Cover A nostalgia trip for millennials: (from left) William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence, Tanner Buchanan as Robby Keene, Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, Mary Mouser as Samantha LaRusso and Yuji Okumoto as Chozen in ‘Cobra Kai’. (Photo: Curtis Bonds Baker/Netflix)
A nostalgia trip for millennials: (from left) William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence, Tanner Buchanan as Robby Keene, Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, Mary Mouser as Samantha LaRusso and Yuji Okumoto as Chozen in ‘Cobra Kai’. (Photo: Curtis Bonds Baker/Netflix)
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From dark mysteries to sun-soaked romances, here are six teen dramas millennials won’t be able to stop bingeing
There’s something irresistible about teen dramas, no matter how far removed we are from high school hallways and adolescent angst. For millennials, these shows offer a perfect blend of nostalgia and escapism—a chance to relive the heightened emotions, intense friendships and complicated romances of youth, but with the wisdom (and irony) of adulthood. Whether it’s the allure of forbidden love, the thrill of rivalry or just the perfectly curated soundtracks, teen dramas remain a guilty pleasure that’s hard to outgrow.
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‘Maxton Hall’
Maxton Hall isn’t just another high school drama—it’s a sharp exploration of class divides, ambition and the complex emotions that come with first love. With its layered characters and high-stakes conflicts, it taps into the same dynamics that made shows like Gossip Girl and The OC millennial staples. The show’s emotional depth, paired with its glamorous setting, makes it an ideal pick for anyone craving a more mature take on teen drama tropes.
‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ (Season 3)
Returning for its third season, The Summer I Turned Pretty continues its tender exploration of love triangles, family dynamics and the bittersweetness of growing up. Millennials who remember the emotional rollercoaster of Dawson’s Creek or One Tree Hill will find comfort in the show’s earnest storytelling and nostalgia-drenched summer setting. It’s a reminder of the long, sun-soaked days when every decision felt like it could change your life forever.
‘Cobra Kai’ (Season 6)
The Karate Kid sequel series hits its final season, balancing high-octane martial arts with surprisingly heartfelt character arcs. Cobra Kai uniquely appeals to millennials who grew up with the original films while introducing a new generation of teens grappling with loyalty, identity and personal growth. It’s a rare crossover hit that merges ’80s nostalgia with the coming-of-age themes that make teen dramas so compelling.
‘Yellowjackets’ (Season 3)
If your taste in teen dramas skews darker, Yellowjackets offers a gripping mix of survival horror and psychological thriller. Season three promises even more twists as it delves deeper into the trauma that bonds its characters—both in their teen years and as adults. Millennials who grew up on shows like Lost or Pretty Little Liars will be hooked by its blend of mystery, raw emotion and the eerie exploration of what happens when the veneer of civilisation crumbles.
‘Cruel Intentions’
The iconic ’90s film gets a fresh TV reboot, and it’s every bit as scandalous as fans might hope. Set against the backdrop of an elite college, this new take on Cruel Intentions reimagines the power plays and manipulations for a new era, while still paying homage to the original’s deliciously twisted dynamics. Millennials who lived for the movie’s seductive drama will appreciate this updated but still darkly glamorous revival.
‘School Spirits’ (Season 2)
In School Spirits, high school drama takes on a supernatural twist as a murdered teen navigates the afterlife while trying to solve her own death. Season two deepens the mystery and relationships, blending the intrigue of Veronica Mars with the ghostly charm of Ghost Whisperer. Millennials who love a good mix of mystery, romance and the paranormal in their teen dramas will find plenty to enjoy here.
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