The Very Best British Teen Shows, Ranked
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- Ruby Stokes, Cameron Chapman, Ali Hadji-Heshmati
- Premiered: January 27, 2023
Set in an alternate Britain, this supernatural detective thriller follows the adventures of ghost-hunting teenagers in a world where only children can sense the deadly spectres. Psychically gifted Lucy Carlyle arrives in London, hoping to join an agency, and ultimately finds herself working with the enigmatic duo behind Lockwood & Co.
More Lockwood & Co.- #59 of 707 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #16 of 1,074 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #10 of 308 onThe Best Shows Canceled After a Single Season
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- Kaya Scodelario, Jack O'Connell, Hannah Murray
- Premiered: February 15, 2007
A trailblazer in British teen telly, Skins took the world by storm with its raw and unapologetic portrayal of adolescence. From wild nights out to heart-wrenching breakups, nothing was off limits for this gutsy drama. The rotating cast, including the likes of Nicholas Hoult, Kaya Scodelario, and Jack O'Connell, became household names, and the show left a lasting impact on the teen drama genre.
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- Sharon Rooney, Claire Rushbrook, Ian Hart
- Premiered: 2013
An honest and heartfelt exploration of mental health and body image, My Mad Fat Diary won the hearts of viewers with its unique blend of humour and raw emotion. Sharon Rooney's portrayal of the lovable and complex Rae Earl was nothing short of a revelation, and the supporting cast rounded out this gem of a show.
- Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison
- Premiered: December 7, 2009
This quintessentially British comedy had us all in stitches, following four awkward lads as they navigated the rocky road of adolescence. With unforgettable catchphrases and painfully relatable scenarios, The Inbetweeners struck a chord with teens and adults alike. Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, James Buckley, and Blake Harrison became the faces of a generation, and the show remains a cult classic.
More The Inbetweeners- #350 of 481 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #15 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #211 of 218 onThe 220 Best Cult TV Shows
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- Karla Crome, Joseph Gilgun, Natasha O'Keeffe
- Premiered: November 12, 2009
Equal parts hilarious and thrilling, Misfits brought a supernatural twist to the teen drama genre. The unlikely gang of juvenile offenders, led by the charismatic Robert Sheehan, became instant fan favourites as they grappled with their newfound powers. The show's innovative premise and impeccable writing made it a hit, and it left a lasting mark on the British television landscape.
More Misfits- #298 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #112 of 118 onThe 115+ Best Indie TV Shows, Ranked By Fans
- #139 of 218 onThe 220 Best Cult TV Shows
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- Daisy Edgar-Jones, Paul Mescal, Eliot Salt
- Premiered: April 26, 2020
An instant classic, Normal People explored the complexities of young love and the trials and tribulations of growing up. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal captivated audiences with their raw and vulnerable performances as Marianne and Connell, and the show's poignant storytelling struck a chord with viewers across the globe.
More Normal People- Dig Deeper...The 25 Best Shows Like 'Normal People', Ranked By Fans
- #164 of 1,074 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #320 of 673 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
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- Leona Vaughan, Louis Payne, Rukku Nahar
- Premiered: September 10, 2012
A hair-raising blend of teen drama and supernatural adventure, Wolfblood followed a group of teenagers with a lupine secret. The show's unique premise and engaging cast, led by Aimee Kelly and Bobby Lockwood, kept viewers on the edge of their seats as they navigated the challenges of adolescence and the supernatural world.
More Wolfblood - 8
Fresh Meat
Jack Whitehall, Kimberley Nixon, Greg McHugh- Premiered: September 21, 2011
A hilarious and honest look at the ups and downs of university life, Fresh Meat struck a chord with viewers of all ages. Jack Whitehall, Joe Thomas, and Charlotte Ritchie led the talented ensemble cast as they navigated the trials and tribulations of student life, and the show's razor-sharp wit and relatable storylines made it a hit with audiences.
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- Jade Ramsey, Tasie Lawrence, Brad Kavanagh
- Premiered: January 1, 2011
A mystery-laden gem, House of Anubis captivated viewers with its unique blend of teen drama and ancient Egyptian mythology. The show's ensemble cast, including Nathalia Ramos, Brad Kavanagh, and Jade Ramsey, kept audiences on the edge of their seats as they unravelled the secrets of their boarding school.
More House of Anubis- #628 of 673 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- #63 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- #55 of 163 onThe 140+ Best High School Shows, Ranked
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- Gerran Howell, Keith-Lee Castle, Simon Ludders
- Premiered: September 21, 2006
A fang-tastic blend of humour and horror, Young Dracula put a fresh spin on the vampire genre. Gerran Howell's portrayal of the reluctant bloodsucker won the hearts of viewers, and the show's quirky cast of supernatural beings made it a cult favourite among British audiences.
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- Otto Farrant, Stephen Dillane, Vicky McClure
- Premiered: June 4, 2020
This action-packed adaptation of Anthony Horowitz's beloved book series brought a new generation of fans to the world of espionage. Otto Farrant's portrayal of the titular character, alongside a stellar supporting cast, made for thrilling television, and the show's plot twists and high-stakes action kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
More Alex Rider- #130 of 183 onThe Best Newer TV Shows The Whole Family Can Enjoy
- #614 of 1,074 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #58 of 73 onTV Shows We've Already Seen (And Loved) As Both Movies And Books
- Stuart Organ, Gwyneth Powell, Lee Cornes
- Premiered: February 8, 1978
A true classic in British television, Grange Hill was the ultimate portrait of teenage life in the UK. The long-running show tackled important issues like drug abuse, bullying, and teen pregnancy, and its memorable characters became ingrained in the cultural consciousness. Grange Hill remains a touchstone for generations of viewers.
More Grange Hill- #53 of 55 onThe Best 1980s TV Dramas
- #36 of 61 onThe 50+ Best TV Shows In London, Ranked
- #9 of 49 onThe Best British Teen Dramas Ever Made
- Kim Adis, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Bethany Antonia
- Premiered: February 14, 2020
A gripping teen thriller, Get Even followed a group of high school students on a mission to expose their school's bullies and wrongdoers. Kim Adis, Mia McKenna-Bruce, and Bethany Antonia led the talented cast in this edge-of-your-seat drama, and the show's twists and turns kept viewers guessing until the very end.
More Get Even- #1034 of 1,074 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #524 of 678 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #39 of 145 onThe 100+ Best New Shows For Teens
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- Olivia Hallinan, Lenora Crichlow, Sara Stewart
- Premiered: July 5, 2005
A groundbreaking exploration of teenage sexuality, Sugar Rush followed the trials and tribulations of Kim, a 15-year-old girl coming to terms with her sexuality. Olivia Hallinan's captivating performance, alongside a stellar supporting cast, made this show a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ representation on British television.
- Aled ap Steffan, Di Botcher, Zadeiah Campbell-Davies
- Premiered: October 20, 2018
A bold and heartfelt exploration of mental health, sexuality, and growing up, In My Skin resonated with audiences for its unflinching honesty. Gabrielle Creevy's portrayal of Bethan, a teenager struggling with her mother's schizophrenia, was a standout performance, and the show's raw emotion and dark humour made it a must-watch.
More In My Skin- #485 of 1,074 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #107 of 137 onThe 100+ Best Family Dramas On TV, Ranked
- #49 of 95 onGood TV Shows for Teens
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- Amelia Clarkson, Isis Hainsworth, Natalie Blair
- Premiered: August 15, 2022
A chilling and atmospheric thriller, Red Rose followed a group of high school friends as they uncovered a deadly secret. The show's ensemble cast delivered captivating performances, and the suspenseful plot kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
More Red Rose- #233 of 707 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #1005 of 1,074 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #28 of 56 onThese Teen Screams Are Your Watchlist Dreams: The Best Of Teen Horror TV
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- Zach Barack, Kody Kavitha, Alex Brightman
- Premiered: June 16, 2022
A spine-tingling adventure, Dead End: Paranormal Park took viewers on a thrilling ride filled with supernatural suspense. The show's ensemble cast tackled eerie mysteries and paranormal occurrences, keeping audiences captivated with their otherworldly escapades.
- #398 of 707 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #934 of 1,074 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #346 of 678 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
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- Natalie Dormer, Ian Hanmore, Iain De Caestecker
- Premiered: September 21, 2011
A haunting portrayal of the battle between good and evil, The Fades delved into the supernatural world of spirits and angels. Iain De Caestecker's gripping performance as Paul, a young man with supernatural abilities, kept viewers on the edge of their seats, and the show's eerie atmosphere and intricate plot made it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
More The Fades- #76 of 114 onThe Best Dramas On HBO Max
- #29 of 38 onThe 35+ Best HBO Max Sci-Fi & Fantasy Shows, Ranked
- #75 of 84 onThe 75 Best Supernatural TV Shows, Ranked By Fans
- Charlie Hunnam, Jill Halfpenny, Donna Air
- Premiered: 1989
A beloved British classic, Byker Grove offered a realistic and heartfelt portrayal of teenage life in the North East of England. The show tackled important issues like addiction, sexuality, and bullying, and its memorable cast of characters and thought-provoking storylines cemented its place as an iconic teen drama.
- Sean Verey, Scarlett Alice Johnson, Dylan Edwards
- Premiered: February 23, 2012
A hilarious and heartwarming look at the unexpected challenges of teenage parenthood, Pramface won over audiences with its blend of humour and heart. Scarlett Alice Johnson and Sean Michael Verey brought the show's central couple to life, and their trials and tribulations as young parents made for compelling television.
- Máiréad Tyers, Sofia Oxenham, Bilal Hasna
- Premiered: January 25, 2023
A unique British superhero comedy series, Extraordinary tells the story of Jen, a young woman with no superpowers in a world where everyone else possesses extraordinary abilities. As Jen navigates her self-aware existence, she brings a fresh perspective to the superhero genre.
More Extraordinary- #303 of 1,074 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #144 of 147 onThe Best Comic Book And Superhero Shows Of All Time
- #108 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
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- Amelia Brooks, Ashling O'Shea, Lashay Anderson
- Premiered: February 14, 2022
A thrilling spin-off of the hit show Get Even, Rebel Cheer Squad followed a group of young cheerleaders as they fought for justice. The show's high-stakes action and engaging cast made it a must-watch for fans of the original series.
- #238 of 678 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #124 of 163 onThe 140+ Best High School Shows, Ranked
- #11 of 11 onThe Best TV Shows About Cheerleading
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- Jayden Fox, Charlie Behan, Stephanie Waring
- Premiered: October 23, 1995
A staple of British television, Hollyoaks has been entertaining audiences for decades with its mix of soap opera drama and relatable teen storylines. The long-running show has tackled important issues like mental health, sexuality, and addiction, and its ever-evolving cast has become a launchpad for countless British acting careers.
More Hollyoaks- #41 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #4 of 21 onThe Very Best British Soap Operas, Ranked
- #149 of 171 onThe 150+ Best Channel 4 Shows
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- Jodie Campbell, Josh Tedeku, Sekou Diaby
- Premiered: February 20, 2024
Five Black inner-city teenagers are offered scholarships to a prestigious boarding school.More Boarders- #73 of 139 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #71 of 120 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- #87 of 163 onThe 140+ Best High School Shows, Ranked
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- Samuell Benta, Emer Kenny, Sam Attwater
- Premiered: 2010
A spin-off of the popular British soap opera, EastEnders: E20 brought a fresh perspective to the world of Albert Square. The show focused on a group of young Londoners navigating the challenges of urban life, and its talented cast brought a new energy to the long-running series.
- Gabrielle Anwar, Lucy Benjamin, Dexter Fletcher
- Premiered: 1989
A groundbreaking teen drama, Press Gang followed a group of ambitious young journalists as they tackled the world of print media. The show's ensemble cast, led by Julia Sawalha and Dexter Fletcher, brought a captivating blend of humour, intelligence, and grit to their roles, and Press Gang remains a touchstone for aspiring young writers.
- Yasmin Paige, Jordan Stephens, Billy Howle
- Premiered: 2014
A gritty and gripping murder mystery, Glue delved into the dark side of rural life as a group of friends tried to uncover the truth behind a tragic death. The talented young cast, including Jordan Stephens and Charlotte Spencer, brought intensity and depth to their roles, and the show's twists and turns kept viewers guessing until the very end.
- Dakota Benjamin Taylor, Grace Beedie
- Premiered: March 15, 2021
A heartwarming and engaging look at the world of competitive ice skating, Zero Chill brought both drama and humour to the rink. Grace Beedie and Dakota Taylor led the talented cast as siblings Kayla and Mac, and their on-screen chemistry made for a compelling and relatable family dynamic.
More Zero Chill- #181 of 183 onThe Best Newer TV Shows The Whole Family Can Enjoy
- #521 of 678 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #101 of 145 onThe 100+ Best New Shows For Teens
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- Sophie Wilde, Niamh McCormack, Dee Ahluwalia
- Premiered: October 5, 2023
After months in recovery, Mia devises a bucket list of teen experiences to make up for lost time.More Everything Now- #680 of 707 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #560 of 1,074 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #214 of 678 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
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- Bonnie Tyler, Emma Rigby, Gemma Merna
- Premiered: 2008
A late-night spin-off of the popular British soap, Hollyoaks Later brought an edgier approach to the teen drama format. The show tackled mature themes and darker storylines, making it a hit with older fans of the original series.
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Help! I'm A Teenage Outlaw
Brian Hibbard, Steven O'Donnell, Benjamin Smith- Premiered: 2004
A swashbuckling historical comedy, Help! I'm a Teenage Outlaw brought a lighthearted touch to the world of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men. The show's witty writing and charming performances made it a favourite among younger viewers.
- Reuben de Maid
- Premiered: 2020
A heartwarming and inspiring docuseries, Being Reuben followed the life of young makeup artist Reuben de Maid as he navigated the world of fame and family. The show's candid portrayal of Reuben's journey made it a compelling and uplifting watch.
More Being Reuben- #45 of 64 onThe Best Reality Shows That Make You A Better Person
- #35 of 69 onThe 65+ Best Gen Z Shows, Ranked
- #86 of 87 onThe 80+ Best British Reality Shows
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Harry And Cosh
Bronson Webb, Lucinda Rhodes-Flaherty- Premiered: 1999
A quirky and inventive look at the world of amateur filmmaking, Harry and Cosh followed two best friends as they pursued their dreams of stardom. The show's unique approach to storytelling and relatable characters made it a hit with aspiring creatives.
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Teenage Health Freak
Tony Robinson, Dominic Keating, Susan Penhaligon- Premiered: 1991
A ground-breaking and informative series, Teenage Health Freak tackled the challenges of adolescence head-on. The show's candid approach to topics like sex, drugs, and mental health made it an invaluable resource for young viewers navigating the complexities of growing up.
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Rownd A Rownd
Tom Blumberg, Aled Herbert, Manon ElisA long-running Welsh-language drama, Rownd A Rownd offered a unique perspective on the lives of teenagers in a small Welsh town. The show's talented cast and engaging storylines made it a beloved fixture of Welsh television.
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A Bunch Of Fives
Lesley Manville, Jamie Foreman- Premiered: 1977
A classic British teen drama, A Bunch of Fives followed the lives of five students as they navigated the challenges of school and adolescence. The show's honest portrayal of teenage life and memorable characters made it a favourite among viewers.