The 13 Best Coming of Age TV Shows for Tweens & Teens

I've spent hours binge-watching teen shows that highlight the complexity of adolescence, including intense crushes, shifting friendship dynamics and high school drama galore. Riverdale, Yellowjackets and Never Have I Ever are just a few that I can think of. And while I believe that all of these shows have several strengths, I have to admit: I wouldn't want my 13-year-old nephew to watch any of them.

Why, you ask? Because I think there's a stark difference between shows about teens and shows for teens. But what is it that really differentiates the two? Does it merely boil down to the existence of mature content? And when it comes to choosing the best teen shows, how can parents gauge what's appropriate for their kids? Fortunately, I enlisted the help of a few experts to address these questions.

Dr. Alexandra Stratyner is a licensed psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy approaches. She is also the co-founder of Stratyner and Associates, a New York psychology practice.

Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind, an organization that offers neuropsychological assessments and evaluations in New York City.

Kate Blocker is the director of Research and Programs at Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development. She is also a developmental psychologist who has led youth development programs in her local community.

According to Dr. Hafeez, the best shows thoughtfully tackle the adolescent experience while promoting positive messages. She explained, "These shows excel by encouraging empathy and resilience and affirming appropriate messages. They provide relatable plots and characters who confront struggles like the viewer so teens can relate, reflect on themselves, and perhaps make changes for the better."

Stratyner also noted that these shows should include positive messages and valuable life lessons. She said, "Look for shows that promote their teen’s family values, healthy growth, and critical thinking. Consider the theme and message of the show first. Choose those that incentivize healthy behavior, reinforce positive life lessons, and don’t glorify negative behavior, such as drug use or violence. Look at the characterization of relationships on the show. Programs that encourage polite behavior, empathy and cultural tolerance can be good for teens’ views of the world."

Per the experts, joining your teens as they watch television is a great way to go. Even better? Encourage open conversations about the content they're watching.

Stratyner explained, "In many cases, because access to television programming (and other media) is accessible in many ways, parents may not have as much control, and because teens are increasingly independent, parents may not be fully aware of what their teens are watching. Given this, parents should ask their kids about what they are watching and engage them in conversations about how they decide what to watch and how they understand the themes and ideas promoted in the content they are watching."

Blocker echoes the same sentiment, adding that it may be helpful for parents to look up these shows even before discussing them with their kids. She said, "[This] can help parents evaluate the values, implicit or explicit, in the content. This is called 'active monitoring' in the scientific literature and is generally associated with better digital well-being outcomes for youth, as opposed to 'restrictive monitoring,' which focuses more on setting rigid rules and limits."

"Deciding what is appropriate is up to the parents," Blocker continued, "because every child is different in their levels of maturity, interests, and areas of concern, but including the tween or teen in these conversations as they get older can help them learn the skills needed to make healthy choices for themselves eventually."

So, whether you're helping your kids spice up their queue or searching for age-appropriate options to watch with the family, here are 13 of the best coming-of-age shows for teens and tweens—including a few selections from parents and experts.

• Creator: Rachel Shukert
• Cast: Sophie Grace, Momona Tamada, Shay Rudolph, Malia Baker
• Rating: TV-G
• Number of Seasons: 2
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 100% | IMDb 7.5/10
• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• Educational Value: Explores friendship, family dynamics and problem-solving

Yes, I'm still heartbroken over the fact that this gem was canceled after two seasons, but all 18 episodes are full of heart and the same classic charm that made me fall in love with Ann M. Martin's children's novel series. The series revolves around a group of middle-school friends who decide to launch a babysitting business in Stoneybrook, Connecticut, and several fun adventures ensue.

Dr. Hafeez highly recommends the series because it highlights "entrepreneurialism, friendship and solving problems. It addresses real-world problems such as divorce, chronic illness and inclusion."

• Creator: Moira Walley-Beckett
• Cast: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, R.H. Thomson
• Rating: TV-PG
• Number of Seasons: 3
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 63% | IMDb 8.6/10
• Genre: Comedy, Period Drama
• Educational Value: Explores themes of family, feminism, gender inequality, bullying and trauma

Based on L. M. Montgomery's 1908 novel, Anne of Green Gables, the show revolves around Anne, a 13-year-old orphan whose life takes an unexpected turn when she's accidentally sent to live with two siblings during the 1890s. Though the series eventually deviates from the original storyline and takes on a darker tone—including one character contemplating suicide—Amybeth McNulty's charming depiction of Anne makes her oh-so relatable.

Dr. Hafeez says, "This is a retelling of the original character that focuses on strength, compassion, and social justice. It stresses the value of individualism, invention and freedom of opinion."

• Creator: Luke Pearson
• Cast: Bella Ramsey, Daisy Haggard, Rasmus Hardiker, Ameerah Falzon-Ojo
• Rating: TV-Y7
• Number of Seasons: 3
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 100% | IMDb 8.6/10
• Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy Drama
• Educational Value: Includes themes of friendship, courage, community and curiosity

Meet Hilda, a kind-hearted blue-haired girl who moves from her old home in the forest and ventures into the big city, where she befriends mysterious creatures and embarks on exciting new adventures. Despite the show's eerie tone and dark elements, it features a relatable female lead and valuable life lessons.

According to Freelance PureWow Editor Emma Singer, "This show is based on a graphic novel series and it has a weird, moody atmosphere that I found a little creepy and off-putting at first. But the more I watched it with my tween daughter, the more I appreciated the artsy animation and, above all else, the consistently positive messages about friendship and courage."

• Creators: Christopher Lloyd, Steven Levitan
• Cast: Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Ed O'Neill, Sofía Vergara
• Rating: TV-PG
• Number of Seasons: 11
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 85% | IMDb 8.5/10
• Genre: Comedy
• Educational Value: Tackles family dynamics, cultural differences, gender identity, parenting and work-life balance

It's never a bad time to revisit everyone's favorite dysfunctional family. Set in suburban Los Angeles, the series follows the everyday lives of three interrelated families as they navigate life and relationships. The comedy is spot-on, the characters are fantastic and the storylines are easy to follow.

PureWow's Editor in Chief, Jillian Quint, says, "For the past year, my family has watched one episode of Modern Family together every night we're all home. It is equally funny for all age groups and the family dynamics are so sweet and relatable. There are some raunchier jokes that either go over my kids' heads or prompt useful conversations (even though I'm never exactly dying to explain to a 10-year-old what a prostitute is), and ultimately, the show's heart is in the right place."

• Creators: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko
• Cast: Dee Bradley Bake, Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman
• Rating: TV-Y7
• Number of Seasons: 3
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 100% | IMDb 9.3/10
• Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
• Educational Value: Explores friendship, redemption, war, imperialism, political corruption and gender roles

The iconic animated series tells the story of 12-year-old Aang, an Avatar who is tasked with mastering all four elements so he can put an end to the Fire Nation's war. The Nickelodeon series was a massive success when it aired, thanks in part to the stellar characters, the cultural references and the thoughtful exploration of more mature themes, like genocide, animal cruetly and sexism.

Singer said, "The animation and storytelling in this show is top-notch. There's great character development, too. That said, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this one for younger kids because there's a degree of violence that might be too intense for younger kids."

6. American Born Chinese

• Creator: Kelvin Yu
• Cast: Ben Wang, Yann Yann Yeo, Chin Han, Michelle Yeoh
• Rating: TV-PG
• Number of Seasons: 1
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 94% | IMDb 7/10
• Genre: Fantasy, Action, Comedy
• Educational Value: Features themes of cultural assimilation, acceptance, prejudice, racism and identity

The action-packed series, which is based on Gene Luen Yang’s 2006 graphic novel, follows Jin, a shy 10th grader who embarks on a mission to boost his reputation. However, those plans fall apart when he befriends the new kid, who is also the son of a mythological god. Per Common Sense Media, it's a "great family watch" that celebrates Chinese culture that shares positive messages about being true to yourself and not giving in to peer pressure. Also, the gravity-defying fight sequences and authentic portrayal of teen angst are major plusses.

In my 5-star review of the series, I wrote, “With its compelling characters, clever cultural references and honest approach to more serious themes, American Born Chinese is a thrill ride that all ages can enjoy. This coming-of-age tale will resonate with anyone who has struggled to find their identity.”

• Creators: The Duffer Brothers
• Cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown
• Rating: TV-14
• Number of Seasons: 4
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 91% | IMDb 8.7/10
• Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Mystery
• Educational Value: Includes themes of mental health, family, friendship, loss, resilience, redemption and good vs. evil

Confession: Some of the scenes in this show made me flinch, thanks to the gruesome scenes and nail-biting suspense, so I'd say this one is for older teens who can take a few jump scares. Set during the '80s, Stranger Things follows a group of middle schoolers as they navigate life and school in a seemingly innocent small town. However, they discover that a terrifying alternate world, called the Upside Down, exists just below them.

"Full of action, yet also friends, this science-fiction show stresses cooperation, sacrifice and strength," says Dr. Hafeez. "And it has excellent characterization as the teen leads battle with hard obstacles, both supernatural and in their private lives."

8. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

• Creator: Tim Federle
• Cast: Joshua Bassett, Julia Lester, Frankie A. Rodriguez
• Rating: TV-PG
• Number of Seasons:
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 87% | IMDb 7.1/10
• Genre: Musical, Drama, Mockumentary
• Educational Value: Deals with friendship, love, sexuality and the impact of the performing arts

From the mockumentary-style format and relatable characters to the catchy original songs, it's nearly impossible to dislike this show. It revolves around a group of high school theater kids as they prepare for an upcoming production. And while it doesn't feature any appearances by the iconic Troy and Gabriella, HSM fans can enjoy fun references and a few of the classic songs. (Fun fact: The series was nominated for 11 Children's and Family Emmy Awards and won once for Outstanding Original Song for a Children's or Young Teen Program.)

9. One Piece

• Creators: Matt Owens, Steven Maeda
• Cast: Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, Jacob Romero Gibson
• Rating: TV-14
• Number of Seasons: 1
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 86% | IMDb 8.6/10
• Genre: Fantasy Adventure
• Educational Value: Highlights the importance of resilience, teamwork, friendship and courage

I'll be the first to admit that I binged the entirety of season one in less than a week, thanks to the charming cast and how it balances humor with drama and adventure. In this live-action adaptation of the manga series, Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates are on a quest to find some valuable treasure, but they're forced to confront several challenges along the way. Luffy may be impulsive and naive at times, but his loyalty, bravery and unwavering determination make him a positive role model for tweens and teens.

10. Andi Mack

• Creator: Terri Minsky
• Cast: Peyton Elizabeth, LeeJoshua Rush, Sofia Wylie
• Rating: TV-G
• Number of Seasons: 3
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes (N/A) | IMDb 7.4/10
• Genre: Comedy
• Educational Value: family, mental health, learning disabilities, unplanned pregnancy

Tweens will take a liking to Andi Mack and her two BFFs as they navigate the ups and downs of middle school, complete with love triangles. Aside from the charming cast, the show has been praised for its inclusivity and thoughtful approach to more serious topics. Oh, and did I mention the series made history as the first-ever Disney Channel show to feature a gay main character (Cyrus, played by Joshua Rush)?

11. Party of Five

• Creators: Christopher Keyser, Amy Lippman
• Cast: Scott Wolf, Matthew Fox, Neve Campbell, Lacey Chabert
• Rating: TV-PG
• Number of Seasons: 6
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 91% | IMDb 6.8/10
• Genre: Drama
• Educational Value: family, parental loss, infidelity, mental illness, substance abuse

Five siblings become orphans overnight when their parents are suddenly killed in a car accident—but they refuse to let the tragedy tear their family apart. The show mainly depicts the aftermath of their loss, as they take over the family's restaurant while navigating myriad challenges. This gripping and emotional series packs a punch, and it doesn't shy away from topics like alcoholism, domestic abuse and teen pregnancy, so it's a great way to foster honest discussions. Older kids will appreciate the show's thought-provoking themes and authentic depiction of teen issues.

12. Julie and the Phantoms

• Director: Kenny Ortega
• Cast: Madison Reyes, Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, Jeremy Shada
• Rating: TV-G
• Number of Seasons: 2
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 93% | IMDb 8.4/10
• Genre: Drama, Musical Comedy
• Educational Value: grief, loss, mortality, the healing power of music

Trust me when I say this series will keep you and your kids entertained. It tells the story of Julie Molina, a high schooler who accidentally summons the spirits of a deceased ’90s band and winds up becoming their lead singer. Is the plot far-fetched? Yes, but the tunes are catchy, the tone is fun and it offers just the right amount of emotional depth. Also, the main characters are simply delightful.