Shows like 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' to put on your watch list

Prepare for a generous helping of YA goodness

Never Have I Ever, Netflix, Paxton, Devi
(Image credit: Courtesy: ISABELLA B. VOSMIKOVA/NETFLIX)

Equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty will deliver that YA magic you're craving. 

By now you've likely journeyed to Cousins Beach alongside Belly as she tries to make sense of her newfound romantic pursuits. Once you've finished Jenny Han's latest sensation, check out classics, newbies, best teen movies on Netflix, Hulu gems and more that will keep you entertained throughout every season. 

Shows like 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'

1. 'Love Daily' (2018)

  • Where to watch: Netflix

There's something for everyone in this 12-part anthology that deals with matters of the heart. From a high school senior who has been brutally dumped to two hockey players with a connection that heats up off the ice, Love Daily is the perfect indulgence for fans of Jenny Han. 

2. 'The Edge of Seventeen' (2016) 

  • Where to watch: Netflix

So, how exactly do you deal with your brother and your best friend dating? Nadine is grappling with that very issue and feeling extremely isolated in the process. But those third wheel feelings are put to an end when she discovers a connection of her own...which she hopes will transpire in the Petland stockroom.

3. 'Outer Banks' (2020 to present) 

  • Where to watch: Netflix

Since its premiere two years ago, Outer Banks has quickly risen in the ranks of ultimate teen shows. With hints of romance, mystery and danger, the binge-worthy series follows a young man who is searching for a treasure that's linked to his father's disappearance. Allow us to fill you in on Outer Banks season three and what's ahead! 

OUTER BANKS (L to R) MADELYN CLINE as SARAH CAMERON and CHASE STOKES as JOHN B in episode 201 of OUTER BANKS Cr. JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX © 2021

(Image credit: Netflix / JACKSON LEE DAVIS)

4. 'To All the Boys' series (2018-2021) 

  • Where to watch: Netflix

Let's revisit a Jenny Han classic, shall we? In this adorable YA series, we follow Lara Jean and her pursuits of love throughout high school. What will happen to said love when college approaches? Psst: don't forget about XO, Kitty, To All the Boys spinoff series that's on its way. 

5. 'The O.C.' (2003-2007) 

  • Where to watch: Hulu

An oldie but a goodie, this nostalgia 2000s indulgence is the epitome of our high school days. The story follows Ryan Atwood, who's adopted out of a broken home and is forced to interact in a wealthy neighborhood alongside his brother. 

the o.c. show

(Image credit: Maximum Film / Alamy Stock Photo)

6. 'Derry Girls' (2018-2022)

Despite Northern Ireland's grim circumstances in the 90s, the teenage girls living in the area still had normal issues to grapple with: crushes, family drama and more. 

How to watch the Derry Girls last episode

(Image credit: Netflix)

7. 'Never Have I Ever' (2020-present)

  • Where to watch: Netflix

Devi has a lot on her plate: high expectations from her strict Indian mother, the devastating loss of her father and, of course, navigating her love life in Sherman Oaks High School. We're curious to see how it will all unfold in Never Have I Ever season 3, the final go-around of the Mindy Kaling series. Here's hoping Ben stans will get the outcome they're waiting for. 

Netflix Have I Ever season 3

(Image credit: Netflix)

9. 'Heart Stopper' (2022 to present) 

  • Where to watch: Netflix

Friends-turned-lovers, Heartstopper season 2 will continue Nick and Charlie's budding romance. Though the sweet treat we all needed, the next batch of episodes will likely tackle difficult material. 

"Charlie develops an eating disorder and his mental health takes a turn for the worse, and I think that would be interesting to look into, especially if the show continues to be very much a teen show," series lead Joe Locke told Entertainment Weekly.

nick and charlie on netflix's heartstopper


(Image credit: Netflix)

10. 'Summertime' (2020-2022) 

  • Where to watch: Netflix

Federico Moccia's books get the TV treatment in this tale of two lovers from opposite worlds who meet in Italy. (Expect subtitles with this one.) 

11. 'I Am Not OK with This' (2020) 

  • Where to watch: Netflix

Falling for your best friend isn't always a seamless transition, especially when she's dating a guy you can't stand. Oh, and it doesn't make it any better when weird secret powers come into play, either. How will Sydney handle it all?

12. 'Atypical' (2017-2021)

  • Where to watch: Netflix

Being a teen is challenging enough, but Sam Gardner's autism makes common struggles—crushes, independence, loneliness—even more difficult to deal with. But as he slowly overcomes new challenges, he (and his overbearing mother) come to realize he's more capable than ever before.

13. 'Skins' UK (2007-2013)

  • Where to watch: Hulu (Premium Subscription) 

Before Euphoria rose to fame, we had Skins, a Bristol-based series where teens grappled with difficult issues like substance abuse, sexuality and mental illness. 

14. 'My So-Called Life' (1994-1995) 

  • Where to watch: Hulu

A trip down memory lane, the 90s classic with Claire Danes follows the angsty Angela as she grapples with the basic teen turmoil. 

15. 'Sex Lives of College Girls' (2021-present)

  • Where to watch: HBO Max

The big sis to Never Have I Ever, Mindy Kaling's HBO Max series is like Sex and the City for 20-somethings. Four young women meet at Essex College in New England through a housing lottery and embark on the ultimate campus experience, which of course includes intro classes, new friends...and some sexy encounters along the way.

16. 'Paper Girls' (2022)

  • Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Based on Brian K. Vaughan and illustrator Cliff Chiang's comic, Paper Girls starts out simply enough: in the suburbs right after Halloween. But things get particularly spooky for a group of four teen girls who end up on a time-traveling journey, where they come face-to-face with their adults selves. 

The series premiere is July 29, and all eight episodes will be immediately available.

17. 'Lizzie McGuire' (2001-2004) 

  • Where to watch: Disney+

Though a bit younger than your typical YA characters, Lizzie McGuire was Gen Y's all-too-relatable ally, whether it was navigating bullies, crushes...or possible feelings for your best friend. (Hey, Gordo!) We'd be remiss to forget all about our favorite leading lady.

lizzie mcguire and miranda

(Image credit: Collection Christophel / Alamy Stock Photo)

18. 'Clarissa Explains It All' (1991-1994) 

  • Where to watch: Paramount + 

Even if you weren't a '90s kid, there's no way you won't appreciate the wit of the young Clarissa Darling as she tackles plenty of firsts: first job, first crush, prepping for college and all of that good stuff. 

melissa joan hart in clarissa explains it all

(Image credit: United Archives GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo)
Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.