Even decades after these shows first aired, people still continue to binge these 2000s dramas! The early 2000s are filled with plenty of exceptional genres including sitcoms, rom-coms, gut wrenching, suspenseful, and many more. However, since there’s so many to choose from, it makes you wonder, which shows are really worth the watch? Most 2000s shows are a couple seasons long with over 10 episodes at a 40 minute run, which takes a lot of commitment and dedication to get through. Therefore, I made it easier for us, and sent out a form to all EPHS students to see which ones they really feel are a definite must see. After seeing these results, it sure made choosing a lot easier, and I hope this article entices you to start binge watching your possible new favorite show!

5th Place: One Tree Hill

In 5th place, with 4 votes, is One Tree Hill, a long-running show on the CW channel. One Tree Hill follows two half brothers, Lucas and Nathan, who grew up in the same small town but live very different lives until basketball brings them together. At first, they compete on the same high school team, and their rivalry affects their friends, families, and relationships. As the show goes on, the show focuses on their group of friends dealing with school, love, and personal struggles. Secrets from the past and family issues slowly come up, changing how the characters see each other and themselves. Overall, the show’s about growing up, making choices, and learning who you can trust, without giving away the biggest moments.

4th Place: Pretty Little Liars

In 4th place is Pretty Little Liars with 5 votes, first airing on Freeform. Pretty Little Liars is about four girls: Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily, whose group falls apart after their friend Alison suddenly disappears. About a year later, they start getting mysterious texts from someone called “A,” who seems to know all their deepest darkest secrets. The girls are forced back together as they try to figure out who is behind the messages while dealing with school, relationships, and family problems. As they search for answers, they uncover clues about Alison’s past and their town, but each clue leads to more questions. The show focuses on friendship, trust, and secrets, while building a suspenseful mystery, always leaving you with unanswered questions, which makes the show very hooking.

3rd Place: Gossip Girl

In 3rd place is Gossip Girl, first airing on the CW. Gossip Girl is about a group of wealthy teens on the Upper East Side of New York City whose lives are constantly followed by an anonymous blogger known as “Gossip Girl.” The story focuses on Serena van der Woodsen returning to the city and reconnecting with her best friend Blair Waldorf, which quickly brings up past drama that was unresolved. Along with their friends, they deal with relationships, family pressure, and social status at their private schools, including the welcoming of the Humphrey family. Every secret, rumor, and mistake can be posted online, creating tension and changing their friendships. As the series goes on, the characters grow up and face bigger choices, while the mystery of who Gossip Girl is continues throughout the show.

2nd Place: The Vampire Diaries

 Coming in 2nd place, my personal favorite, The Vampire Diaries, first airing on the CW. The Vampire Diaries is about a teenage girl named Elena Gilbert who is trying to heal after her parents died in a car accident. Living in the small town of Mystic Falls, she meets Stefan, a quiet new student, and they quickly form a strong romantic connection. Elena soon discovers that Stefan is a vampire, and their relationship becomes more complicated as danger follows him. Things get even more intense when his brother Damon arrives, creating a love triangle filled with tension and tough choices. As the story goes on, Elena and her friends deal with love, loss, and supernatural threats, while uncovering secrets without trying to sacrifice themselves and others in the process.

1st Place: Gilmore Girls

Finally, in first place, is Gilmore Girls, with 16 votes, a personal favorite to watch with your mom. Gilmore Girls is about a single mom named Lorelai Gilmore and her teenage daughter Rory, who live in a small town called Stars Hollow. Lorelai had Rory when she was very young and chose to raise her on her own, which is why they have a very close, almost best friend like kind of relationship. When Rory gets accepted into a private prep school, Lorelai has to ask her wealthy parents for help, in which her parents make a deal that in order for them to pay for Rory to go to her school, Rory and Lorelai have to go to her parents house every Friday for dinner. The show follows Rory’s journey through school, friendships, and goals for her future, while Lorelai works at an inn and builds her own life and relationships. This show is certainly a family favorite for everyone especially with its lighthearted but still humorous topics, including dark humor, making it stand out in the first place. 

In conclusion, the 2000’s are surely filled with lots of hits, especially these top 5! Whether you like rom-coms or drama, there’s many options to choose from, certainly waiting to become your new favorite binge. I hope this article draws some of you to start these shows, because they are certainly all amazing shows. Even though these shows may be from over a decade ago, their stories still connect with students today and can never be forgotten.

References:

Banks, B. (Creator). (2018). 2000s Teen TV Shows [TV series]. IMDB. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls027008628/ 

 The Vampire Diaries (TV Series 2009–2017) – Plot. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved March 5, 2026, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1405406/plotsummary/ 

Pretty Little Liars (TV Series 2010–2017) – Plot. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved March 4, 2026, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1578873/plotsummary/ 

Gilmore Girls. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved March 4, 2026, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0238784/plotsummary/ 

One Tree Hill (TV Series 2003–2012) – Plot. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved March 19, 2026, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368530/plotsummary/ 

Gossip Girl (TV Series 2007–2012) – Plot. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved March 19, 2026, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0397442/plotsummary/