How To Choose the Best Teen Dramas for Relatability

Teen dramas have become a significant part of pop culture, providing young adults with a mirror to reflect their own experiences, struggles, and dreams. Whether it's navigating high school, dealing with relationships, or discovering one's identity, teen dramas often depict the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence in a way that resonates deeply with their audience. However, with the vast array of teen dramas available, it can be difficult to determine which ones are truly relatable.

In this article, we'll explore how to choose the best teen dramas for relatability by considering factors like emotional authenticity, character depth, narrative realism, and the portrayal of relevant themes. We'll also discuss the importance of cultural representation and the portrayal of mental health in teen dramas, as these elements greatly contribute to how relatable a show can be for various audiences.

Understanding Relatability in Teen Dramas

Relatability in teen dramas refers to the ability of a show to reflect the real-life experiences and emotions of its viewers. This can range from the challenges of dealing with school pressures, friendship struggles, romantic relationships, or the search for identity. When a teen drama captures these elements authentically, it connects with viewers who may see themselves in the characters and situations portrayed.

For a teen drama to be truly relatable, it must present its characters and their experiences in a way that feels genuine and grounded in reality. The emotions felt by the characters must resonate with the viewers' own experiences. If the show falls into stereotypes or unrealistic portrayals, it can distance the audience and make the drama feel less meaningful.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Relatable Teen Drama

1. Character Development and Depth

One of the primary aspects of any relatable teen drama is its characters. Teenagers are still in the process of figuring out who they are, and a drama that explores this journey authentically is likely to resonate with viewers. Look for shows where characters evolve over time, grappling with personal growth, flaws, and the impact of their decisions.

Examples of Well-Developed Characters:

• Euphoria (HBO): The characters in "Euphoria" struggle with identity, love, and self-destruction, with each individual undergoing significant personal growth throughout the series.
• 13 Reasons Why (Netflix): The characters' struggles with mental health, relationships, and identity are central to the narrative, with each character offering a unique perspective on the teenage experience.

The key is to choose dramas that give depth to their characters, allowing them to face real-world challenges. Characters should make mistakes, face consequences, and learn from their experiences, creating a narrative arc that feels grounded in reality.

2. Emotional Authenticity

Teenagers often experience intense emotional highs and lows, and a good teen drama should portray these emotions in a way that feels authentic. Whether it's the euphoria of a first crush or the despair of losing a close friend, emotional authenticity is crucial in connecting with viewers.

Dramas that focus on the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence should highlight the vulnerability of their characters. This means showing raw emotions and not shying away from difficult topics like rejection, grief, or anxiety. It's also important that the emotional responses of characters align with their circumstances---teen dramas should avoid over-dramatization that can make emotions feel exaggerated or contrived.

Example of Emotional Authenticity:

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): This film beautifully captures the inner turmoil of a teenager dealing with depression, trauma, and self-discovery. The emotions in the movie feel raw and honest, making it incredibly relatable to many viewers.

3. Realistic Storylines and Situations

The best teen dramas often focus on the everyday experiences that most teenagers go through. These include issues such as navigating peer pressure, dealing with family conflicts, experiencing first loves, and struggling with academic expectations. When these aspects are portrayed realistically, viewers can easily relate to the story.

It's important that teen dramas depict common teenage experiences without resorting to sensationalized plots or unrealistic storylines. Viewers tend to connect more deeply with shows that reflect the complexities and challenges of growing up in a relatable way.

Example of Realistic Storylines:

• My So-Called Life (ABC): The series captures the mundane, yet emotionally intense moments of high school life, from struggling with fitting in to dealing with first loves and family dynamics.
• Skins (UK): With its honest and sometimes gritty portrayal of adolescence, "Skins" delves into the everyday issues of young people, including mental health, sexuality, and friendship.

4. Cultural Representation and Diversity

In today's world, relatability is also closely tied to representation. Teen dramas that feature a diverse range of characters, from different ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses, allow a broader audience to see themselves reflected on screen. It's important for a show to capture the diversity of real-life experiences, as this not only enhances relatability but also promotes inclusivity.

Teenagers from different cultures or backgrounds may face unique challenges that are specific to their identity. A relatable teen drama should embrace and portray these differences without falling into stereotypes.

Example of Cultural Representation:

• Never Have I Ever (Netflix): This show centers on Devi Vishwakumar, an Indian-American teenager, and addresses issues of cultural identity, generational conflicts, and navigating high school life as a first-generation immigrant.
• On My Block (Netflix): Featuring a diverse group of friends from different backgrounds, "On My Block" touches on the realities of growing up in a multicultural urban environment and addresses issues of race, friendship, and social class.

5. Mental Health Awareness

Adolescence is a time of great emotional upheaval, and mental health is a crucial aspect of that journey. Teen dramas that address mental health challenges---whether it's depression, anxiety, or other conditions---can be especially relatable for young viewers who may be dealing with similar issues. A show that portrays mental health struggles in an honest and empathetic manner can create a space for viewers to feel seen and understood.

Moreover, shows that normalize discussions about mental health can help reduce the stigma around seeking help and encourage teens to take care of their emotional well-being.

Example of Mental Health Awareness:

• 13 Reasons Why (Netflix): While controversial, this show brought attention to issues of mental health, suicide, and the emotional struggles that many teenagers face, fostering important conversations about mental health.
• BoJack Horseman (Netflix): Although animated and featuring anthropomorphic animals, "BoJack Horseman" is widely praised for its raw and honest portrayal of depression, addiction, and self-worth.

6. The Role of Friendship and Peer Dynamics

Friendships are central to the teenage experience, and the way they are portrayed in teen dramas can greatly influence the relatability of the show. The complexities of friendship---such as loyalty, betrayal, and growth---mirror real-life teenage experiences. A show that explores these dynamics realistically can deeply resonate with viewers.

Good teen dramas showcase the ups and downs of friendships, portraying how they evolve over time and how external pressures---like romance, rivalry, or family problems---can affect these bonds.

Example of Friendship Dynamics:

• Freaks and Geeks (NBC): This cult classic explores the lives of high school students in the 1980s, focusing on the social groups and friendships that form during adolescence, from the "freaks" to the "geeks."
• The OC (Fox): This show delves into the friendships of its main characters, exploring how they support each other through personal challenges and family issues.

Conclusion

Choosing the best teen drama for relatability requires considering several factors, including character depth, emotional authenticity, realistic storylines, cultural representation, mental health awareness, and the portrayal of friendship dynamics. The most relatable teen dramas are those that acknowledge the complexity of adolescence and reflect the real-life experiences of their viewers.

By focusing on shows that tackle universal themes such as personal growth, relationships, and the search for identity, viewers can find dramas that resonate with their own teenage experiences. Moreover, teen dramas that embrace diversity and inclusivity allow for a broader audience to connect with the characters and their journeys.

Ultimately, the best teen dramas are those that don't just entertain but also provide a sense of understanding and validation for young viewers, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles and triumphs.

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