TV Shows for Fans of "Riverdale"

Last updated: April 13, 2026

Riverdale has it all: drama, intrigue, teen angst, and a murder mystery, with characters based on the classic Archie comics. But there's not a lot of similarity between the lighthearted comics and the CW's dark, edgy show that has teens obsessed. Whether they're watching on TV or streaming on Netflix, they can't get enough of the gritty mystery, the dark humor, and, of course, the love triangle between Archie, Betty, and Veronica. That's why we've come up with this list of supernatural mysteries and teen dramas for teens who just can't wait until the next episode. Parents should also keep in mind that, like Riverdale, many of these shows deal with violence and sex, so consider watching with your teen and talking about media messages. And for more to watch, try our list of Drama TV for Teens.

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A Series of Unfortunate Events Poster Image
TV

A Series of Unfortunate Events

age 10+

Exceptional, spooky book adaptation is best for tweens.

Netflix Drama (2017)
Doctor Who TV show poster: Ncuti Gatwa is surrounded by planets; the Tardis and his companion are shows below him
TV

Doctor Who

age 10+

Inclusive, long-running British sci-fi series thrills fans.

Raising Dion Poster Image
TV

Raising Dion

age 11+

Supervillain violence, bullying in excellent family drama.

Netflix Drama (2019)
Best Worst Weekend Ever Poster Image
TV

Best Worst Weekend Ever

age 12+

High school caper OK for tweens, deeper than it seems.

Netflix Comedy (2018)
Marvel's Agent Carter Poster Image
TV

Marvel's Agent Carter

age 12+

Strong female lead defies stereotypes in tantalizing series.

ABC Action (2015)
Arrow Poster Image
TV

Arrow

age 13+

Drinking, deaths in dark superhero tale beloved by teens.

CW Drama (2012)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Poster Image
TV

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

age 13+

Teen vampire series has female role model; sex, violence.

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)
Freaks and Geeks Poster Image
TV

Freaks and Geeks

age 14+

Stellar teen dramedy explores angst, experimentation.

Syndicated Drama (1999)
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TV

Friday Night Lights

age 14+

Poignant football drama scores; OK for teens.

Freeform , NBC Drama (2006)
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TV

Gracepoint

age 14+

Compelling crime drama centers on a tween's murder.

Fox Drama (2014)
I Am Not Okay with This TV poster: Close-up on two teens' faces cheek-to-cheek
TV

I Am Not Okay with This

age 14+

Violence, drinking, sex references in teen sci-fi drama.

Netflix Drama (2020)
iZombie Poster Image
TV

iZombie

age 14+

Quirky zombie-detective show has violence, heart (and guts).

CW Drama (2015)
Lost Poster Image
TV

Lost

age 14+

Hit sci-fi drama has violence, mature themes, suicide.

ABC Drama (2004)
Sherlock Poster Image
TV

Sherlock

age 14+

Smart modern detective tales with dark, morbid elements.

PBS Drama (2010)
Stranger Things Poster Image: The entire cast is shown with a monster behind them
TV

Stranger Things

age 14+

Dark 1980s-set sci-fi/horror drama is gory but great.

The Society Poster Image
TV

The Society

age 14+

Language, violence, substance abuse in dark teen mystery.

Netflix Drama (2019)
Twin Peaks Poster Image
TV

Twin Peaks

age 14+

Surreal cult hit might be too disturbing for teens.

ABC Drama (1990)
Everything Sucks! Poster Image
TV

Everything Sucks!

age 15+

Sweet, sensitive, authentic '90s-set teen drama is a winner.

Netflix Comedy (2018)
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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