100 Best Teen Dramas Part 7: Coming-of-Age Dramedies

Growing up is funny, awkward, and painful all at the same time. These shows master the balance between “laugh-out-loud” moments and “cry-your-eyes-out” drama. They are some of the most heartwarming and relatable entries on our list.

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61. Sex Education (2019–2023)

A British series about a socially awkward teenager whose mother is a sex therapist. He teams up with a “bad girl” to start an underground sex therapy clinic at their school.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It is incredibly empathetic, educational, and features one of the best ensemble casts in recent history.
• Best Character: Eric Effiong (A ray of sunshine and style).

62. Never Have I Ever (2020–2023)

Created by Mindy Kaling, it follows Devi Vishwakumar, a first-generation Indian-American girl trying to improve her social status while dealing with the grief of losing her father.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It’s hilarious and has a very unique “John McEnroe” narration that works surprisingly well.
• Best Character: Paxton Hall-Yoshida.

63. Glee (2009–2015)

A high school show about a glee club (show choir) that became a global cultural phenomenon. It combined musical performances with high-stakes teenage drama.

• Why it’s a must-watch: While it has its ups and downs, the first few seasons are iconic. It championed “the underdogs” like no other show.
• Best Character: Sue Sylvester (The most creative insult-generator on TV).

64. Atypical (2017–2021)

A heartwarming story about Sam, an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum, who decides he’s ready for romance and independence.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It provides a compassionate look at neurodiversity and how it impacts a whole family.
• Best Character: Casey Gardner (Sam’s fiercely protective sister).

65. Everything Sucks! (2018)

A nostalgic look at high school in 1996 Oregon, focusing on the rivalry between the A/V club and the Drama club.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It perfectly captures the specific “cringe” of the 90s and the slow realization of one’s sexuality.
• Best Character: Kate Messner.

66. I Am Not Okay With This (2020)

A girl navigating the trials of high school while also discovering that she has mysterious telekinetic powers that manifest when she’s angry.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It’s a short, sharp blast of “Carrie”-inspired teen angst with a great performance by Sophia Lillis.
• Best Character: Stanley Barber.

67. Derry Girls (2018–2022)

Set in Northern Ireland during The Troubles in the 1990s, it follows a group of teenagers attending a Catholic girls’ school.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It is arguably the funniest show on this list, but it also has moments of profound emotional impact regarding the political situation.
• Best Character: Orla McCool.

68. On My Block (2018–2021)

A group of bright and street-savvy friends navigate their way through high school in a rough inner-city Los Angeles neighborhood.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It balances the “funny” with the “dangerous” very effectively. It feels authentic to its setting.
• Best Character: Ruby Martinez.

69. Pen15 (2019–2021)

Two adult women play versions of themselves as 13-year-olds in the year 2000, surrounded by actual teenagers.

• Why it’s a must-watch: It is a visceral, often physically painful reminder of how awkward middle school actually was.
• Best Character: Maya and Anna (Their bond is the heart of the show).

70. Awkward. (2011–2016)

After a misunderstanding leads her school to believe she attempted suicide, an invisible teenager suddenly becomes the talk of the town and has to navigate her new “fame.”

• Why it’s a must-watch: It’s sharp, snarky, and has a very distinctive “blog-style” narration.
• Best Character: Jenna Hamilton.

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Next: Part 8 - International Hits: Global Teen Experiences