Shows for Teens That Start Important Conversations

Last updated: April 16, 2025

Edgy series like Euphoria, which revolves around drug abuse and teen sexual relationships, has created a lot of buzz for the way it addresses complicated issues. However, it's gotten lots of parents and kids talking, which is always a good thing. For families looking to continue the conversation, Common Sense has lots of recommendations for shows that tackle big questions. The shows on this list aren't for every family, and some are more mature than others, but they all thoughtfully address issues such as mental health, sexual assault, racism, immigration, drug use, and other tough topics.

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Andi Mack Poster Image
TV

Andi Mack

age 10+

Heartwarming, diverse coming-of-age story best for tweens.

One Day at a Time Poster Image
TV

One Day at a Time

age 11+

Worthy update of classic sitcom has heart.

Netflix Comedy (2017)
Immigration Nation Poster Image
TV

Immigration Nation

age 12+

Damning documentary series puts ICE under the microscope.

The Secret Life of Lele Pons Poster Image
TV

The Secret Life of Lele Pons

age 12+

Powerful portrait of mental illness and social media fame.

The Sound and the Syllable: TV Image, a young Brazilian woman in profile with a middle-aged woman standing behind her
TV

The Sound and the Syllable

age 12+

Heartfelt musical drama has neurodivergent heroine.

Disney+ Drama (2025)
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)
Degrassi: Next Class TV Poster: Cast members of "Degrassi: Next Class" in front of blue lockers, logo above.
TV

Degrassi: Next Class

age 13+

An edgier Degrassi for the digital age still has heart.

Netflix Drama (2016)
Everything's Gonna Be Okay Poster Image
TV

Everything's Gonna Be Okay

age 13+

Family love and acceptance, lots of romance in sweet series.

Freeform Drama (2020)
It Gets Better movie poster: A collage of teen faces behind the title in all caps
TV

It Gets Better

age 13+

Honest accounts of LGBTQ+ life inspire hope for teens.

Logo , MTV Reality TV (2012)
Little Voice Poster Image
TV

Little Voice

age 13+

Substance abuse, language, in sweet fable about stardom.

Apple TV Drama (2020)
Living Undocumented Poster Image
TV

Living Undocumented

age 13+

Heartrending true stories in infuriating ICE docuseries.

My So-Called Life movie poster: Angela in a classroom setting
TV

My So-Called Life

age 13+

Memorable teen drama with complex, angsty characters.

TeenNick Drama (1994)
Party of Five Poster Image
TV

Party of Five

age 13+

Worthy Latino reboot of 1990s classic has drinking, sex.

Freeform Drama (2020)
Freaks and Geeks Poster Image
TV

Freaks and Geeks

age 14+

Stellar teen dramedy explores angst, experimentation.

Syndicated Drama (1999)
Friday Night Lights Poster Image
TV

Friday Night Lights

age 14+

Poignant football drama scores; OK for teens.

Freeform , NBC Drama (2006)
Recovery Road Poster Image
TV

Recovery Road

age 14+

Teen-in-rehab drama has realistic plot, great characters.

Freeform Drama (2016)
Spy High TV show poster: a camera lens affixed to grey school lockers with candid photos and graffiti nearby
TV

Spy High

age 14+

Online privacy and profiling laid bare in watchable docu.

The Fosters TV poster: A multiethnic family of 7 pose, smiling, on a beach
TV

The Fosters

age 14+

Heartwarming drama about foster teens and their two moms.

Freeform Drama (2013)
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)
David Makes Man Poster Image
TV

David Makes Man

age 15+

Lyrical drama has mature content, great beauty.

OWN Drama (2019)
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