Teenage romance series have always been a popular category of TV shows and web series. The heart-tugging affairs and the headiness of youth in these shows appeal to every age group, be it youngsters seeking relatability or adults looking for a nostalgic escape.
Many celebrated teenage romance series are centered on first love, friendships, self-discovery, and gaining new-found independence. Interestingly, teen romance extends to a range of genres like supernatural drama, comedy, or suspense. The likes of Pretty Little Liars, One Tree Hill, and The Secret Circle stand as well-received examples of diverse teen romances.
In recent years, OTT platforms have released new shows on young love, some of which are adopted from popular books. Additionally, many old shows like Teen Wolf are finding new audiences via streaming platforms.
8 teenage romance series from Gossip Girl to Heartstopper to melt your heart in 2024
Contrary to popular opinion, teenage romance shows are much more than just puppy love. They address serious topics like LGBTQ rights and mental health without losing the entertainment factor. One can savor these shows one episode at a time or binge-watch the whole series. Here is a list of eight well-loved teenage romance series:
- Never Have I Ever
- Heartstopper
- The Vampire Diaries
- Ginny & Georgia
- Teen Wolf
- Riverdale
- Gossip Girl
- XO, Kitty
1) Never Have I Ever (2020) (Netflix)
Running for four seasons, Never Have I Ever has emerged as a well-balanced teenage romance series. The show has witty dialogues and an evenly-paced storyline that never gets boring.
The plot is centered on a teenager named Devi Vishwakumar and how she navigates school life and family dynamics while confronting her contradicting inner desires. She also finds herself with two romantic interests at once, Ben and Paxton, thus forming a love triangle. In its 40 episodes, the show follows Devi on her first trysts with love and heartbreak.
2) Heartstopper (2022) (Netflix)
Heartsopper can be described as a heart-warming story of a young queer couple. It is based on a webcomic of the same name. The coming-of-age series follows the evolving relationship of two teens Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson.
Heartsopper's sensitive treatment of topics like bullying, mental health, and hom*phobia has made it a highly relevant show for young viewers. As per, Variety the show reached Netflix's Top Ten list in 54 countries in May 2022. After two successful seasons, its third season is on its way.
3) The Vampire Diaries (2009) (HBO Max, Peacock)
Airing its first season in 2009, The Vampire Diaries popularized the supernatural within teenage romance series. The Twilight-esque show revolves around a teenage girl named Elena Gilbert and her love triangle with a vampire, Stefan Salvatore, and Stefan's mysterious older brother Damon Salvatore.
The vampires, witches, werewolves, and other mythical beings inhabit the complex world of The Vampire Diaries. With 171 episodes spread over eight seasons, the show is perfect for those who are looking for a long watch.
4) Ginny & Georgia (2021) (Netflix)
As its name suggests, the show is about Ginny, a mature 15-year-old, and Georgia, her free-spirited mother. The two-season show focuses on how Ginny and Georgia aspire to get a fresh start in a quaint town despite their troubled past. The comedy-drama, featuring Antonia Gentry and Brianne Howey in lead roles, offers a refreshing take on mother-daughter relationships.
In May 2023, Forbes reported that the series was renewed for third and fourth seasons.
5) Teen Wolf (2011) (Prime Video, Hulu)
Teen Wolf is a reimagining of the 1985 film of the same name. It revolves around a high school student named Scott McCall who is forced to balance the dual identities of a regular teenager and a werewolf as he turns into a werewolf after being bitten by one.
Scott McCall develops a romantic relationship with Allison Argent, who turns out to be from a family of werewolf hunters. Scott and Allison overcome several challenges in 100 episodes spanned across six seasons, as they fight not just supernatural dangers but also their deep-seated insecurities.
6) Riverdale (2017) (Netflix)
With a comfortable seven-season worth of storyline, the teenage romance series, Riverdale is based on the characters from the popular Archie Comics. Unlike the spunky and upbeat comics, the television series has a suspenseful and serious undertone. Thanks to its complex characters, unexpected twists, and broody visuals, Riverdale is one of the most popular teen romance series of the past few years.
7) Gossip Girl (2007) (HBO max)
Even a decade since its conclusion, Gossip Girl has managed to stay relevant in the zeitgeist by attracting new fans. The exciting show, based on the lives of rich teens living in Manhattan, ran for six seasons from 2007 to 2012. The show's popularity made its top-billed cast of Blake Lively, Penn Badgley, and Chace Crawford into household names.
The twists, scheming rivalry, fashionable cast, and swoon-worthy romance make this teenage romance series a must-watch for romance enthusiasts.
8) XO, Kitty (2023) (Netflix)
XO, Kitty is a lighthearted teenage romance series made by author and showrunner Jenny Han. It was released on May 18, 2023, as a spin-off of the 'To All the Boys' film series.
XO, Kitty follows a high school student, Kitty Song Covey who moves halfway across the world to Seoul in South Korea to attend a premier school and join her long-distance boyfriend. Throughout 10 episodes, Kitty experiences growing pains as she navigates relationship issues and strengthens her sense of self.
The above list should give teenagers and adults an enjoyable dose of romance. From wholesome relationships to saddening break-ups, the listed teenage romance series has it all.