Iconic Throwback Teen Drama Shows That Are Totally Worth Rewatching
by Explore Disney+ Contributor
August 7, 2026
Revisit 90s TV shows and 2000s teen dramas full of twists, turns, laughs, and heartbreak, including The O.C., One Tree Hill, Gilmore Girls, 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 Newport Beach, 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.
Small Town, Big Drama: One Tree Hill, Hulu
Start here if your perfect teen drama has sports rivalries, romance, friendship, a memorable soundtrack, and emotional speeches that hit you right in the feels.
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What is One Tree Hill about?
Set in a small North Carolina town, One Tree Hill follows estranged half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott, whose very different lives intersect through high school basketball.
Why do people love it?
The show has a little bit of everything: competitive sports drama, high school romance, parent-child tension, creative dreams, and friendships that grow deeper as stakes rise. Character arcs develop over nine seasons, following the Scott brothers and their friends into adulthood.
What’s one of the show’s most talked about moments?
With a lead-up that includes slow-motion game footage and a childhood flashback, Nathan’s no-look free throw is a scene that ties together what fans love about the show. The crowd goes wild as "Unsatisfied" by Nine Black Alps plays in Season 3, Episode 20, “Everyday Is a Sunday Evening.”
Who are the cast and characters of One Tree Hill?
Chad Michael Murray stars as Lucas Scott, James Lafferty as Nathan Scott, Hilarie Burton as Peyton Sawyer, Bethany Joy Lenz as Haley James Scott, Sophia Bush as Brooke Davis, with Paul Johansson as Dan Scott.
When was One Tree Hill released?
The first episode, simply titled “Pilot,” premiered on September 23, 2003.
How many seasons did One Tree Hill have?
The show had nine seasons, ending with the series finale “One Tree Hill” on April 4, 2012.
Where can I watch One Tree Hill?
You can stream all 189 episodes on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers.*
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California, Here We Come: The O.C., Hulu
For a sun-drenched soap with a sharp soundtrack, complicated parents, messy teens, and friendships that become family, watch this.
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What is The O.C. about?
Having grown up in the not-so-glamorous city of Chino, teenager Ryan Atwood gets an unexpected chance at a new life in wealthy Newport Beach.
Why do people love it?
The O.C. won people over with its mix of heartfelt relationships, witty humor, and emotionally turbulent characters. The show gives audiences a glimpse of the high life and proves that more money often does mean more problems. It also features early-career performances from bands like The Killers and Death Cab for Cutie at the show’s famous Bait Shop music venue.
What’s one of the show’s most talked about moments?
A gunshot, close-ups on shocked faces, and “Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap made for peak teen drama. The ending of Season 2, Episode 24, “Dearly Beloved,” became one of the era’s defining TV moments.
Who are the cast and characters of The O.C.?
Ben McKenzie stars as Ryan Atwood, Adam Brody as Seth Cohen, Rachel Bilson as Summer Roberts, and Mischa Barton as Marissa Cooper. Peter Gallagher and Kelly Rowan play Sandy and Kirsten Cohen.
When was The O.C. released?
The pilot aired on August 5, 2003.
How many seasons did The O.C. have?
It ran for four seasons, with the final episode “The End’s Not Near, It’s Here” airing on February 22, 2007.
Where can I watch The O.C.?
You can stream all 92 episodes now on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers.*
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The Highs & Lows Of Teen Life Expressed In Song: Glee
Press play when you want big feelings channeled into splashy musical performances. Ambition, insecurity, friendship, and rivalry combine with song covers you just can’t get out of your head.
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+ and Hulu.
A Mother & Daughter Against The World: Gilmore Girls, Hulu
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 Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers.*
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Raising The Stakes: Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Hulu
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, humor, romance, and action with captivating character development.
What’s one of the show’s most talked about moments?
While Buffy was the center 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 Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers.*
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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 throwback sitcoms 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 favorites that still delight new viewers and longtime fans.
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