The best coming-of-age shows to stream right now

Looking for the ultimate binge-worthy TV lineup that hits all the coming-of-age vibes? From chaotic teen years in Skins and Fresh Meat to family drama in This Is Us and heart-warming mother-daughter moments in Gilmore Girls, we’ve rounded up the shows that capture growing up in all its messy, brilliant glory. Get ready to laugh, cry, and remember what it’s like to figure out life, one episode at a time!

Gilmore Girls

Stream now on Channel 4

Gilmore Girls is the ultimate comfort show, following the life of independent single mom Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and her bright, book-loving daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel). This iconic mother-daughter duo are inseparable, navigating life, love, and everyyyything in between!

Derry Girls

Available now on Channel 4

Derry Girls is an Emmy-winning drama that follows the lives of 16-year-old Erin Quinn (Saoirse- Monica Jackson) and her friends in the early 1990s as they go to a Catholic girls school during the midst of the Northern Ireland Troubles!

Fresh Meat

Stream now on Channel 4

Brought to you by the creators of Peep Show, this comedy-drama claaaaassic introduces us to a group of freshers who are all thrown together after missing out on a spot at uni halls. Packed full of all the stereotypical characters you’d expect to meet at uni, this show is give you relatable giggles! Starring Charlotte Ritchie, Kimberly Nixon, Jack Whitehall, Zawe Ashton and Greg McHugh.

Inbetweeners

Stream on Channel 4

Follow four social awkward mates as they embark on a series of misadventures during their final years of school! The group navigates adolescent life — unsuccessfully pursuing girls, alcohol, and popularity — all while dealing with bullies and endless social embarrassment. Starring Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, James Buckley and Blake Harrison.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Available on ITVX now 

Oh we loveeeee this supernatural show here at Freely, it’s a drama, it’s a fantasy and a coming-of-age show allllll in one! Buffy the Vampire Slayer follows high schooler Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) as she tries to live a normal life while juggling homework with hunting vampires and demons (not the easiest side hustle!). It’s got romance (shoutout to Spike), it’s got drama (so much of it), and brilliant storylines. 

Whether you’re an old-school Buffy fan, have never heard of it, or just haven’t added it to your watchlist yet — if you’re looking for seven seasons of brilliance, you should get watching!

Normal People

Stream on BBC iPlayer

Normal People takes us behind the scenes of the on-again, off-again relationship between Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal), following their secret romance in secondary school through to their time at university. Exploring themes of class, love, trauma, andddd growing up, this is coming-of-age drama at its finest!

This is Us

Available on Channel 4 now 

This is Us is a sentimental family drama that’s so raw and real, you simply can’t help but relate to it. The episodes weave together the past and present of the Pearson family, showing parents Jack and Rebecca alongside siblings Kevin, Kate and Randall as they grow up — and where they are in the present day. It’s wholesome, it’s sad and it will certainly take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. As far as coming-of-age shows go, this one has everything you could want and more. Starring Milo Ventimilglia, Chrissy Metz, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown and Justin Hartley.

Skins

Available now on Channel 4

Head back to the early noughties with this coming-of-age classic! Skins follows the lives of a group of friends from Bristol through their two years of sixth form. What made the show critically acclaimed was its fearless exploration of controversial topics such as substance abuse, sexuality, teenage pregnancy, and mental health. It’s raw, explosive, and painfully relatable as a teenager. Starring Kaya Scodelario, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Dempsie, Dev Patel and Hannah Murray.

Boarders

Stream now on BBC iPlayer

This new drama follows five talented black teens as they try and navigate life at a prestigious British boarding school after receiving scholarships. With themes of identity, culture, race and sexuality it ticks allll the coming-of-age boxes!

Bump

Stream now on BBC iPlayer

Ever imagined finding out you’re pregnant when you’re already nine months along?! That’s exactly what happens to poor Oly (Nathalie Morris) when she unexpectedly goes into labour at school. The show explores the highs and lows of teenage pregnancy, especially when the parents come from very different backgrounds.

Young Sheldon

Available on Channel 4

Young Sheldon lets us see Sheldon Cooper (Ian Armitage) before he became the quirky physicist we know and love, following his journey as a child genius navigating high school way too early. It’s funny, heart-warming, and full of those coming-of-age moments as Sheldon figures out family, friendship, and where he fits in the world.

The Pursuit of Love

Available now on U

Love and lust collide in this immaculate adaptation of Nancy Mitford's novel. This coming-of-age drama sees cousins Linda Radley (Lily James) and Fanny Logan (Emily Beecham) in pursuit of freedom, friendship and relationships in 1920’s Oxfordshire.

G’wed

Available now on ITVX and STV Player

This series follows a group of teenagers from Liverpool as they navigate friendships, first loves, and family dramas while tackling issues like sex, grief, diversity, race, and — most significantly — class differences. From heated arguments to heart-warming moments, this show captures all the messy, funny, and unforgettable moments of growing up in a city full of personality!

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