8 Throwback Teen Dramas To Make You Nostalgic
If you grew up in the late 90s/early 00s, you probably watched these shows. If you are a bit younger but looking to know what it was like to be a teenager in that era, look no further. Whether you have seen them or not, these shows are going to be classics forever. Enjoy.
One Tree Hill (2003-2012)
One of my personal favourites and probably the one show that had the most influence over me in this entire list. The music, the relationships, the basketball, the hard times and the good. This show really had it all. Watch Nathan and Lucas, estranged brothers who are forced to put their personal differences aside when Lucas joins the basketball team. That’s the most simplistic description I can possibly give, just watch it for the rollercoaster ride of your life.
Can you stream it? Technically – on 7plus but it has ads. DVDs still come in handy!
The O.C. (2003-2007)
Possibly the most iconic show on this list, the O.C. revolves around the rich kids living in Orange County, California. It’s your finest teen drama featuring flip phones, tiny handbags, and a troubled teen from the other side of the tracks. This show made the 00’s what they are today. Not to mention Seth Cohen still being my idea of a perfect man. If you like burritos, this one’s for you. And if you don’t like burritos, this one is also for you.
Can you stream it? Yes – on Stan
Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003)
Dawson’s Creek is definitely in the same league as the first two shows, despite behind ahead of its time. This one’s got all the love triangles, ugly crying faces and small town teen angst that you could ask for. The only question left is: team Pacey or team Dawson?
P.S. I didn’t want to use this GIF but apparently it’s like the only one they have (because it’s the most iconic – sorry James!)
Can you stream it? Yes – on Stan
Smallville (2001-2011)
Okay, this one kind of goes into the teen drama/teen sci-fi category but it still gives me all the nostalgic flip phones and flared jeans vibes. Plus, Clark Kent is my dream man, second to the comedy of Seth Cohen, of course. If you love angsty love stories, discovering super powers and small town adventure, this one’s for you – regardless if you are a comic book fan or not.
Can you stream it? Again, kind of – it’s on 7plus, but again, ads. I’m fine with it though because I have the boxset.
Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
This is one of the true shows of my time as I was still watching it as it was airing (everything else up until now I watched after the show had already finished its run). But Gossip Girl is truely iconic to me because I spent years waiting for new episodes to come out weekly. I remember when I first started watching season 1, we were in Adelaide on a family holiday and my sister, my cousin and I couldn’t help ourselves. All we wanted to do was stay in the hotel room and see what silly fight Blair and Serena were going to get into next. This show holds a special place in my heart, no matter how over dramatic it may be.
Can you stream it? Yes – on Netflix
90210 (2008-2013)
While I haven’t seen the original, Beverly Hills, 90210, I assume that it is only as iconic as its reboot. This one is another rich and famous teenagers of California and has very similar vibes to the O.C. It’s a great one to watch if you find yourself wishing the O.C. had several more seasons (we can all agree it was too short). My high school self was obsessed with Liam and Annie and used to watch this show when I was meant to be studying. It was an every day after school show.
Can you stream it? 7plus (free – or record it when it airs on channel 7 and fast forward the ads!), 10 All Access (paid)
Roswell (1999-2002)
This is one that I didn’t watch until later in life but it still gave me all the nostalgia that I wanted. Follow three aliens – Max, Isabel and Michael – and their adventures falling in love with humans and keeping their secret. This is another perfect sci-fi/drama mix.
Can you stream it? No, but the boxset is only $37 at JB Hi-Fi!
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
While this is less focused on the teens and more focused on the mother/daughter relationship, it’s still an absolute classic in this era. Gilmore Girls cannot be missed. Good news is that it’s never too late to start watching it. Enjoy the fast talking and drinking coffee in excessive amounts while you watch three generations of Gilmore women.
Can you stream it? Yes, Netflix!
They really don’t make ’em like this anymore.
