When it comes to capturing the drama, friendships, first loves, and stresses of growing up that make up the teenage years, high school shows are the best, and you can find many of those on Hulu. There’s something for everyone on the streamer, whether you want to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane or are just in the mood for some coming-of-age stories. In no particular order, here are five great high school shows to watch on Hulu!
1. Freaks and Geeks
(1999–2000)
Kicking off the list is a beloved classic, Freaks and Geeks. This show is set in the early ’80s and follows two distinct groups of high school students: the “freaks” and the “geeks.” Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardellini), a former mathlete, rebels against her goody-two-shoes reputation by hanging out with the freaks, while her younger brother, Sam (John Francis Daley), tries to navigate the awkward world of high school as a geek. There’s only one season available, but Freaks and Geeks is such an underrated show, providing well-rounded characters, humor, and a realistic look at how awkward our teenage years can be.
Watching these characters deal with academic pressures, friendships, and self-discovery reminds us how challenging school can be, which is why some high school students today look for a college essay writing service when they feel overwhelmed. Watching Freaks and Geeks will also help, as it will give you characters you can empathize with and make you feel like you’re not alone dealing with the stress of college. Moreover, it will also remind you the best thing about high school: those friendships that will last a lifetime.
2. Love, Victor
(2020-2022)
Next, Love, Victor is a recently released show that takes place in the same world as the 2018 movie Love, Simon. Victor Salazar (Michael Cimino), a new student at Creekwood High School, in Atlanta, is struggling to adjust to the new city, all while also dealing with some issues at home and still in the process of accepting his own identity and sexual orientation. When high school becomes too much, Victor reaches out to Simon (Nick Robinson) for help.
If you’re a fan of not only Love, Simon, but also queer shows like Heartstopper and beloved high school series like Sex Education, you’ll love Love, Victor. The show combines a gripping narrative with themes of identity, relationships, and accepting yourself, showing us Victor’s complicated feelings are in a way that feels real and easy to understand. Well-rounded characters and a talented cast of young actors make it one of those series you’ll want to revisit over and over again.
3. Dawson’s Creek
(1998–2003)
Dawson’s Creek is a must-see for people who miss the 1990s. This famous teen story begins when a New Yorker named Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams) moves to the small town of Capeside, turning a boy’s life and his small group of friends upside down. Those high schoolers are wannabe movie director Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek), girl next door Joey Potter (Katie Holmes), and charismatic underdog Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson), whom we see grow up over the course of the series’s six seasons.
If you’re into witty high school shows, this is pretty much the best out there, as it has both a compelling set of teenage characters, whom we see grow into adults, and a philosophical script, a combination that only works thanks to showrunner Kevin Williamson‘s (The Vampire Diaries) storytelling abilities. With smart, funny conversations and deep looks at relationships, Dawson’s Creek is certainly a product of the 90s, but it still has a lot that can be enjoyed today. Don’t miss it!
4. Glee
(2009-2015)
Glee is the best choice if you’re looking for something more musical. The story centers on the glee club at William McKinley High School, where kids from different groups get together to sing, dance, and put on shows. Aside from the acts, Glee showcases real high school problems like bullying, relationships, and finding out who you are. It’s a product of its time, but it’s also a chance to watch one of the earliest works from showrunner Ryan Murphy, who would then go on to create other beloved series like American Horror Story and Ratched. Glee has a great mix of high-energy acts and touching moments; it’s funny, sad, and full of upbeat songs that will make you want to sing along.
5. Pen15
(2019-2021)
Pen15 is a one-of-a-kind high school show that mixes terrible jokes with real feelings. The show’s stars, Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, play versions of themselves when they were 13. The rest of the group is made up of real middle school actors. The end result? A funny and sweet look at the good and bad parts of being a teenager in the early 2000s. What makes Pen15 unique is how well it shows how weird being a teenager can be. The series perfectly captures the awkward moments that most of us remember all too well, from loves and bad haircuts to friendship problems and trying to fit in. It will make you laugh out loud, but it will also make you emotional.
The 5 shows listed above are all great choices if you’re looking for something to watch on Hulu! They all capture teenage years in a way that will make you nostalgic and feature fantastic characters to get attached to. Enjoy!
