The 10 Best Teen Shows To Watch on Netflix Right Now
Is there anything that teens love more than curling up on the couch after getting their homework done (of course) and binging the latest great TV show on Netflix?
But with the amount of Netflix Originals and old favorites available for streaming, it can be difficult to find great shows that are appropriate for teens.
That’s what we’re here for. We binged through a ridiculous amount of Netflix shows in our mission to find the best of them. These shows are funny, sad, heartwarming, scary, and everything in between. And best of all - they’re all great conversation starters for you and your teen to discuss issues that matter.
Here’s our list:
13 Reason Why is a show that might make many people a bit uncomfortable. It’s intense, it’s dark, and it doesn’t shy away from directly addressing issues that many of us tend to sweep under the rug.
The show’s story of a teenage girl’s suicide is filled with messages about the importance of treating others with kindness and respect and not taking others for granted, but there are also mature themes that may not be suitable for younger teens.
However, despite the criticisms, 13 Reasons Why is an excellent way for parents to start a conversation about bullying, shaming, depression, and sexual assault - and to let our teens know that they always have someone to talk to.
Atypical is a story about a teenager with Autism that decides that it’s time for him to find a girlfriend. The show is positive, heartwarming, relatable, and full of comic moments. At the end of the day, Atypical demonstrates that all of us share the exact same desires. We want to fit in, be loved, and find what makes us, us.
There’s a reason why people say that Stranger Things is the best Netflix original series. It’s a perfectly paced sci-fi mystery that revels in 80’s nostalgia and packs a powerful blend of comedy and horror. The story is centered on a missing boy, a dangerous creature, a mysterious girl, and the entire town’s search for the explanation. We won’t give any spoilers. Stranger Things is special. Go watch it!
Freaks and Geeks was short lived but iconic. It’s widely considered one of the best TV shows ever made, and for good reason too! It’s an embrace of all those painful memories from high school that many of us would rather forget, and is filled with characters that we can all relate to. While the characters don’t make the best decisions, the show is a great jumping off point for discussions about peer pressure, choices, identity, social groups, success, family, and more.
Don't let the title scare you off. This dark dramedy follows James, a 17 year old who believes he is a psychopath and Alyssa, a rebellious classmate looking for a chance to escape her tough home life. The show isn’t nearly as bleak as it sounds. It’s a beautiful story of teenage love, sensitivity, and growth. It’s a show that will make you laugh, cry, and yell, sometimes all at once. The episodes are short and fulfilling and you won’t be able to get up until you’ve completed the entire series. I promise.
One day at a time is a re-imagining of a classic 70’s show about a single mom raising two kids. The modern reincarnation tells the story of veteran Penelope Alvarez raising her family in Echo Park, Los Angeles. It’s a story of joy and pain, of overcoming struggles and celebrating triumphs. One Day At A Time is fresh, funny, and joyous. It’s a show that tackles timely issues and does it in a way that delights. It’s a multi-camera sitcom at their best, and it’s enjoyable all the way through.
The books are classics for a reason and the show is no different. A Series of Unfortunate Events is dark, funny, and absurd and it pulls of the combination in a way that absolutely delights. The show does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life, especially the devilish Count Olaf, and is perfect for parents and kids to watch and enjoy together.
Gilmore Girls originally premiered in 2000 and it’s been a beloved show ever since. The show follows the lives of Lorelai Gilmore, a single mother, her daughter Rory and Lorelai's mother Emily . The show is famous for its rapid fire, witty dialogue and constant pop culture references, but I think the biggest reason for it’s sustained popularity is that it’s nice. After dealing with the struggles of real life, sometimes it’s nice to escape into something that is nice to its core.
The Good Place might be one of the best shows on television. It’s a high brow comedy about a pretty bad woman who accidentally ends up in “The Good Place”, which is basically heaven, and tries to become a good person so that she can stay. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but The show perfectly blends fantastic puns, philosophical conversations, and jokes that are laugh out loud funny.
This post-apocalypse teen thriller is faced paced and full of cliffhangers that will leave you at the edge of your seat. While there is quite a bit of blood and gore, the show is filled with positive role models and often raises important moral questions that can lead to interesting discussions between parents and children. Definitely a binge-worthy show!
