No, you do not have to be in high school to love watching TV shows (or movies [1]) about high schools. Years after getting my diploma, teen dramas and comedies are still one of my favourite TV genres. Lucky for me, they're all over Netflix. Whether you're looking for a boost of nostalgia (like Gilmore Girls [2]) or you're hoping to catch up on a show that's still on, there are tons of great high-school-centric series that you can watch right now. Take a look to get my recommendations and swoon over the guys you would have loved to go to high school with [3]!
On My Block
Spend some time with best friends Monse, Ruby, Jamal, and Cesar as they confront the challenges of puberty and growing up in their predominantly Hispanic and black neighbourhood in South Central LA.
Watch it now [4].
Freaks and Geeks
For anyone who has ever felt out of place, Freaks and Geeks is a must see. Judd Apatow's one-season wonder was cut too short, but at least you can watch it again and again!
Watch it now [5].
Riverdale
This dark and gritty adaptation of the Archie comics is oftentimes ridiculous, but watching Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead solve mysteries in their permanently misty town is addicting nonetheless.
Watch it now [6].
Skins
Don't judge Skins by the MTV reboot! Watch the original series for yourself. It stars Nicholas Hoult, Kaya Scodelario, and so much teen mischief.
Watch it now [7].
90210
Can't take a holiday? Take a trip to Beverly Hills . . . via Netflix. The reboot of the classic '90s series is full of gossip, backstabbing, and romantic trysts.
Watch it now [8].
Switched at Birth
When two teenagers discover they were accidentally switched at birth — with one having grown up in a wealthy family, while the other is a deaf teen raised by a single mother in a rough neighbourhood — their worlds collide in dramatic and unexpected ways.
Watch it now [9].
Gossip Girl
It's never a bad time to marathon six seasons of Gossip Girl [10]. Constance Billard School is home to the richest kids around, and you know the saying: more money, more problems.
Watch it now [11].
The Vampire Diaries
Like your teen soaps with a side of fangs? The first seven seasons of The Vampire Diaries are up on Netflix. Sure, this show is mostly about vampire-y love triangles, but there's a prom thrown in there.
Watch it now [12].
13 Reasons Why
Hannah Baker posthumously sends 13 cassette tapes to her classmates following her suicide, and gradually they all come to discover how their inconsiderate actions lead to her death. It's a well-acted, heartbreaking mystery.
Watch it now. [13]
The Carrie Diaries
Loved Sex and the City [14]? Go ahead and check out the prequel. There are only two seasons, but there's cool '80s fashion for days.
Watch it now [15].
Gilmore Girls
There's nothing quite like watching Rory and Lorelai bond over their morning coffee that gives you the warm fuzzies. You might not want to attend Chilton Preparatory School, but at least it's fun watching Rory navigate the halls. If you've already conquered the original series, it's time to tackle A Year in the Life [16]!
Watch it now [17].
Pretty Little Liars
And of course, all seven seasons of Pretty Little Liars [18] are available for your binge-watching pleasure. Aren't you curious about "A" and Charles yet? Watch it for the first time, or comb it for clues you may have missed the first time around.
Watch it now [19].