The Very Best British Teen Shows, Ranked
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- 1Kaya Scodelario, Jack O'Connell, Hannah Murray
A trailblazer in British teen telly, Skins took the world by storm with its raw and unapologetic portrayal of adolescence. From wild nights out to heart-wrenching breakups, nothing was off limits for this gutsy drama. The rotating cast, including the likes of Nicholas Hoult, Kaya Scodelario, and Jack O'Connell, became household names, and the show left a lasting impact on the teen drama genre.
- 2Sharon Rooney, Claire Rushbrook, Ian Hart
An honest and heartfelt exploration of mental health and body image, My Mad Fat Diary won the hearts of viewers with its unique blend of humour and raw emotion. Sharon Rooney's portrayal of the lovable and complex Rae Earl was nothing short of a revelation, and the supporting cast rounded out this gem of a show.
- 3Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison
This quintessentially British comedy had us all in stitches, following four awkward lads as they navigated the rocky road of adolescence. With unforgettable catchphrases and painfully relatable scenarios, The Inbetweeners struck a chord with teens and adults alike. Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, James Buckley, and Blake Harrison became the faces of a generation, and the show remains a cult classic.
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- 4Karla Crome, Joseph Gilgun, Natasha O'Keeffe
Equal parts hilarious and thrilling, Misfits brought a supernatural twist to the teen drama genre. The unlikely gang of juvenile offenders, led by the charismatic Robert Sheehan, became instant fan favourites as they grappled with their newfound powers. The show's innovative premise and impeccable writing made it a hit, and it left a lasting mark on the British television landscape.
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- 5Daisy Edgar-Jones, Paul Mescal, Eliot Salt
An instant classic, Normal People explored the complexities of young love and the trials and tribulations of growing up. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal captivated audiences with their raw and vulnerable performances as Marianne and Connell, and the show's poignant storytelling struck a chord with viewers across the globe.
More Normal People- Dig Deeper...The 25 Best Shows Like 'Normal People', Ranked By Fans
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- 6Leona Vaughan, Louis Payne, Rukku Nahar
A hair-raising blend of teen drama and supernatural adventure, Wolfblood followed a group of teenagers with a lupine secret. The show's unique premise and engaging cast, led by Aimee Kelly and Bobby Lockwood, kept viewers on the edge of their seats as they navigated the challenges of adolescence and the supernatural world.
More Wolfblood - 7
Fresh Meat
Kimberley Nixon, Robert Webb, Joe ThomasA hilarious and honest look at the ups and downs of university life, Fresh Meat struck a chord with viewers of all ages. Jack Whitehall, Joe Thomas, and Charlotte Ritchie led the talented ensemble cast as they navigated the trials and tribulations of student life, and the show's razor-sharp wit and relatable storylines made it a hit with audiences.
- 8Ruby Stokes, Cameron Chapman, Ali Hadji-Heshmati
Set in an alternate Britain, this supernatural detective thriller follows the adventures of ghost-hunting teenagers in a world where only children can sense the deadly spectres. Psychically gifted Lucy Carlyle arrives in London, hoping to join an agency, and ultimately finds herself working with the enigmatic duo behind Lockwood & Co.
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- 9Jade Ramsey, Tasie Lawrence, Brad Kavanagh
A mystery-laden gem, House of Anubis captivated viewers with its unique blend of teen drama and ancient Egyptian mythology. The show's ensemble cast, including Nathalia Ramos, Brad Kavanagh, and Jade Ramsey, kept audiences on the edge of their seats as they unravelled the secrets of their boarding school.
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- 10Otto Farrant, Stephen Dillane, Vicky McClure
This action-packed adaptation of Anthony Horowitz's beloved book series brought a new generation of fans to the world of espionage. Otto Farrant's portrayal of the titular character, alongside a stellar supporting cast, made for thrilling television, and the show's plot twists and high-stakes action kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
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- 11Gerran Howell, Keith-Lee Castle, Simon Ludders
A fang-tastic blend of humour and horror, Young Dracula put a fresh spin on the vampire genre. Gerran Howell's portrayal of the reluctant bloodsucker won the hearts of viewers, and the show's quirky cast of supernatural beings made it a cult favourite among British audiences.
- 12Amelia Clarkson, Isis Hainsworth, Natalie Blair
A chilling and atmospheric thriller, Red Rose followed a group of high school friends as they uncovered a deadly secret. The show's ensemble cast delivered captivating performances, and the suspenseful plot kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
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- 13Stuart Organ, Gwyneth Powell, Lee Cornes
A true classic in British television, Grange Hill was the ultimate portrait of teenage life in the UK. The long-running show tackled important issues like drug abuse, bullying, and teen pregnancy, and its memorable characters became ingrained in the cultural consciousness. Grange Hill remains a touchstone for generations of viewers.
- 14Aled ap Steffan, Di Botcher, Zadeiah Campbell-Davies
A bold and heartfelt exploration of mental health, sexuality, and growing up, In My Skin resonated with audiences for its unflinching honesty. Gabrielle Creevy's portrayal of Bethan, a teenager struggling with her mother's schizophrenia, was a standout performance, and the show's raw emotion and dark humour made it a must-watch.
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- 15Kim Adis, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Bethany Antonia
A gripping teen thriller, Get Even followed a group of high school students on a mission to expose their school's bullies and wrongdoers. Kim Adis, Mia McKenna-Bruce, and Bethany Antonia led the talented cast in this edge-of-your-seat drama, and the show's twists and turns kept viewers guessing until the very end.
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- 16Olivia Hallinan, Lenora Crichlow, Sara Stewart
A groundbreaking exploration of teenage sexuality, Sugar Rush followed the trials and tribulations of Kim, a 15-year-old girl coming to terms with her sexuality. Olivia Hallinan's captivating performance, alongside a stellar supporting cast, made this show a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ representation on British television.
- 17Natalie Dormer, Ian Hanmore, Iain De Caestecker
A haunting portrayal of the battle between good and evil, The Fades delved into the supernatural world of spirits and angels. Iain De Caestecker's gripping performance as Paul, a young man with supernatural abilities, kept viewers on the edge of their seats, and the show's eerie atmosphere and intricate plot made it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
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- 18Sean Verey, Scarlett Alice Johnson, Dylan Edwards
A hilarious and heartwarming look at the unexpected challenges of teenage parenthood, Pramface won over audiences with its blend of humour and heart. Scarlett Alice Johnson and Sean Michael Verey brought the show's central couple to life, and their trials and tribulations as young parents made for compelling television.
- 19Amelia Brooks, Ashling O'Shea, Lashay Anderson
A thrilling spin-off of the hit show Get Even, Rebel Cheer Squad followed a group of young cheerleaders as they fought for justice. The show's high-stakes action and engaging cast made it a must-watch for fans of the original series.
- 20Zach Barack, Kody Kavitha, Alex Brightman
A spine-tingling adventure, Dead End: Paranormal Park took viewers on a thrilling ride filled with supernatural suspense. The show's ensemble cast tackled eerie mysteries and paranormal occurrences, keeping audiences captivated with their otherworldly escapades.
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- 21Charlie Hunnam, Jill Halfpenny, Donna Air
A beloved British classic, Byker Grove offered a realistic and heartfelt portrayal of teenage life in the North East of England. The show tackled important issues like addiction, sexuality, and bullying, and its memorable cast of characters and thought-provoking storylines cemented its place as an iconic teen drama.
- 22Jayden Fox, Charlie Behan, Stephanie Waring
A staple of British television, Hollyoaks has been entertaining audiences for decades with its mix of soap opera drama and relatable teen storylines. The long-running show has tackled important issues like mental health, sexuality, and addiction, and its ever-evolving cast has become a launchpad for countless British acting careers.
- 23Máiréad Tyers, Sofia Oxenham, Bilal Hasna
A unique British superhero comedy series, Extraordinary tells the story of Jen, a young woman with no superpowers in a world where everyone else possesses extraordinary abilities. As Jen navigates her self-aware existence, she brings a fresh perspective to the superhero genre.
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- 24Samuell Benta, Emer Kenny, Sam Attwater
A spin-off of the popular British soap opera, EastEnders: E20 brought a fresh perspective to the world of Albert Square. The show focused on a group of young Londoners navigating the challenges of urban life, and its talented cast brought a new energy to the long-running series.
- 25Gabrielle Anwar, Lucy Benjamin, Dexter Fletcher
A groundbreaking teen drama, Press Gang followed a group of ambitious young journalists as they tackled the world of print media. The show's ensemble cast, led by Julia Sawalha and Dexter Fletcher, brought a captivating blend of humour, intelligence, and grit to their roles, and Press Gang remains a touchstone for aspiring young writers.
- 26Yasmin Paige, Jordan Stephens, Billy Howle
A gritty and gripping murder mystery, Glue delved into the dark side of rural life as a group of friends tried to uncover the truth behind a tragic death. The talented young cast, including Jordan Stephens and Charlotte Spencer, brought intensity and depth to their roles, and the show's twists and turns kept viewers guessing until the very end.
- 27Dakota Benjamin Taylor, Grace Beedie
A heartwarming and engaging look at the world of competitive ice skating, Zero Chill brought both drama and humour to the rink. Grace Beedie and Dakota Taylor led the talented cast as siblings Kayla and Mac, and their on-screen chemistry made for a compelling and relatable family dynamic.
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- 28Bonnie Tyler, Emma Rigby, Gemma Merna
A late-night spin-off of the popular British soap, Hollyoaks Later brought an edgier approach to the teen drama format. The show tackled mature themes and darker storylines, making it a hit with older fans of the original series.
- 29Jodie Campbell, Josh Tedeku, Sekou DiabyFive Black inner-city teenagers are offered scholarships to a prestigious boarding school.More Boarders
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- 30
Help! I'm A Teenage Outlaw
Brian Hibbard, Steven O'Donnell, Benjamin SmithA swashbuckling historical comedy, Help! I'm a Teenage Outlaw brought a lighthearted touch to the world of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men. The show's witty writing and charming performances made it a favourite among younger viewers.
