Everyone knows the feeling of spending hours binging the latest show on Netflix, only to be hit with a disappointing, underwhelming mess. It's incredibly aggravating! Luckily, Iβve put together a list of some of the most popular teen shows on Netflix β along with my verdict on whether theyβre actually worth your time.
Let us slide into your dms π₯°
Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Overhyped β My Life with the Walter Boys
Adapted from the My Life with the Walter Boys duology by Ali Novak, this Netflix original show chronicles the life of Jackie Howard following her parents' tragic death. She finds herself stuck in a love triangle with two of the brothers in the family that takes her in: Cole and Alex.
With Season 2 coming out this year, many are going back to rewatch this show. However, it falls into many overused tropes in teen dramas, such as orphaned main characters, a "bad boy" love interest, and a love triangle with brothers. As such, I found this show to be quite predictable and undeserving of its hype.
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Binge-Worthy β Lockwood & Co.
A lesser-known series, Lockwood & Co. seamlessly blends the horror and coming-of-age genres. Following the adventures of a teenage ghost-detective trio, this book adaptation is set in an alternate, supernatural future of London.
Despite being cancelled after just one season, Lockwood & Co. is absolutely worth a watch for its complex character dynamics, intriguing mysteries, and suspenseful pacing. Personally, I raced through this show in just one weekend. With just eight episodes, it is the perfect pre-Halloween binge-watch!
Overhyped β Outer Banks
The premise of ultra-popular teen soap Outer Banks is truly interesting: a group of carefree teens on a treasure hunt in an aged-up, modern-day version of The Goonies. Add in juicy romance, a tension-inducing class divide, and the beautiful setting of the Outer Banks, and this show seems like a slam-dunk hit. It was a hit, at first, until the storylines became too unrealistic.
In the beginning, this show played to its strengths and built a loyal fanbase. However, four seasons in and with the final season on its way, Outer Banks has been getting increasingly hard to follow. After Season 3, I found myself getting confused with the plot, and was no longer invested in it, making it overrated.
Binge-Worthy β Never Have I Ever
From creator Mindy Kaling, Never Have I Ever follows first-generation American-Indian teen Devi Vishwakumar through the highs and lows of family, high school, and love.
Although this series may seem like the average teen drama, Never Have I Ever handles all its central relationships (familial, platonic, and romantic) with utmost care and authenticity. Coupled with a realistically flawed yet likable protagonist, this 3-season show is absolutely worth a watch.
Overhyped β XO, Kitty
A spin-off from the popular To All The Boys I've Loved Before trilogy, XO, Kitty follows teen matchmaker Kitty Song-Covey. She juggles love and friendships while uncovering family secrets and studying abroad in Seoul.
Unlike creator Jenny Han's other teen dramas, this show underdevelops its side characters and relies too heavily on K-Drama tropes. This left it feeling overly cheesy and draggy. Heading into its third season soon, this show ultimately does not live up to its hype.
Binge-Worthy β Derry Girls
Set in 1990s Northern Ireland, Derry Girls follows a close-knit group of high schoolers who, oblivious to major historical events occurring around them, get into hilarious shenanigans.
The superpower of Derry Girls lies in the bonds between its five protagonists: Erin, Orla, James, Claire, and Michelle. The unique characterisation of their friendship allows the show to balance tensions in Northern Ireland with unrequited love and childish pranks. Whether you want to laugh out loud or admire beautiful friendships, this show is the ultimate feel-good watch.
Overhyped β Greenhouse Academy
Greenhouse Academy follows twins Hayley and Alex as they, with new friends and allies, work to uncover sinister plots at their elite boarding school.
Even though this show has a few gripping mysteries at its core, the ever-changing cast, underdeveloped romances, and glaring plot holes pose issues. By the end of its four-season run, Greenhouse Academy left me feeling quite unsatisfied, making it more of a skip.
Binge-Worthy β Anne With An E
Lucy M. Montgomery's classic tale, Anne of Green Gables, is adapted into a poignant and entertaining drama in Anne With An E. Just like the book, orphan girl Anne Shirley-Cuthbert is mistakenly sent to a pair of middle-aged siblings. The show then focuses on her forging new relationships and getting used to this "new normal".
Over the course of three seasons, Anne With An E covers iconic moments from the book while further developing minor characters and relationships. Aesthetically pleasing and beautifully acted, this show is a must-watch regardless of whether or not you have read the book!
Overhyped β Stranger Things
Dripping with supernatural tension and '80s nostalgia, Stranger Things tells the unlikely tale of a group of children from Hawkins, Indiana, who uncover a horrific government conspiracy and must combat otherworldly forces.
It is undeniable that, between its compelling plot, quality acting, and killer soundtrack, Stranger Things has a certain addictive quality to it. In spite of this, it does not fully warrant its almost movie-length episode runtimes and the insane hype for it online. This series isn't bad, but the inconsistent pacing and confusing plot leave much to be desired.
Binge-Worthy β Heartstopper
Adapted from the Alice Oseman graphic novels of the same name, Heartstopper centres on teens Nick, Charlie, and their wide group of friends as they navigate young love, school, and societal pressures.
Heartstopper has been critically acclaimed for its authentic, respectful depictions of the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health struggles. Aside from that, its tender relationships, talented cast, as well as its effective blend of live-action and animated elements create an entertaining series with a lot of heart. This should be high on most viewers' priority list!
Conclusion
Ultimately, everyone's tastes in media are different, but this article acts as a guide for which Netflix teen dramas live up to their hype. Happy watching!
