25 of the best TV shows about high school

Meghan CookJan 22, 2021, 20:59 IST

Famous TV shows have different takes on the high-school experience.HBO; The WB; The CW

There are a lot of new and old series about high school that critics love.
High school is a focus on "Freaks and Geeks," "Sex Education," and "Euphoria."
Shows like "Gossip Girl" and "Gilmore Girls" take characters beyond the confines of the classroom.

Shows that revolve around high schoolers often echo the intensity and heartbreak of growing up. Fortunately, strong emotions and coming-of-age make for great television.

Read on for the 25 of the best TV shows set in high school.

Note: Critic and audience scores were current at the time of publication and are subject to change.

"Freaks and Geeks" only lasted for one season, but it made a huge impression on critics.

Jason Segel and Linda Cardellini on "Freaks and Geeks." NBC via Netflix

"My So-Called Life" was a short-lived, but highly-praised, teenage drama.

Claire Danes and Jared Leto on "My So-Called Life." ABC

"Switched at Birth" rose above its formulaic premise.

Critics praised "Switched at Birth" for not being cliché. ABC Family

Most critics didn't question the care put into "The Fosters."

Sherri Saum and Teri Polo on "The Fosters." Freeform

"Friday Night Lights" soared with strong characters.

"Friday Night Lights" is an ensemble sports drama. NBCUniversal

Critics praised "Never Have I Ever" as a poignant comedic drama.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan on "Never Have I Ever." Lara Solanki/Netflix

"On My Block" championed the importance of friendship.

"On My Block" follows four high schoolers. Netflix

Critics praised "Sex Education" for tackling taboo subjects with aplomb.

"Sex Education" is an acclaimed British comedy series. Netflix

"Stranger Things" is a sci-fi horror series for kids, teens, and adults.

Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton on "Stranger Things." Netflix

Critics fell head over heels for "Love, Victor."

Michael Cimino on "Love, Victor." Hulu

"Everwood" took a more grounded approach to exploring youth and family.

"Everwood" is an acclaimed family drama. Warner Bros.

"Veronica Mars" kept critics on the edge of their seats.

Kristen Bell on "Veronica Mars." The CW

"Euphoria" is a hit drama about the complications of growing up.

Hunter Schafer and Zendaya on "Euphoria." HBO

"I Am Not Okay With This" added new layers to a well-known genre.

Sophia Lillis on "I Am Not Okay With This." Netflix

"Atypical" gained increased acclaim as it became more inclusive.

Keir Gilchrist on "Atypical." Netflix

"The Vampire Diaries" exceeded genre expectations.

Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley on "The Vampire Diaries." The CW

Critics ended up enjoying "Riverdale," even as it became less grounded.

Cole Sprouse and KJ Apa on "Riverdale." Diyah Pera/The CW

Critics said "Gilmore Girls" is a show you can rewatch over and over again.

Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham on "Gilmore Girls." The CW

"Gossip Girl" took aim at the elite of New York City's Upper East Side.

Leighton Meester and Blake Lively on "Gossip Girl." The CW

"The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" sent chills down critics' spines.

Gavin Leatherwood and Kiernan Shipka on "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina." Netflix

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" set a new standard for supernatural teen dramas.

Alyson Hannigan and Sarah Michelle Gellar on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Screengrab via Buffy the Vampire Slayer/20th Television

Critics were charmed by the charismatic leads on "Teen Wolf."

The cast of "Teen Wolf." MTV

"Pretty Little Liars" provided viewers with plenty of winding twists.

The cast of "Pretty Little Liars." ABC/Freeform

"Awkward" took a lot of critics by surprise.

Ashley Rickards on "Awkward." MTV

"Everything Sucks" wore its heart on its sleeve.

"Everything Sucks" only has one season. Netflix

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