Best high school series to watch on Netflix
David Farnor | On 28, Sep 2023
Who doesn’t like watching exciting series about teenagers working their way through all the drama of being a young adult? If your high school years are in the past, it’s an excellent opportunity to recall those emotional situations, close friendships, bitter disappointments and first romantic dates. And, if you are still in high school, it gives you the chance to look at your behaviour and life choices from another perspective. But which Netflix high school series are worth your attention?
The only obstacle to spending a great time watching some of these series can be homework assignments – some students might even hire online writing services to save time, using, for example, experienced EssayShark writers to get the necessary guidance while coping with writing assignments. However you ensure you have enough time to enjoy the following series, here’s a round-up of some of the high school shows to put on your watchlist:
Stranger Things
If you’ve always had a feeling that there are other dimensions, this is the show for you. It’s a sci-fi series set in the 1980s that follows a group of kids who encounter supernatural mysteries in their small town. Apart from trying to uncover the secrets of a strange girl with superpowers, we get to sympathise with characters who explore true friendship’s meaning. Every season has spooky plot twists aplenty – but nothing quite as bizarre as seeing young people living without mobile phones.
13 Reasons Why
This series tackles important issues like bullying and mental health, revolving around a high school student’s suicide and the aftermath. Once again, we get the reminder of how cruel and unempathetic people can be. At the same time, the series teaches us that there are always people who care and are ready to support us no matter what happens. The main problem is to overcome the fear of asking for their assistance when you really need it.
Sex Education
This comedy-drama series explores issues related to sexuality and relationships. We follow Otis as he becomes a sex therapist for his classmates. His mother is a sex therapist, and Otis learns many theoretical and practical tips on building romantic relationships. The series raises many crucial questions that modern youngsters have to deal with during their adolescence. Through its seasons, we see characters come and go, and relationships start and end. The only thing that remains unchanged is the show’s commitment to honesty and respect. Also, Otis’s three-coloured jacket.
I Am Not Okay with This
Life is hard when you are a teenager. Sometimes, it may seem that things would only be easier if you had superpowers. The series busts this myth by telling the story of a young girl whose life becomes even more complicated after she realizes she is developing a talent for telekinesis. The show is a combination of humour and grief. We get to understand what stands behind the grief and anger of the main character. Many viewers would agree that it is one of those cases when Netflix could have made the second and even a third season. However, the show was canceled after the first one. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dive in.
Never Have I Ever
At the beginning of the series, we see an Indian-American teenager, Devi, who tries to overcome the recent passing of her father. We get to see the way such a devastating event can lead to psychological trauma and manifest itself through different physical and emotional limitations. As the story unfolds, we see Devi trying to upgrade her social status by making new friends, looking for a boyfriend, and navigating complicated relationships with her mother. One of the fun quirks of the series is the narration by John McEnroe – who, as it turns out, has some things in common with Devi.
Derry Girls
Derry Girls is set in Ireland in the 1990s and follows the lives of a group of teenagers attending a girls-only Catholic school. The series follows the usual high school show formula, but with a dash of dark humour and Irish charm. The plot is based on writer Lisa McGee’s life experiences, which means it provides a realistic representation of adolescent life in Ireland during this volatile time. Derry Girls is as relatable as it is humorous, coming to an unavoidable but satisfying finale and ending on a high note.
Heartstopper
Heartstopper, which began as a webcomic on Tumblr and Tapas, has gained massive online popularity, with over 124 million views. Heartstopper follows Nick and Charlie, two teenage boys who meet in a British grammar school, rapidly become friends, and fall in love. Each volume eloquently frames the ups and downs of first love, friendships, coming out and mental health with a friendly cast of supporting characters. The Netflix show focuses on the evolving dynamics of the boys’ relationship while also dealing with the lives of their close pals. It is a beautiful, sometimes sad, story that will melt the heart of even the most cynical person out there.
In short, there are many great series to choose from. Even though modern scriptwriters use topics like superpowers as a lens through which to explore adolescence, they remain focused on the timeless truths of building relationships with others. Being a teenager is hard because you need to reevaluate your principles and goals. However, when you have the support of your friends and family, this stage of growing up can be less stressful. Many of the above series give the audience examples of people learning that for themselves – it’s a mix of entertainment and education. What else can a student ask for?