Drama TV for Teens

Last updated: July 16, 2026

The best dramas pull you in with great stories, compelling characters, and complex moral questions. These picks for teens have it all, and characters they can relate to make it easy for you to start conversations afterward. From The Summer I Turned Pretty to Madam Secretary to Manhattan, these shows span interests, historical periods, locations, and themes—but they'll all keep you glued to the screen for "just one more" episode. For more, check out our list of Shows for Teens That Start Important Conversations and Shows for the Modern Family.

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Miss Austen TV show poster: four White women wearing dark, Regency period clothing

TV

Miss Austen

age 10+

Kissing in fictional story of Jane Austen's sister's life.

PBS Drama (2025)

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Marvel's Agent Carter Poster Image

TV

Marvel's Agent Carter

age 12+

Strong female lead defies stereotypes in tantalizing series.

ABC Action (2015)

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Once Upon a Time in Wonderland Poster Image

TV

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland

age 12+

TV spin-off takes dark fantasy drama to another dimension.

ABC Drama (2013)

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Degrassi TV poster: Eight different characters, mostly teens, around the title on a purple background

TV

Degrassi

age 13+

Socially conscious teen drama deals with tough issues.

TeenNick Drama (2001)

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Everwood Poster Image

TV

Everwood

age 13+

Engaging but controversial show for teens.

WB Drama (2002)

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Gameboys Level-Up-Edition TV Poster: Elijah Canlas and Kokoy De Santos lean their heads against each other, smiling.

TV

Gameboys Level-Up Edition

age 13+

Sweet series follows online romance during a pandemic.

Netflix Drama (2020)

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Gilmore Girls Poster Image

TV

Gilmore Girls

age 13+

Fun coming-of-age drama that's great for teens.

Freeform , CW Drama (2000)

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High Potential TV show poster: A White woman wearing headphones and cleaning gloves, with a lollipop in her mouth, looks through window blinds.

TV

High Potential

age 13+

Light, funny police procedural touts teamwork, perseverance.

ABC Drama (2024)

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Hindsight Poster Image

TV

Hindsight

age 13+

Fresh time-warp drama has likable lead, worthwhile message.

VH1 Drama (2015)

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Midsummer Night TV show poster: A woman looks to the side while an older woman raises a wine glass in front of her face

TV

Midsummer Night

age 13+

Relationship secrets exposed in Scandinavian family drama.

Netflix Drama (2024)

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Poster art for Penelope shows a painted image of the main character on a cyan background, with hair and leaves blowing

TV

Penelope

age 13+

Teen girl goes off-grid in risky journey of self-discovery.

Netflix Drama (2024)

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Red Band Society Poster Image

TV

Red Band Society

age 13+

Likable teens tackle tough circumstances in moving dramedy.

Fox Drama (2014)

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The Last Anniversary TV show poster: four women embrace

TV

The Last Anniversary

age 13+

Mystery, mature themes in Australian family drama.

AMC+ Drama (2025)

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Apples Never Fall: Members of the Delaney family stand facing the camera on a sunny street, they're lined up as if for battle

TV

Apples Never Fall

age 14+

Great cast breathes dramatic life into underdone mystery.

Peacock Drama (2024)

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Battle Creek Poster Image

TV

Battle Creek

age 14+

Odd-couple cops deliver laughs and drama, with some blood.

CBS Drama (2015)

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Bunheads Poster Image

TV

Bunheads

age 14+

Likable drama blends good role models, small-town humor.

Freeform Drama (2012)

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Charmed Poster Image

TV

Charmed

age 14+

Drama about witch sisters has violence, sexual references.

WB Drama (1998)

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Crisis Poster Image

TV

Crisis

age 14+

Twisty hostage drama involves kids in danger.

NBC Drama (2014)

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Elementary Poster Image

TV

Elementary

age 14+

Smart Sherlock drama is a great choice for mature teens.

CBS Drama (2012)

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Empire TV poster: The Lyon family against a black background

TV

Empire

age 14+

Musical melodrama explores family, fame, and homophobia.

Fox Drama (2015)

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