Many of us grew up glued to the TV, with great teen shows to fill our afternoons and evenings with. The BBC has consistently delivered, producing shows surrounding drama, school life, friendship, and gripping mysteries. Classics like Skins, The Story of Tracy Beaker, and Waterloo Road have set the standard for unforgettable teen television.
Whether you’re in the mood for heartfelt coming-of-age stories or just some binge-worthy favoruites, the BBC has something for every teen‑drama fan.
So grab some snacks and settle in – here’s a curated list of the 10 best BBC teen TV shows to watch right now.
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Phoenix Rise
Phoenix Rise is a British teen drama that first aired on BBC iPlayer in March 2023. It follows a group of teens in the West Midlands as they make a comeback to mainstream school after exclusions, and they are determined to turn things around. The series has four seasons and stars Alex Draper, Lauren Corah, Jayden Hanley, Krish Bassi, Tara Webb, and Imogen Baker.
Get Even
Get Even is a British teen thriller series that debuted on BBC iPlayer on 14 February 2020. At the prestigious Bannerman Independent School, a group of schoolgirls start a secret club to expose bullies – and get way more than they bargained for.
Rebel Cheer Squad
Rebel Cheer Squad is a British teen thriller from the creators of Get Even, which premiered on BBC iPlayer and CBBC on 14 February 2022 and is available on Netflix. The series follows a new group of students at Bannerman School – including Leila Harris, Grace Ellington, Clara Harris, Rumi Joshi, and Sam – as they take on school bullies and uncover hidden secrets. The show has one season of eight episodes
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a BBC mystery thriller starring Emma Myers as teen sleuth Pip Fitz‑Amobi, who reopens the chilling cold case of a classmate’s murder after suspecting that the original conviction is wrong. The six‑episode series first aired on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer in July 2024 and later launched internationally on Netflix, becoming a hit with YA mystery fans worldwide.
Boarders
Boarders is a British teen comedy-drama which aired in 2024. The series follows five underprivileged Black teens from London who earn scholarships to the elite St Gilbert’s boarding school, as they navigate friendships and rivalries. The show stars Josh Tedeku, Jodie Campbell, Myles Kamwendo, Sekou Diaby, and Aruna Jalloh.
Red Rose
Red Rose is the chilling horror series taking viewers on a terrifying ride through the digital age. Set in Bolton, it follows a group of teens enjoying their summer after GCSEs – until a mysterious app begins to take over their phones. Those who fail to obey its sinister demands face shocking, dangerous consequences.
The Sparticle Mystery
The Sparticle Mystery is the blockbuster British sci‑fi adventure that had viewers gripped throughout. When everyone over the age of 15 suddenly disappears, a group of brave youngsters is left to fend for themselves and restore order to a world gone eerie and chaotic.
The A List
This series first began airing in 2018. Spanning two seasons, The A List follows a group of teenagers at an exclusive summer camp on a remote Scottish island, where seemingly perfect friendships and romances mask dark secrets.
Tracy Beaker Returns
This series first began airing in 2010 on CBBC. Tracy Beaker Returns follows the fiery, outspoken Tracy Beaker as she comes back to The Dumping Ground – a care home she once lived in – now as a care worker.
Blue Peter: The Next Generation
This series first began airing in 2021 on CBBC. Blue Peter: The Next Generation follows a new cohort of adventurous young presenters as they take on exciting challenges, explore unusual hobbies, and tackle real-world issues.