The 10 best teen shows that shaped the 2000s
Let’s be honest. The 2000s were a golden age for teen TV shows. It’s true that there were no crazy budgets like house of the dragon or game of Thrones, but there’s no denying that what hit the teens’ screens was nothing short of iconic. From teenage soap operas starring spoiled rich kids to a dark and real portrayal of the harder side of life, there was something for every teenager.
Better still, these TV series still have a place in today’s popular binge-ready series. It goes to show that these shows are timeless classics, no matter how cheesy they can get.
10 Gossip Girl (2007 – 2015)
gossip Girl follows the lives of a group of spoiled Upper East Side high school kids and an outcast family trying to fit in. With betrayal around every corner and love that comes and goes like the trains in Grand Central Station, these kids have a lot to deal with as they grow up. Not to mention the ruthless anonymous bloggers who are dedicated to exposing every dirty secret they have.
Probably the most iconic TV series of the 2000s, gossip Girl even justified an attempt at a restart. While the reboot doesn’t shed any light compared to its predecessor, it just goes to show how popular the show was.
9 Skins (2007 – 2013)
The show follows a group of teenagers in Bristol, England, through their last two years of high school. Examines difficult and sensitive issues such as substance abuse, sexuality, teenage pregnancy, personality and eating disorders, mental illness, family issues and relationships as they seek to mature. Critics praise the show for having a young cast, being raw, and catering to a range of demographics.
skinscan be described in four words. The OG Brits euphoria. But rather darker and with less glitter. Besides that, skins manages to stand on its own two feet as a wonderful show that truthfully portrays the lives of dysfunctional teenagers.
8th A Hill of Trees (2003 – 2012)
brother Nathan (James Lafferty) and Luke (ChadMichael Murray) Scott has a lot to fulfill in the shadow of her high school legend of a father. Unfortunately for the brothers, their high school journeys aren’t that easy. Constantly bumping into each other, Nathan and Scott navigate their way through love and loss and the joys of family and friends.
Rather than trying to ride the charisma or attractiveness of its actors and actresses,A hill of treesdecides to trust his story. And it pays off. Perfectly portraying multiple storylines and relationships, the show is much more than a cast of hot people. But that’s a bonus.
7 The Simple Life (2003 – 2007)
This comedic reality TV series follows the hotel heiress Paris Hilton and notorious party girl Nicole Richie as they instead ditch their million dollar lifestyle for a hardworking one. The girls ditch their phones, credit cards, and designer clothes and set off for the “simple life.”
Throughout the seasons, fans have been thrilled to see these two celebrities go through real life and fidget in the most hilarious moments. Packed with enough drama and comedy to last a lifetime The simple life was a go-to reality show of the time. Especially considering Hilton and Richie couldn’t stand each other towards the end. Unpleasant.
6 Joy (2009 – 2015)
When a group of ambitious and unique misfits come together to join the newly formed glee club, they find each other to be a dysfunctional but strong family. Oh, and a Spanish teacher with a tragic love life became the principal of the glee club. And they can’t forget the evil cheerleading coach who’s hell bent on destroying them.
With many characters to love and hate,Joywas packed with amazing performances. The show’s musicality had the audience singing along with the cast. Comedy, drama, and heart fill the show, along with heartwarming storylines that connected the world to these odd characters.
5 Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
Gilmore Girls is a dramedy about a single mother and her teenage daughter Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory Gimore (Alexis Bledel). In their hometown of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, they both have a lot to deal with. Lorelai’s relationship with her parents, Rory’s new elementary school, and crazy neighbors.
Fans fell in love with this story of a mother and her daughter because of the innocence of the show. pure feel good show, Gilmore Girls remains a firm favorite to this day. With amazing storylines, characters and love triangles, there is something or someone to get excited about in all episodes.
4 Veronica Mars (2004 – 2007)
The death of a high school student sent shock waves through Neptune, California, a coastal town. After the murder of her closest friend and her father’s sack as county sheriff, popular girl Veronica Mars (Kristen bell) devotes her life to solving the toughest mysteries in her community.
Bell’s character of Veronica Mars is a edgier Nancy Drew and as smart as Sherlock Holmes. But instead of surviving the world, she has it worse. She has to graduate from high school. Veronica Mars was Bell’s breakout role, in which the actress gave a likable and brave performance.
3 Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001-2015)
These are the Degrassi students of the future. The cult classic series Degrassi Junior High took place 14 years ago, and teenagers are still navigating puberty Degrassi: The next generation. The show explores serious issues such as sexual assault, school shootings and death, as well as relationship issues, homosexuality and bullying.
The universe of Degrassi: The next generation dives deep into the realities of this generation. The show, praised for showing teenagers in a real and relatable way, is still at the forefront of people’s minds when they think of iconic shows of the 2000s. Not to mention there’s a young champagne daddy drake.
2 The OC (2003 – 2007)
After Ryan (Ben McKenzie), is taken in by a public defender and his wealthy real estate developer wife in Newport Beach, California. He meets her clever son Seth (Adam Brody), and the two quickly become close friends.
Well, the plot might be a bit cliche – a kid from the wrong side of the tracks, weekly lavish galas, and characters too beautiful to exist in the real world. After all, television is just that. A way to escape from the real world? Without a doubt, this show is amusing. And better yet, it makes fun of itself too.
1 Hannah Montana (2006 – 2011)
She is a talented 14 year old pop star. But beneath that blonde hair and makeup, a normal teenage life is living. Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) is a normal teenager doing normal things, but she’s also secretly a “Hannah Montana” pop star.
One of Disney Chanel’s most (if not the) most iconic shows is also one of the most iconic shows of the 2000s. Hannah Montana ruled the world. Millions of kids out there fell in love with Cryus’ genuine but hilarious portrayal of a girl trying to have the best of both worlds. Hannah Montana had everyone do the Hoedown Throwdown. Can you be more iconic?
