Top Ten Teen Shows Since 2000

In the last decade there have been a number of good shows for our teenagers. Some are definitely better than others. Here is my list of the top ten shows for teenage available since the year 2000.

10. Wizards of Waverly Place (2007-current) - I only have 3 shows on this list that are still currently on the air. Two of them are from the Disney channel. I think the reason I like it is because it reminds me of how old comedy series used to be.

The show is actually funny and the stories interesting. We have a family of three children, who we find out are wizards. Apparently, only one child in every family can keep the wizarding powers once they reach adulthood. Who does so is decided by a contest.

Their father apparently won the contest, but gave up his powers to marry a mortal. We are able to watch this family grow and deal with having powers in a mostly mortal world. And, we see that deep down everyone cares. A very good and funny show.

9. Hannah Montana ((2006-current) - Although Miley Cyrus has been getting some controversy lately, her show is still popular among teens (and even younger). It's a very exciting premise. A young girl is a regular high school student, but unknown to her schoolmates, she is also the popular singing sensation Hannah Montana. Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley's actual dad, plays her father on the show.

The show is silly, predictable, and not very innovative. But, sometimes that's okay. Miley Cyrus is a charming lead and all the girls I know love her. They try to show some good moral values and they manage to do it without being too heavy handed. Although sometimes many of our kids are jaded, this show can just be a good, innocent escape.

8. Felicity (1998-2002) - This show was very popular in its day. Who didn't root for the young girl, who dropped everything to follow a high-school crush to NYU. As she came to grips with who she was and what she really wanted we cried and laughed with her.

Keri Russell was great in the role. Her trademark curly hair even caused a controversy at one point, when it was cut as a symbol of Felicity's own growth. The supporting characters were also wonderful. We all chose different sides on whether Felicity should choose Ben or Noel. And, admit it, you wanted to know what was in Meghan's box as much as Felicity did.

We tuned in each week to find out what was happening in these college-aged kids' lives because they made us care about them, and that is why this show is on my list.

7. Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996-2003) - Who wouldn't want a bit of magic in his or her life? Sabrina finds out she is a half-witch, with accompanying powers and silly escapades. Living with her two aunts and Salem, a warlock who was turned into a cat as punishment for trying to take over the world, Sabrina invites us into her fantasy-filled world.

The show is loosely based on the character from Archie comics. And we can't help but root for things to work out right for her. We watch as she goes through high school and deals with many issues that other teens face. Add to that all that can go wrong with magic involved and you have the premise of most episodes. Melissa Joan Hart (from Clarissa Explains it all) adds a certain amount of charm to the role. She makes us like her. And even though the plots are silly, we still watched. And, they made it fun.

6. Joan of Arcadia (2003-2005) - I absolutely loved this show. I think it was taken off TV way too soon. It concerned a young woman named Joan in the town of Arcadia. Joan apparently is visited by G-d in regular human forms. He gives Joan various tasks and each one has little ripples in the lives of those closest to her.

There were so many things that were right in this show. The other characters were quirky and interesting. The topics were strong, important and not dumbed down like many shows do.

Unfortunately, most people hadn't found the show and it was canceled, which is a shame because this show was great for all ages, not just teens.

5. Smallville (2001-current) - We all love super heroes. And few are as beloved as Superman. Here is his story, before he became the icon. Clark Kent is a teenager, unsure of himself, full of angst, and unable to show the world what he can do.

Each week, millions of teenagers tune in to watch him navigate through life, whether it be with Lois Lane or Lana Lang. The stars are good looking, charismatic, and draw us into their story.

We all know where he ends up, but watching him get there is wonderful fun. I just wish he would learn to fly already.

4. Kyle XY (2006-2009) - This was a quirky show. Kyle was found naked, alone without memory of who he was. Brought in to help, the psychologist brings him home to her family. Of course, in the beginning there are hurt feelings and jealousies. But through the course of the show, we see these people become a true family.

This show has everything for teenagers, good looking stars, flirting, relationships, high school angst, science fiction storylines, and heart. We cared about these people and wanted to know what was happening.

Again, this show ended before its time, but while it was on it succeeded in doing what was asked of it. Kyle XY was a good show that a family could watch together. I enjoyed it.

3. Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) - Mothers and daughters. Books could (and are) filled based on the relationships and interactions between both. This show was about a mother and daughter, who were also best friends.

Lorelai Gilmore grew up in extravagant surroundings and hated every moment of it. She hated the social rules and when she got pregnant, she ran away. The series begins 17 years later, and Lorelai and her daughter Rory are living their lives, making mistakes, and learning together how to be who they are. Back in their lives are Richard and Emily, Lorelai's parents. It is very interesting to see her relationship with her mother versus her relationship with Rory.

This show was chock full of quirky characters, from Kirk to Miss Patty to Paris, these characters were real and drew you into their fascinating situations. We watched Rory grow through high school, into college, and, finally, leave to get her first job. It was filled with quick witty banter, pop culture discussions, and strong female characters. We knew they would be okay because they had each other.

It was one of those shows that all ages could enjoy and it always left you wanting more of those Gilmore Girls.

2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) - Let's be honest, the movie this television show was based on was terrible. However, in this one show, Joss Whedon showed his true genius.

Buffy is a former cheerleader, who finds out she is destined to save the world by defeating monsters (mostly vampires but there are others). She has superior strength and a keen fashion sense.

The verbal sparring was hip, the stories were amazing, and this show left a huge mark on the television landscape. It was the perfect show for teenagers. And it brought some serious issues up and dealt with them in a very grown up and realistic way. I still watch reruns of this show. It appeals to all ages. Of course, because of the storylines, Buffy should not be shown to someone younger than a teenager.

1. Veronica Mars (2004-2007) - This was perhaps one of my favorites shows when it was on. Veronica Mars is a high school student. She also is great at solving crimes. The whole first season was about finding out who killed her best friend, Lily Kane.

This show had everything, teen angst, lovers' quarrels, murder, mystery, nastiness, etc. But, at the core of this show was the relationship between Veronica and her dad, Keith. They fight, they kid each other, but when push comes to shove, they are one hundred percent committed to each other.

Veronica was sharp, getting into trouble, but able to find her way out again (most of the time). It was really gratifying to see a character who didn't follow the typical stereotype. And, Kristen Bell, made the role so dominating and loved. I will miss this show.