With the news that Gossip Girl‘s recent reboot is returning for season 2, the impact of ’00s television is still clear to see. The 2000s was arguably the golden age of television. Since social media was barely getting started there were no interruptions when it came to someone watching their favorite TV show. The 2000s focused heavily on teen dramas/comedies glorifying the life of a teenager, introducing shows like the mystery drama Veronica Mars or the Disney Channel comedy That’s So Raven.
Many have now taken to Ranker to place their votes on which teen series’ from the 2000s they think are the best. They considered fan favorites like the supernatural teen drama, The Vampire Diaries, and the heartwarming drama, Gilmore Girls. Whatever genres these shows fall under they captivated audiences because of their fun storylines and out-of-the-box characters.
Hannah Montana (2006 – 2011)
Hanna Montana stars Miley Cyrus as Miley Stewart, a teenager who appears to have a normal life but is secretly a successful pop singer. Throughout the series she has to juggle being both Miley and Hannah Montana; a teenager by day and a celebrity at night.
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Hannah Montana is a show the entire family can sit down and enjoy because of its wholesome fun and clean humor. At the time there were no other shows out that compared to the Disney Channel series which made it stand out to the masses. The characters are fun and bubbly and taught viewers some life lessons like the importance of friendships, as evident through Miley and her best friend Lilly. The jokes on Hannah Montana are also pure genius.
Sabrina The Teenage Witch (1996 – 2003)
A comedy with a magical twist. Sabrina The Teenage Witch follows Sabrina Spellman, a teenage girl who also just so happens to be a witch. Throughout the series viewers see Sabrina come into her own as a young adult and an experienced witch.
Sabrina The Teenage Witch is a feminist-leaning show with three strong women as the main characters. Sabrina, Aunt Hilda, and Aunt Zelda are three ambitious characters who prove that women can do anything that men can do. Sabrina The Teenage Witch still holds up to this day because the series teaches viewers how to be comfortable with one’s true identity.
The O.C. (2003 – 2007)
The O.C. follows Ryan Atwood, a teenager with a difficult upbringing who ends up living with the Cohens, a wealthy family who live in Orange County. Ryan tries his hardest to fit in with his new peers, but it’s easier said than done when his past comes back to haunt him. Along the way, he finds love and forms friendships.
The O.C. still holds up almost 20 years later as the show mixed drama and fun. It depicts teenagers living an extraordinary life in California but also highlights the issues that many teens face, and how money can’t always buy happiness. The show also stands out because the adults get as much screen time as the teenagers, showcasing what they go through as parents, and how raising teens can be tough.
The Vampire Diaries (2009 – 2017)
The Vampire Diaries follows Elana Gilber whose world is turned upside down when she meets Brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore, two vampires with a lot of baggage. Ultimately they become a group that battles the supernatural, and while they do lose loved ones, they also gain new lifelong friendships.
The character development in this series is amazing. Each character has a storyline that starts more one-dimensional and ends the series with so much depth. Caroline is a prime example, she’s introduced as someone who only cares about herself, in the end, she’s a powerful vampire who wants nothing more than to protect her friends.
That ’70s Show (1998 – 2006)
That ’70s show is a series that came out in the 2000s about growing up in the ’70s. Viewers are introduced to Eric and his group of friends as they grow up in a decade where disco balls and high-waisted jeans are nothing but far out.
That ’70s Show is pure nostalgia for adults who grew up during that period. For actual teens of today, they can see their generation isn’t that different from their parents, besides having social media. The show highlights the simple fun these teens have together from lounging in the garage to just hanging out in the car.
Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)
Gossip Girl is about a group of wealthy teens who live in the Upper Eastside of New York. Their life might seem glamourous on the outside, but their faceless nemesis Gossip Girl will stop at nothing to air their dirty laundry, which caused many unexpected storylines to happen in Gossip Girl.
Gossip Girl was unlike any show during its time because it pushed the boundaries, and many critics did not favor the series calling it inappropriate. The masterminds behind the show used that to their advantage by posting proactive pictures to promote the series displaying the negative reviews as captions of the photos. What viewers love about this series is it’s an escape to watch a drama-filled show with amazing fashion and great music.
Gilmore Girls (2000 – 2007)
Gilmore Girls follows Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother and daughter who live in the small town of Stars Hollow. Throughout the series, both characters continue to find their way in life, Lorelai as a young mom and Rory as a teenager.
Fans love Gilmore Girls because it focuses on the ambition these two women have. Rory wants to attend Harvard University and become a journalist, while Lorelai wants to open an inn with her best friend. Fans also love the strong bond the mother and daughter duo have, and how their bond is tested whether it has to deal with money issues or other conflicts.
One Tree Hill (2008 – 2012 )
One Tree Hill follows a group of teens living in the titular Tree Hill. The early seasons focus on the relationship between two half brothers, Lucas and Nathan, but the series eventually evolves as the characters get older and face real-world issues that affect their day-to-day lives.
The series embodies the early 2000s perfectly from the music to the fashion. It’s also relatable, showcasing perfectly imperfect friendships like the love triangle between Lucas, Peyton, and Brooke. The series also tries its best not to glamorize important social issues from mental health struggles to assault.
The Suite Lide Of Zack And Cody (2005 – 2008)
The Suite Lide Of Zack And Cody centers around twin brothers Zack and Cody Martin who live in the Tipton Hotel. Viewers are also introduced to Their mother who sings in the lounge, as well as the hotel’s owner’s daughter London Tipton, Maddie Fitzpatrick the candy counter girl, and the hotel manager Mr. Moseby.
The Suite Lide Of Zack And Cody is pure fun. The Disney Channel series highlights the importance of normalizing that it’s okay to be a kid and act silly due to the many hijinks both brothers get themselves into. The series is also timeless and is always a gem to watch with the entire family.
Lizzie McGuire (2001 – 2004)
Lizzie McGuire is about a 13-year-old teenager whose trying to find herself while going through the trials and tribulations of being a teen. Along the way, she is accompanied by her best friends Miranda and Gordo, all while they deal with bullies, crushes, and life.
For a Disney Channel show, the series did a great job trying not to sugarcoat real situations. For example, there’s an important episode where Lizzie wants to buy a bra but doesn’t know how to tell her mom. Another example is when it is revealed that Miranda has an eating disorder and Lizzie is there to help her through it.
