Teen Soaps

One of the most lucrative types of programming, though viewed as one of the least sophisticated, is the teen drama. These types of shows are often written off as silly or overdramatic, and some of them are. However, I don't think that a show should be written off just for this factor alone. I've seen some teen soaps that are god awful, but I've seen some that are excellent - great acting, aesthetics, and writing included. Here are three examples:
 Freaks & Geeks
Freaks & Geeks is one of the only teen shows that actually stars people who look like they're in high school instead of twenty-year-olds. The show deals with drinking and drug-use in probably the most realistic way I've ever seen - they don't have fifteen-year-olds drinking at high class lounges (like in Gossip Girl) and they don't have an after-school special lecture at the end either (7th heaven). The drama and emotions are authentic and real, and its also really funny -- not mention it is produced by the now famous Judd Apatow and stars some of today's biggest stars prior to their major break out!

My So-Called Life
This is another show that portrays teen drama in a realistic way. The acting on this show is pretty solid, considering Claire Danes (currently starring in in the new critic fave Homeland) is the lead. This show was one of the first to feature an openly gay teen character. Mostly, it captures the real tension between parents and their teen children without being over-the-top or overdramatic.

Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights, though only about a small-town and its high school football team, is one of the most impactful and poignant TV shows featuring teens of recent times. This show has fully-developed and well-written characters that I think truly carry the show. Completely worth your time.