10 Shows Like '90210' That Deliver the Ultimate Teen Drama Fix
Betrayals, secrets, love triangles, and drama that never sleeps, 90210 was the ultimate teen rollercoaster! As the reboot of Beverly Hills, 90210, it gave fans everything they craved- rich kids partying in mansions to friendships ruined by rumor. But what if you have already binged every episode and still want more? There is an easy fix for that with these 10 shows like 90210 that deliver that exciting juicy mix of glamor, gossip, romance and surprises!
Think The O.C., where Ryan Atwood dives into the world of the wealthy and chaos, or Gossip Girl, where Manhattan’s Upper East side elite makes the Beverly Hills drama seem tame. From the dark, dirty little secrets of Pretty Little Liars to the sun-soaked parties of One Tree Hill, this list of shows like 90210 will pull you right back into a world where the stakes are high and the drama never ends. Which show will take the top spot? Keep at it and you might just find your next obsession!
10 shows like 90210 that are just as addictive and full of twists!
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10. Switched at Birth
Cast: Katie Leclerc, Vanessa Marano, Constance Marie, Lucas Grabeel, Sean Berdy
Release Date: June 6, 2011
Where to Watch: Hulu, Freeform
Two girls. Two completely different lives. One huge mix-up. Switched at Birth tells the story of Bay Kennish and Daphne Vasquez, two girls who discover a hospital accidentally switched them at birth. One grew up in wealth, while the other grew up in a working-class home, so when their families came together, the drama was explosive. Like 90210, this show does not shy away from real issues, letting class differences, relationships, and self-discovery take the center stage.
Much like 90210, this show is all about the character relationships- from Bay’s artsy rebellion, Daphne’s determination, to the clashing of two very different family lifestyles creates an engaging drama that will get you hooked. If you enjoyed 90210 for its crazy drama and knotty relationships, Switched at Birth brings the same energy but with an even spicier twist!
9. Beverly Hills, 90210
Cast: Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth
Release Date: October 4, 1990
Where to Watch: Hulu, CBS All Access
Before 90210 took over, Beverly Hills, 90210 was the gold standard of teen drama. It will introduce you to Brandon and Brenda Walsh, twins who move to glamorous Beverly Hills and quickly learn that life among the rich and beautiful is not always perfect. From heartbreaking breakups to major life crises, this show had it all—and it is the whole reason fans even got the 90210 reboot.
If you are among the lovers of 90210, this show is where it all started. The fashion may scream the ‘90s, but the themes of love, friendships, and the struggles of growing up are timeless drama. Think of it as a time capsule of teen drama at its finest, setting the stage for all the shows like 90210 that came after. Whether you are watching it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, this wholesome drama that needs to be on your watchlist!
8. Dawson’s Creek
Cast: James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, Kerr Smith
Release Date: January 20, 1998
Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+
First loves, heartbreak, and adolescent angst, Dawson’s Creek delivers it all with a poetic flair. Set in the sleepy town of Capeside, this series follows Dawson, Joey, Pacey, and Jen as they struggle through their relationships and their ambitions that stretch beyond their small-town lives.
Like 90210, Dawson’s Creek is full of emotional confrontations and love triangles that will keep you guessing. But what makes it even better? The rich dialogue and iconic moments that will have you rooting for your favorite couple (Pacey and Joey, anyone?). If 90210 had you feeling that sweet ache of young love, Dawson’s Creek will give you twice the dose!
7. Friends
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Matt Le Blanc, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer
Release Date: September 22, 1994
Where to Watch: Netflix, HBO Max
Friends is a sitcom, yes, but do not underestimate the drama, romance, and hilarious scenes that literally made Friends a cultural phenomenon. From Ross shouting "We were on a break!" to Jennifer Aniston’s Friends character, Rachel Green, going from a runaway bride to a fashion legend, every episode has unforgettable moments. This story of six friends figuring out life, love, and adulthood in New York City will give you all the feels, making it impossible to stop watching!
via Imago
385848 27: Cast members of NBC’s comedy series “Friends.” Pictured (l to r): David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Cook, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani and Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay. Episode: “The One Where They All Turn Thirthy.” (Photo by Warner Bros. Television)
If 90210 had you invested in relationships, you will love the chemistry in Friends. Both shows are proof that the bonds you create in your youth can stick with you forever. Whether it is Chandler’s sarcasm or Joey’s hopeless romantic side, these friendships are just as compelling as the love stories that follow!
6. One Tree Hill
Cast: Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, Hilarie Burton, Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Lenz
Release Date: September 23, 2003
Where to Watch: Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video
Basketball, brotherhood, and betrayals, One Tree Hill is a high school drama at its finest. This is the story of two half-brothers, Lucas and Nathan. Lucas and Nathan Scott are not just battling on the court, they are fighting for love, family, and their place in each other’s lives. Think 90210’s Dylan and Brandon but with a whole lot of intensity (and way more slam dunks).
Much like 90210, it has got tense love triangles, class struggles, and enough shocking moments to keep you awake and glued to the screen night after night!
5. 10 Things I Hate About You
Cast: Lindsey Shaw, Meaghan Jette Martin, Ethan Peck, Nicholas Braun, Larry Miller
Release Date: July 7, 2009
Where to Watch: Disney+
If you enjoyed the 90210’s high school drama but also want to watch something with a comedic edge, 10 Things I Hate About You is your perfect pick. Based on the classic movie of the same name, it follows two very different sisters—fiery feminist Kat and the popularity-chasing Bianca, as they go through their journey's of dating, school, and family rules.
It has got that same high school cliques, dating dilemmas, and rebellious fun that made 90210 a fan favorite. Plus, Ethan Peck’s charming and brooding take on Patrick Verona will have you thinking back to the bad-boy heartthrobs from 90210.
4. The Vampire Diaries
Cast: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Candice Accola, Kat Graham
Release Date: September 10, 2009
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
What is better than high school drama? High school drama with vampires. Elena Gilbert's life is turned upside down when she falls for the mysteriously gorgeous Salvatore brothers, unlocking secrets of the supernatural world hidden in Mystic Falls. The Vampire Diaries is romance, action, shocking betrayals and plenty of surprises to keep your heart racing.
If 90210 gave you thrilling love triangles, The Vampire Diaries pushes them to the limit. Stefan vs. Damon? It is the ultimate tussle of passion, mystery, and heartbreak. And to top it off, the mix of supernatural mythology with classic teenage drama makes it impossible to stop watching!
3. Pretty Little Liars
Cast: Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Lucy Hale, Shay Mitchell, Sasha Pieterse
Release Date: June 8, 2010
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Hulu
Secrets, lies, and anonymous threats, Pretty Little Liars is practically 90210 but with a mystery twist. When their queen bee, Alison, vanishes, four best friends start receiving cryptic messages from an unknown figure called “A.” Every episode is a mix of high school drama, shocking betrayals, and life-or-death situations that will have you holding your breath for the characters.
If 90210’s scandals kept you on edge, Pretty Little Liars ups the ante with danger lurking around every text message. It is glitzy, devious, and ridiculously addictive.
2. Gossip Girl
Cast: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley
Release Date: September 19, 2007
Where to Watch: Netflix
If 90210 had a stylish, snobby cousin in New York, it would be Gossip Girl. This series drops you straight into the upper-crust lifestyle of Manhattan's Upper East Side, where rich teens like Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf are all about love triangles, scheming, power plays, and secrets. It is drama, secrets, and jaw-dropping fashion statements, all rolled up into one show you simply cannot stop watching once you start!
via Imago
Credits: Imago
Fans of 90210 will no doubt adore the high-stakes drama, but Gossip Girl does not stop there, it amps up the intensity with ruthless competition and even more outrageous betrayals that will have you gasping out loud. With its glitzy backdrop and characters who would rather destroy reputations than take a math test, this show sets teen drama in a whole other universe.
1. The O.C.
Cast: Ben McKenzie, Mischa Barton, Adam Brody
Release Date: August 5, 2003
Where to Watch: Hulu, Max
Before 90210 took over Beverly Hills, The O.C. ruled the California teen drama scene. It had it all, bad boys with a heart of gold, rich kids swimming in drama, and parties so wild they would put Hollywood to shame. Ryan Atwood’s arrival in the glitzy rich world of Newport Beach turns everything upside down, springing up love triangles, betrayals, and heartbreaks that will have you tearing up. And to be real—was there ever a more dramatic TV moment than that Imogen Heap scene? If you are a big fan of TV shows like 90210, this one will hit the spot. The high school drama is just as juicy and maybe even juicier!
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Teen dramas are the ultimate guilty pleasure, and these shows like 90210 deliver all that addictive drama, romance, and twists. Whether it is Gossip Girl spilling secrets on the Upper East Side, The O.C. serving up heartbreak by the beach, or Pretty Little Liars keeping you guessing with shocking betrayals, every show has its signature brand of drama for you to pick from. Love triangles? Check. Wild parties? Always. Friendships that go from sweet to enemies, betrayals, lies? Well, you will find that out yourselves!
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So, which one is your go-to teen drama binge? Did we nail this list, or is there another drama that should have the attention? Drop your favorites in the comments below!
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Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui
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