Thrinethra Serman
The emergence of online streaming sites has changed the course of viewing digital content entirely in the past few years. Affordable high-speed internet services and online streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and Hotstar have made people shift from traditional television channels to these digital platforms with the infinite amount of visual content they offer. It doesn’t matter which genre, language or age group you want, these OTT players have everything; everything to satisfy your needs and beyond. Adding to online platforms, television channels such as HBO continue to produce more shows to keep up with the growing online trend. Let’s now take a look at some of the top shows loved by teens and tweens.
Stranger Things (2016 -)
This science fiction story revolves around a group of teens who stumble upon the secrets of the government and try to stop them before they unleash chaos upon everyone with an experiment gone wrong. It is set in the fictional US town of Hawkins. What’s more, the lead is played by a young teenage girl with superpowers! Three seasons have been released with the fourth one arriving soon and eagerly awaited by all. Stranger Things has managed to maintain its charm and mystery with each succeeding season, keeping the audience hooked and earning for more.
Riverdale (2017 – )
Archie Comics were extremely popular at the time your mothers were teens. Riverdale brings to life all the characters of the Archie Comic World but with its own plot and storyline. Riverdale became an instant favourite with its mysterious and thrilling progression coupled with high school drama and romance. Riverdale is a fictional US town where the high school kids Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and gang stand against the sinister happenings of the town. (The third season was honestly a letdown for me.)
Pretty Little Liars ( 2010 – 17)
It is loosely based on a series of novels with the same name written by Sara Shepherd. The story revolves around a group of four high school girlfriends who struggle to deal with the aftermath of their friend Alison’s death. They begin receiving mysterious and threatening messages from someone who signs as ‘A’. The girls then begin to hunt for A while tackling their school, home and love lives as well.
13 Reasons Why (2017 – )
One of the most overrated Netflix shows of all time, but I had to include this given its popularity. The story revolves around the suicide of a teenage girl after her tragic life at her new high school. She leaves behind a set of 13 tapes which has recordings of the 13 reasons which compelled her to take her life. Though some find it depressing, the series shows us the harsh reality faced by teenagers as they struggle to be accepted.
The Vampire Diaries (2009 – 17 )
I am sure teens will agree when I say they have watched this show for the brothers Stefan and Damon rather than its story. Think of it as an extended version of Twilight with an even darker and exciting plot. With new characters each season, the plot thickens and keeps Vampire Diaries a compelling watch. As Elena struggles to cope with the death of her parents and manage her troubled brother, she meets the brothers at school, not knowing they are vampires.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018 – )
There have been other versions of Sabrina, the half-witch, a half-mortal teen who lives in the town of Greendale with her aunts. This version of Sabrina is a new and exciting modern take with fresh plots and twists. The story revolves around Sabrina as she tries to tackle her dual nature, maintaining her two lives and solving problems that happen when they collide. Watch her as she attends two high schools, manages her love life and witch life along with supernatural and occult elements.
Gossip Girl ( 2007 -12)
The story follows a group of high school teens in Manhattan who are stinking rich and seem to get away with everything they do. But what happens when an anonymous blogger appears to know their every move? This show has every element required for a teen – drama, romance, mystery. Although several shows have come up, Gossip Girl remains a favourite till date.
Marvel’s Runaways (2017 – 19)
It’s a Marvel, and of course, you can expect high powered super villains and a lot of science. Here, there are a group of six high school teens who join hands against a very surprising enemy – their parents. Well, you would say parents are the biggest enemies for every teen, but the case here is different. These parents call themselves the Pride and are criminals who are out to destroy the world. Watch as the gang tries to stop the Pride as well try to discover their origins.
On My Block (2018 – )
This coming of age series follows the lives of four high school kids from a Hispanic neighbourhood in Los Angeles as they try to figure out high school and cope up with its demands. Their lifelong friendship faces challenges as they try to master the adolescent age dealing with classmates, romance and identity.
The End Of The F***ing World ( 2017 – 19)
Follow the story of these out of place seventeen-year-olds, James and Alyssa as they try to figure out themselves and the world. James identifies himself as an asexual psychopath, and he begins killing animals for a hobby. He decides it’s time to move onto more significant targets and picks Alyssa. Alyssa, on the other hand, is the cool new girl in school with a very moody personality. She grows sick of her monotonous life and plans to run away and persuades James to come along. The story moves on narrating their journey, challenges and psychological changes.
Conclusion
This list is not final and is barely a small percentage of the never-ending list of shows available. All of us have our preferences, and the market now caters to each of our needs. While shows are a great way to while away the time and escape our regular lives, make sure you don’t get addicted too much and keep yourself grounded!
If you want to share your favourite show, go ahead and name them in the comments section!
