The Best Teen Dramedy TV Shows, Ranked

Updated September 27, 2023 3.2K votes 443 voters

Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Teen Dramedy TV Shows, Ranked

Voting Rules

Vote up the best series about teens that combine equal parts comedy and drama.

Latest additions: L-POP, Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters, Hostel Daze

Most divisive: Skins

Humor and high school conflicts combine to make teen dramedies binge-worthy television. The best teen dramedy shows feature young characters dealing with relationships, school, and family issues - not to mention supernatural threats. This is a list of the greatest TV teen dramedy shows including everything from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Teen Wolf to Glee.

What shows will you find on this list of the best teenage dramedies? Freaks and Geeks walked the line between laugh-out-loud comedy and heart-wrenching drama, with storylines about everything from politics, to pot, to parties. Seth Rogan, James Franco, Busy Phillips, and a number of other talented actors comprised the show's cast. Veronica Mars is another popular teen dramedy. The Gilmore Girls' snappy dialogue brought fresh life to every episode. Other good series featured here include Smallville, Boy Meets World, and One Tree Hill.

It's up to you to decide which teen dramedy is the best. Vote your favorites up to the top of the list and please add any good shows that are missing.

Ranked by

1
One Tree Hill
Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Lenz, James Lafferty
135 votes
- Premiered: September 23, 2003
Set in the fictional town of Tree Hill, this teen drama series skillfully weaves together the complexities of love, ambition, and friendship. With a nine-season run, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base and several Teen Choice Awards. Centered around the lives of half-brothers Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty), their relationships with their friends, and the challenges they face on and off the basketball court, the series explores themes of family, loyalty, and personal growth. One Tree Hill is lauded for its engaging storylines, memorable quotes, and well-developed characters, making it a beloved classic in the realm of television dramas.
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2
Gilmore Girls
Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy
115 votes
- Premiered: October 5, 2000
Set in the quaint, picturesque town of Stars Hollow, this heartwarming dramedy follows the lives and relationships of Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel). With its witty, fast-paced dialogue and an ensemble of eccentric characters, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base. Throughout its seven-season run, Gilmore Girls was lauded for its relatable, well-rounded portrayal of female relationships, particularly the unique bond between a single mother and her daughter. The series also earned critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, proving its lasting impact on the television landscape.
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3
The Vampire Diaries
Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev
73 votes
- Premiered: September 10, 2009
The Vampire Diaries, a supernatural drama, weaves a tale of love, power, and mystique in the seemingly quiet town of Mystic Falls. With its rich narrative, the show garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including several Teen Choice Awards. Central to the plot are Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), a mortal, and the Salvatore brothers - Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder), centuries-old vampires who form an intricate love triangle. As the story unfolds, the characters navigate secrets, betrayals, and supernatural threats while delving into the complexities of their relationships. The Vampire Diaries masterfully balances its fantastical elements with heartfelt human stories, leaving viewers intrigued and invested throughout its eight-season run.
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4
Gossip Girl
Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley
125 votes
- Premiered: September 19, 2007
Set against the backdrop of Manhattan's elite, this drama series delves into the lives of privileged teenagers, exposing their scandals, ambitions, and tangled relationships. With an anonymous blogger, Gossip Girl, unearthing their deepest secrets, no one is safe from scrutiny. The show boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen and Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf, whose on-screen chemistry garnered critical acclaim. While navigating the treacherous waters of high society, the characters struggle to balance personal growth with maintaining their social standing. Throughout its six-season run, Gossip Girl earned numerous Teen Choice Awards, solidifying its status as a pop culture phenomenon.
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5
Boy Meets World
Ben Savage, William Daniels, Betsy Randle
106 votes
- Premiered: September 24, 1993
In this coming-of-age sitcom, audiences are taken on a journey through the trials and tribulations of adolescence as they follow the life of young protagonist Cory Matthews (Ben Savage). Set in a suburban backdrop, Boy Meets World explores the complexities of friendship, family, and love while delivering valuable life lessons through humor and relatability. With a memorable ensemble cast, including the wise and quirky Mr. Feeny (William Daniels) as their guiding light, this beloved '90s TV series has garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim throughout its seven-season run. As Cory navigates the challenges of growing up, viewers are treated to an authentic portrayal of the human experience that resonates with all ages.
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6
The O.C.
Mischa Barton, Adam Brody, Peter Gallagher
78 votes
- Premiered: August 5, 2003
Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of Orange County, California, The O.C. presents a compelling drama that expertly weaves together the lives of its diverse characters. The series follows the journey of Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie), a troubled teen from a broken home who is taken in by the affluent Cohen family. As he navigates his newfound surroundings, Ryan's presence unravels hidden secrets and tensions among the residents of this seemingly idyllic community. The O.C. skillfully blends humor, heartache, and redemption, keeping viewers emotionally invested in the complex relationships and captivating storylines.
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One Tree Hill

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Gilmore Girls

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The Vampire Diaries

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Gossip Girl

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Boy Meets World

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The O.C.

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