TV shows about teenagers have always been everyone’s favorite. We all can resonate with the character’s high school/college struggle, love life dilemma, and struggle to find their voice. However, did you know that not every TV show about teenagers is meant for them to watch?
Indeed, there are some TV shows about teens that are best enjoyed by adult audiences only. This is mainly (but not limited to) due to the sex, violence, and drug-related content in the shows. Want to know about these shows to keep your teen from watching them? Here’s a curated list of TV shows that you should keep an eye out for as a parent.
1. Euphoria
Starring the iconic Zendaya, this TV show about teenagers tells the story of a group of high school students struggling with drugs, love, social media, and money as they come of age. The show explores all this while the teens try to establish their identity. Due to its sexual and violent content, this HBO Original is best avoided by kids.
2. 13 Reasons Why
This TV show about teenagers has been rated TV-MA for violence, sex, and nudity, making it a big no-no for your teen. The movie, based on the best-selling book “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher, tells the story of Clay Jensen, who is on a mission to know the truth behind his classmate and crush, Hannah Baker’s tragic suicide.
3. Pretty Little Liars
Rated TV-14 for sex and violent content along with frightening scenes, this TV show is not meant for a teenager. The show featuring teens follows the lives of four estranged friends – Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily – who come together to investigate the disappearance of their best friend, only to unravel some dark secrets. The show about teenagers is based on Sara Shepard’s novel series of the same name.
4. I Know What You Did Last Summer
Another TV-14 show about teenagers that contains sex, murder, self-harm, and alcohol usage and should not be watched by your teen is “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” The show tells the story of four friends who, after a night of revelry, accidentally run over a man and dump his body in a river. However, things get ugly the following year as it invites eerie events to their lives.
5. Riverdale
This TV show about teenagers has sex, violence, and alcohol consumption, making it not a good watch for your teen. Archie and his gang – Betty, Jughead, and Veronica – tackle being teens themselves in a town that is rife with mysteries and blood-thirsty criminals.
6. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
This TV show is an adaption of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” The show is a dark coming-of-age story that deals with horror and the occult. In the reimagined origin story, Sabrina Spellman tries to reconcile her hybrid nature as a half-witch, half-mortal being. She does it all while fighting against evil forces threatening her, her family, and the world humans inhabit. Due to its content, the show is not a teen-friendly show.
7. Vampire Diaries
“Vampire Diaries” is another TV show about teenagers that many liked for its star-studded cast. However, the show should not be on your teen’s watchlist due to its violent content. It revolves around Elena, who meets Stefan and immediately feels a connection with him. However, what she doesn’t know is that Stefan and his brother, Damon, are, in fact, vampires. How she deals with them forms the rest of the story.
With so many new shows coming up and gaining popularity, it might be hard to keep track of what your teen is watching. However, make it a point to keep a vigilant eye on what your kids consume for entertainment. If possible, watch the shows together to ensure they pick the right TV shows.
Remember, teenage is a tricky phase for you as well as your kiddos. What they see can have a massive impact on them. So, make sure your teen picks the shows that are appropriate for their eyes and doesn’t watch inappropriate ones. You can tell them they can watch these shows once they are of the right age and can watch such content.
Are there any other shows about teenagers that aren’t meant for teens you would like to add to this list? Do let us know in the comment section below!