The Best Shows About High School
The best high school TV shows include fantastic dramas that highlight the ups and downs of teenagers. In some cases, these shows include elements of the supernatural or science fiction. These high school shows are also filled with many social issues that teens face while they're growing up: teen pregnancy, drug use, and, of course, the all-encompassing peer pressure. This list includes some of the greatest high school television shows from several decades, so be sure to vote. If your favorite series about teenagers in high school isn't listed here, please add it.
Any great coming-of-age high school TV show includes tons of teen angst—just think of shows like Degrassi or Riverdale. That's mainly why so many of the best teen TV shows listed here are dramas, because being a teenager is, well, pretty darn dramatic most of the time. The characters in these great teen drama TV shows experience the highest highs and the lowest lows - a roller coaster of emotions, and we're right there with them for the crazy ride, tissues in hand. And it isn't just American high school dramas that are great, teen shows set in secondary schools in the UK offer just as much of an emotional ride - especially if it's a boarding school.
Is it any wonder that several shows listed here are among the all-time top cult TV shows? Sadly, despite excellent reviews from critics and a loyal cult following, some of these outstanding high school television programs didn't last as long as they should have. Examples of teen TV shows canceled before their time include Freaks and Geeks, My So-Called Life, Veronica Mars, and Friday Night Lights (though thankfully the latter was picked up and had a decent series wrap-up).
What are television's best high school shows? Vote up the shows about high school you think are the best and see where your favorite shows set in high schols rank.
- Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley
- Premiered: September 19, 2007
- Genres: Drama
In the center of New York City's elite prep school scene, students' lives intertwine with glamorous parties, prestigious families, and a notorious anonymous blogger overshadowing their every move. Ups, downs, twists, and turns – you've gotta watch to see who comes out on top in this captivating socialite drama.
- Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev
- Premiered: September 10, 2009
- Genres: Drama,Fantasy
This captivating supernatural thriller has it all, from bloodsucking vampires and sinister witches to werewolves and heart-wrenching love triangles. As the show delves into their dark pasts amidst the picturesque backdrop of Mystic Falls, it'll leave you questioning, who can you really trust?
- Tyler Posey, Dylan O'Brien, Holland Roden
- Premiered: June 5, 2011
- Genres: Drama,Fantasy
Beware, things aren't quite as they seem in Beacon Hills High. A bite leads one teen to discover there's more to his small town than meets the eye. Unravel the supernatural chaos and unlikely friendships in this action-packed high school adventure.
- Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Lenz, James Lafferty
- Premiered: September 23, 2003
- Genres: Drama
Heartaches, laughter, hard-hitting dilemmas, and dreams on the line – the tight-knit group of friends in a cozy North Carolina town navigates the highs and lows of adolescence. Inevitably, the past, present, and future intermingle, powerfully showcasing the resilience of family and friendship.
- Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies, Phoebe Tonkin
- Premiered: October 3, 2013
- Genres: Drama,Fantasy,Science Fiction
In this gripping supernatural saga, age-old rivalries collide with modern-day alliances in the historic city of New Orleans. Love, betrayal, and deadly threats hover around the all-powerful vampire family – can they protect the ones they care for?
- Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Tyler Blackburn
- Premiered: June 8, 2010
- Genres: Drama
Small-town secrets, elaborate lies, deadly cover-ups, and a mysterious tormentor constantly playing mind games – this chilling tale keeps you on your toes. Will these four best friends finally uncover the truth, or does the web of deceit prove too powerful?