Iconic Throwback Teen Drama Shows That Are Totally Worth Rewatching

Revisit 90s TV shows and 2000s teen dramas full of twists, turns, laughs, and heartbreak, including Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls, The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Glee

Some storylines hook you all over again, even years after the final episode. For a drama-filled throwback, revisit teen shows that became must-see TV in the 90s and 2000s. The unforgettable soundtracks, epic love triangles, and unbreakable friendships are all ready for you to rewatch or experience for the first time. Press play on nostalgia and head back to Stars Hollow, Sunnydale, and more.

90s TV Shows & 2000s Teen Dramas That Defined An Era

Get ready for intense friendships, illicit love affairs, and thrilling cliffhangers that made these shows appointment viewing.

The Highs & Lows Of Teen Life Expressed In Song: Glee

Press play when you want big feelings channelled into splashy musical performances. Ambition, insecurity, friendship, and rivalry combine with song covers you just can’t get out of your head.

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What is Glee about?

A group of ambitious young performers chase stardom while navigating school, identity, romance, competition, and life beyond the stage.

Why do people love it?

Glee combines comedy, drama, romance, and music into a uniquely energetic show where every character gets their moment to shine.

What’s one of the show’s most talked about moments?

The show had viewers hooked from the very beginning with the cast’s scrappy, emotional rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” at the end of Season 1, Episode 1, “Pilot.” The performance was the perfect introduction to the show’s theatrical spirit and became the first of many beloved Glee covers.

Who are the cast and characters of Glee?

The show stars Lea Michele as Rachel Berry, Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester, Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel, Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson, Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams, and Dot-Marie Jones as Coach Beiste.

When was Glee released?

The first episode aired on May 19, 2009.

How many seasons did Glee have?

The show ran for six seasons, ending with a two-part special made up of the flashback episode “2009” and the finale “Dreams Come True,” both of which aired on March 20, 2015.

Where can I watch Glee?

You can watch all 121 episodes of Glee on Disney+.

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A Mother & Daughter Against The World: Gilmore Girls

This is the perfect comfort-watch for anyone who likes quick banter, complicated family dynamics, coffee-fueled conversations, and the charm of a small town where everyone knows each other’s business.

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What is Gilmore Girls about?

Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory navigate family expectations, school, careers, relationships, and everyday life in the quaint town of Stars Hollow.

Why do people love it?

Its quick wit, memorable supporting characters, and deeply relatable mother-daughter relationship create one of television's most reliable feel-good escapes.

What’s one of the show’s most talked about moments?

Complex family relationships are at the heart of the show and things come to a head during a dinner in Season 6, Episode 13 “Friday Night’s Alright for Fighting.” The night swings between unspoken tension, explosive confrontations, and moments of joyful family bonding between Lorelai, Rory, Emily, and Richard.

Who are the cast and characters of Gilmore Girls?

The cast includes Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore, Alexis Bledel as Rory Gilmore, Kelly Bishop as Emily Gilmore, Melissa McCarthy as Sookie St. James, Scott Patterson as Luke Danes, Keiko Agena as Lane Kim, and Yanic Truesdale as Michel Gerard.

When was Gilmore Girls released?

The first episode, "Pilot," premiered on October 5, 2000.

How many seasons did Gilmore Girls have?

The original show had seven seasons, ending with the series finale, "Bon Voyage," on May 15, 2007.

Where can I watch Gilmore Girls?

You can stream all 153 episodes on Disney+.

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Raising The Stakes: Buffy The Vampire Slayer

For fans of high school drama with supernatural twists, sharp comedy, and touching friendships, this one is a must-watch.

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What is Buffy The Vampire Slayer about?

Buffy Summers is a teenage girl with the strength, skill, and responsibility to protect the world from vampires, demons, and other supernatural threats. Buffy balances her ordinary life with her Slayer responsibilities in this coming-of-age story about friendship, courage, and identity.

Why do people love it?

It brilliantly combines horror, humour, romance, and action with captivating character development.

What’s one of the show’s most talked about moments?

While Buffy was the centre of the show, her friends were often at the heart of some of its standout episodes. In the Season 6 finale, “Grave,” Willow’s newfound powers unleash murderous chaos on Sunnydale. In the tumult, Xander finally gets a chance to step up and save the day in a touching moment of triumph.

Who are the cast and characters of Buffy The Vampire Slayer?

Leading the cast is Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers. She’s joined by Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg, Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris, Anthony Head as Rupert Giles, David Boreanaz as Angel, James Marsters as Spike, Emma Caulfield Ford as Anya Jenkins, and Michelle Trachtenberg as Dawn Summers.

When was Buffy The Vampire Slayer released?

The first episode, “Welcome to the Hellmouth,” premiered on March 10, 1997.

How many seasons did Buffy The Vampire Slayer have?

The show had seven seasons, ending with the series finale, “Chosen,” on May 20, 2003.

Where can I watch Buffy The Vampire Slayer?

You can stream all 144 episodes on Disney+.

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For Something Unexpected: The Secret Life of the American Teenager

This heartfelt show focuses on the relationships between families and friends and how they deal with an unexpected teen pregnancy.

Stream The Secret Life of the American Teenager on Disney+ now

Who’s in is the cast of The Secret Life of the American Teenager?

The show stars Shailene Woodley, Molly Ringwald, Daren Kagasoff, Ken Baumann, Francia Raisa, and Megan Park.

When was The Secret Life of the American Teenager released?

The first episode, “Falling in Love”, premiered on July 1, 2008.

Where can I watch The Secret Life of the American Teenager?

You can stream all 5 seasons of The Secret Life of the American Teenager on Disney+.

Stream The Secret Life of the American Teenager on Disney+

More Throwbacks To Explore

The nostalgia doesn't stop with teen drama. If you need a break from stalkers, fake pregnancies, and sudden bouts of amnesia, our Comedy Watch Guide will help you queue up something more lighthearted.

Looking to plan a nostalgia marathon? Our collection of classic movies and shows is filled with timeless favourites that still delight new viewers and longtime fans.

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The information in this article is correct as at the time of publication. 

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