, they can also help start important conversations and foster deeper communication between family members. And just because these shows are rated for teens doesn't mean that younger kids aren't aware of them—and possibly even watching them, too. Scan this list to get informed about what exactly these shows are all about and why your teen might be very invested in their latest binge. For even more emotive picks, try Drama TV for Teens.

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Grey's Anatomy Poster Image

TV

Grey's Anatomy

age 14+

Medical soap is gripping -- and occasionally graphic.

ABC Drama (2005)

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Maxton Hall: The World Between Us TV show poster: two young adults in a romantic pose, purple background

TV

Maxton Hall: The World Between Us

age 14+

Indulgent romp doesn't skimp on shirtless boys, drinking.

Prime Video Drama (2024)

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Riverdale Poster Image

TV

Riverdale

age 14+

Dark, dramatic take on Archie comics is campy fun.

CW Drama (2017)

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The Summer I Turned Pretty TV Show Poster: Isabella in the middle with Jeremiah and Conrad beside her

TV

The Summer I Turned Pretty

age 14+

YA romance-turned-show is sweet and summery.

Prime Video Drama (2022)

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Adolescence TV show poster: 13-year-old Jamie sneaks a look at his father, Eddie

TV

Adolescence

age 15+

Murder, masculinity anchor raw, thought-provoking UK drama.

Netflix Drama (2025)

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Atlanta Poster Image

TV

Atlanta

age 15+

Smart dramedy makes "star is born" premise fresh.

FX Drama (2016)

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Big Mouth TV show poster: two hormone monsters are puppeteers for the middle school kids

TV

Big Mouth

age 15+

Raunchy but sweet animated comedy has sex jokes galore.

Netflix Comedy (2017)

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Black Mirror Poster Image

TV

Black Mirror

age 15+

British sci-fi series is violent and thought-provoking.

Netflix Science Fiction (2014)

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BoJack Horseman Poster Image

TV

BoJack Horseman

age 15+

Drugs, sex, existential darkness in groundbreaking series.

Netflix Comedy (2014)

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Bridgerton TV Poster: A masked Sophie, wearing a white gown, looks into Benedict's eyes

TV

Bridgerton

age 15+

Sex, nudity, smoking in sumptuous, diverse period drama.

Netflix Drama (2020)

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Ginny & Georgia TV show poster: A White woman and biracial teen girl look at each other warily

TV

Ginny & Georgia

age 15+

Mom-daughter drama tackles mental health, has sex, drugs.

Netflix Drama (2021)

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Gossip Girl Poster Image: The main characters pose among Manhattan skyscrapers

TV

Gossip Girl

age 15+

Over-the-top teen soap mixes backstabbing with sex & drugs.

CW Drama (2007)

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Gossip Girl (2021) Poster Image

TV

Gossip Girl (2021)

age 15+

Drugs, sex, language in oddly colorless teen drama reboot.

Max Drama (2021)

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Love Is Blind Poster Image

TV

Love Is Blind

age 15+

Reality dating show has unique premise, some sexy stuff.

Netflix Reality TV (2020)

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TV

Love Island USA

age 15+

Sex, cursing, drinking in reality dating show.

Peacock Reality TV (2019)

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Outer Banks Poster Image

TV

Outer Banks

age 15+

Slick teen mystery drama series is an edgy guilty pleasure.

Netflix Drama (2020)

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Power Book II: Ghost Poster Image

TV

Power Book II: Ghost

age 15+

Dramatic spin-off filled with plot twists, mature content.

Starz Drama (2020)

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Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV poster: closeup and static shot of kids on TV with their faces blurred or cropped out.

TV

Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV

age 15+

Disturbing look at child sexual abuse at Nickelodeon.

Max Reality TV (2024)

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South Park Poster Image

TV

South Park

age 15+

Outrageous, shocking humor carries a message.

Comedy Central , UPN Comedy (1997)

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The Idol TV show poster: Jocelyn and Tedros are shown close together, against a background of palm trees; the words "The Idol" are in red at waist level

TV

The Idol

age 15+

Witless TV show with lots of adult content lacks charm.

HBO Drama (2023)

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