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☀️ If you like The Summer I Turned Pretty, you should watch these messy teen dramas next.
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items Sun, secrets, and seriously questionable choices — these shows capture the same messy teen drama energy. From beach-town love triangles to prep-school scandals to small-town mysteries, it’s all about first crushes, big betrayals, and the kind of dram...
Sections
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💔 Love Triangles & Beach Nights
🥀 Rich Kids & Dark Secrets
🎭 Suburban Chaos & Coming of Age
💔 Love Triangles & Beach Nights
Because no summer drama is complete without someone falling for their best friend’s crush. Sun-drenched romances, late-night confessions, and breakups that feel like world-ending events.
The blueprint for every messy crush-to-love-triangle story. Picture endless dock talks, oversized sweaters, and heartbreaks that felt like the end of the world.
Dawson's Creek (1998–2003)
Basketball, bad boy angst, and a soundtrack that made you cry in your bedroom. If you love pining, this is the one.
One Tree Hill (2003–2012)
Beverly Hills teens with zero chill. Sun-soaked drama, sudden betrayals, and romances that combust faster than a flip phone battery.
90210 (2008–2013)
Sharp-tongued teen detective taking down her wealthy town’s dirtiest secrets. Murder mysteries, snark, and just enough angst.
Veronica Mars (2004–2019)
Troubled teen crashes Newport Beach’s glittering bubble. Cue the parties, the heartbreaks, and the most iconic theme song of the 2000s.
The O.C. (2003–2007)
Forgotten WB gem about a fashion photographer raising kids in a beach house. Sun, surf, and family drama galore.
Summerland (2004–2005)
🥀 Rich Kids & Dark Secrets
Behind every gated mansion is a mess waiting to happen. Think designer bags, whispered betrayals, and scandals that make the tabloids look tame.
Upper East Siders with unlimited texting plans and unlimited secrets. Pure chaos wrapped in designer labels.
Gossip Girl (2007–2012)
A haunting island-set drama full of privilege, romance, and a secret that’ll shatter you. Think The Summer I Turned Pretty but way darker.
We Were Liars (2025)
Besties, blackmail, and the most mysterious group chat of all time. Every reveal is messier than the last.
Pretty Little Liars (2010–2017)
A Palm Beach tutor wrangles two spoiled heiresses while trying to keep her own life from spiraling. Glam mansions, family drama, and deliciously messy secrets.
Privileged (2008–2009)
Royal love triangles, betrayal, and ball gowns. Basically TSITP with crowns and better lighting.
Reign (2013-2017)
90s timelines, vanishing girls, and reputations unraveling one flip phone at a time.
Cruel Summer (2021– )
🎭 Suburban Chaos & Coming of Age
Small towns, big drama. From awkward first loves to family blowups, these shows nail the everyday chaos of growing up where everyone knows your business.
Mother-daughter duo navigating small-town gossip, first loves, and way too much coffee.
Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)
Every teen drama ever rolled into one Canadian high school. Breakups, scandals, and storylines that go there.
Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–2015)
Angela Chase made teen angst an art form. Think crushes that feel catastrophic, moody voiceovers, and plaid layered on plaid.
My So-Called Life (1994–1995)
Pre–Sex and the City Carrie Bradshaw juggling high school love and NYC dreams. It’s like Belly, but with better outfits.
The Carrie Diaries (2013-2014)
Football, faith, and small-town pressure. Half pep rally, half therapy session.
Friday Night Lights (2006–2011)
Peak ABC Family melodrama — everyone’s pregnant, crying, or in band.
The Secret Life of the American Teenager (2008–2013)