20. The O.C.
If we all just band together and will season three to have not been a thing, I think we can all agree that the The O.C. isn’t just one of the best teen shows ever, but one of the best shows of the past ten years. Seth, Ryan, Marissa and the gang weren’t necessarily relatable, but the dynamics between them sold effortless chemistry and so much drama. Graced with some of the best TV parents as well, the series was suntanned and oiled up, slick and smooth in their narratives (until, yes, the car crash that was season three), the show managed to subvert typical teen drama tropes by just how wonderfully detailed each character was (though Seth’s characterization grows thinner the older you get), some truly inspired soundtrack choices (hello, Alexi Murdoch, I will always love you) and direction that never relied on complacency. It tried to be more than it was. – Allyson Johnson
19. Dawson’s Creek
Dawson’s Creek may be famous today for the face that launched a thousand memes, but during its run, the lives of a group of friends as they follow their dreams, fall in and out of love with each other, and deal with whatever other obstacles life throws their way made an impression on teens everywhere. Its earnestness and the fact that it took its characters seriously despite their age spoke volumes to a generation who wanted to be treated the same. It may have lost direction in its last couple seasons, but we’ll always treasure the early years and the perfectly executed burgeoning romance between Joey and Pacey. – Gabrielle Bondi
18. Everybody Hates Chris
Every comedian has their source of inspiration, it just so happens that Chris Rock’s was in the form of a hysterically turbulent childhood. Inspired the stand up routine and teenage years of Chris Rock, Everybody Hates Chris explored the comedian’s rocky family life, with an upbeat approach to the otherwise dark themes of living in poverty and dealing with bullying. The show turned into a surprise hit, lasting lasted four seasons with a total of 88 episodes. Just goes to show you that even a bad day can make for great comedy. – Donald Strohman
17. Even Stevens
Long before Shia LaBeouf inspired us all with his “Do It” video, he played Louis Stevens – the troubled son in one of Disney’s best sitcoms called Even Stevens. The Stevens family was as quirky as they were loveable. The situations the family finds themselves in, mainly because of Louis’ actions, were hilarious and occasionally realistic. The episode where Louis wished he was never born and got the opportunity to see how his family’s life would’ve been without him was probably one of the best episodes of the series. Even Stevens tied in family values along with teen problems better than any show on television right now. Compared to the shows I’ve seen on TV nowadays, Even Stevens was Disney gold. – Leigh-Ann Brodber
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16. Wizards of Waverly Place
In the 2000s, young audiences were captivated by wizards due to the popularity of the Harry Potter franchise. Wizards of Waverly Place put a lighthearted spin on this phenomenon by giving viewers Justin, Alex, and Max Russo, three teenage wizards whose magical antics included jumping into graphic novels and transforming their Uncle Kelbo into a Shakira lookalike for popularity. The show was memorable for its continuity; plotlines like Justin’s struggles with his vampire girlfriend and the Russos’ connection to Wizard School were never forgotten. Its quirky secondary characters, such as the hilarious Russo parents and Wild-West-obsessed Principal Laritate, also made it special. – Brittany Menjivar
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