10 High School Comedy Shows That Perfectly Capture the Cringe And Chaos of Teenage Years

Awkward.

In "Awkward.," 15-year-old Jenna Hamilton's life spirals into chaos after a simple accident is hilariously misconstrued, transforming her into the talk of the school. Narrated through Jenna’s blog posts, this series intricately portrays the turmoil and humor of teenage life. It's a refreshing reminder of how quickly misunderstandings can snowball in high school, turning ordinary events into legendary tales. Watch Awkward.

Never Have I Ever

"Never Have I Ever" follows Devi Vishwakumar, an Indian-American teen overcoming a traumatic year, striving to ascend the social ranks. However, her endeavors are continually thwarted by her quirky family, loyal friends, and unpredictable emotions. This show perfectly marries cultural nuances with universal high school experiences, making Devi’s journey both humorous and heartwarming. Watch Never Have I Ever

Derry Girls

Set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland's political turmoil in the 1990s, "Derry Girls" spotlights five secondary school friends navigating teenage trials. Despite the serious historical context, the show’s humor is top-notch, capturing the absurdities of teenage life with a sharp wit. It’s a brilliant mix of laughing at the characters' misadventures while rooting for their resilience. Watch Derry Girls

Sex Education

"Sex Education" centers around Otis, who, inspired by his sex therapist mother, starts an underground sex therapy clinic at school with the rebellious Maeve. The series dives into the intricacies of teenage sexuality with humor and sensitivity, making it both enlightening and entertaining. It’s a bold series that addresses taboo subjects with an unflinching comedic lens. Watch Sex Education

Freaks and Geeks

In the cult classic "Freaks and Geeks," Lindsay Weir swaps her academic “mathlete” identity to mingle with the “freaks,” while her brother Sam navigates high school with his geeky friends. The series' authentic portrayal of 1980s adolescence has made it a timeless treasure, highlighting the different social tribes within a high school while offering laughs and heartfelt moments. Watch Freaks and Geeks

The Inbetweeners

The British comedy "The Inbetweeners" dives into the socially awkward exploits of Will, Simon, Jay, and Neil. These suburban teens, despite their best efforts, often land themselves on the outer fringes of the social spectrum. The series is a treasure trove of cringe-worthy moments and ill-fated escapades, offering a hilarious recount of attempts at teenage normalcy gone awry. Watch The Inbetweeners

PEN15

"PEN15" presents middle school life through the eyes of Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, who play versions of themselves surrounded by actual thirteen-year-olds. Set in the year 2000, the series hilariously navigates the awkward rites of passage of adolescence, from first crushes to the power dynamics of friendships, all with brutal honesty and comedic finesse. Watch PEN15

On My Block

"On My Block" follows a group of friends growing up in inner-city Los Angeles, blending hilarity with heartfelt moments as they navigate high school. Their close-knit bond helps them face many challenges, making their journey a poignant blend of laughter, love, and resilience amidst life's harsh realities. Watch On My Block

Atypical

In "Atypical," Sam, an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum, embarks on a quest for independence and love, which inevitably alters his family's dynamics. His journey, filled with both poignant and humorous moments, sheds light on the complexities of being different in a setting often demanding conformity. Watch Atypical

Big Mouth

"Big Mouth" brings to life the turbulent period of puberty through the adventures of teenage friends, guided by hilariously inappropriate hormone monsters. Created by Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg, the show’s edgy humor and candid exploration of adolescent challenges make it a standout comedy with both cringe and charm in equal measure. Watch Big Mouth

Final Thoughts

These ten series highlight the delightful absurdity, complex dynamics, and raw emotions that define the teenage experience. Each one offers a unique perspective on high school life, making us laugh while nostalgically reflecting on our own roller-coaster years. Whether you're reliving your youth or just looking for a good laugh, these shows are must-watch gems that masterfully blend cringe with comedy.