6 Throwback Television Series Every Teen Should Watch
Television series like The Summer I Turned Pretty, Outer Banks and Riverdale have been a formative part of nearly every Gen Zer's life. But before we had Belly Conklin or Cheryl Blossom, there were shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and yes, they were equally good—arguably even better.
As the current generation of television comes to a close, revisit some of society's previous favorites to fall in love with pop culture again.
21 Jump Street (1987)
Most people know 21 Jump Street from Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum's version of the 2010s. But did you know there was a teen drama in the 1980s featuring Johnny Depp? Similar to the film, the television series features four young cops going undercover at high schools and universities to combat youth crime. It's action-packed, fun, and quintessential of the era.
A Different World (1987)
Everyone loved Denise Huxtable (played by Lisa Bonet) from The Cosby Show so much that they made a spin-off series, A Different World. In the show, Denise enrolls in a fictional Historically Black University, Hillman College. According to Deadline, Netflix is currently developing a reboot of the series, so you'll want to check the original out before the new version hits streaming services.
Also read about: 6 Television Shows That Hit Different During the Summer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)
Speaking of reboots, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is also getting one. However, you can't watch it without seeing the classic. The television series follows a young woman chosen by some greater power to be the vampire slayer, and her group of friends who help her along the way. Their bond is something we still channel in our daily lives, and the timeless fashion is something we can only dream of.
That '70s Show (1998)
Isn't it funny how everyone faces nostalgia? Even in the '90s, we had media reminiscing about history, like That '70s Show. The humor is unmatched—you probably didn't even realize some lines were from it. And once you finish watching, you can check out the 2023 sequel, That '90s Show.
Gilmore Girls (2000)
If you want to feel the strongest cozy vibes, look no further than Gilmore Girls. Lorelai Gilmore is a single mother, estranged from her wealthy parents. But when her daughter, Rory, aspires to attend Harvard, Lorelai enrolls her in a prestigious, out-of-budget school, even if it means reconciling with her family. See Rory make it through—and watch Lorelai chase her dreams of owning an inn.
Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001)
Degrassi is pretty much the formula for every melodramatic teen drama. A ragtag group of students experiences everything together, good and bad: falling in love, struggling with mental health and going through the inevitable rebellious phase. And besides, who wouldn't want to see Drake before he turned into an A-list rapper?
Curious to discover what shows to anticipate in the next year? Click HERE to discover all the up and coming series, including the Legally Blonde reboot, Carrie remake and more.