Heading into the fall lineup of all things TV shows, something about 2000s television will always hit different. I feel like as somebody who first watched One Tree Hill in 2020, I completely fell in love with 2000s shows and the comfort they brought.
Whether it was the drama, the soundtrack, the fashion, or the moments that kept me in the loop for longer than I thought, these shows will forever hold such a nostalgic power that newer series can’t quite seem to replicate—and trust me, I have looked.
Sometimes when you’re searching for a new series, all you need is a cozy rewatch of something familiar. So here are eight shows that feel just like that:
1. The O.C. (2003–2007)
Summary: A troubled teen from Chino’s life turns inside out when he ends up moving to Orange County and living with a wealthy family—and then things suddenly change for himself and the others around him.
Such an iconic mention and quite frankly a favorite—the sun-soaked drama of The O.C. I started this series shortly after finishing One Tree Hill and it is just peak teen drama. It has unforgettable characters and will have you loving Adam Brody—I don’t make the rules. I definitely think this is a summer watch, but if you’re missing summer and want all of its glory back, The O.C. is simply the ultimate pick. From Seth and Summer to Ryan Atwood, it’s slowburn drama and sarcasm that is, strangely enough, comforting. If you love Brooke Davis, you’ll love Summer Roberts.
2. One Tree Hill (2003–2012)
Summary: Two half-brothers battle it out on and off the basketball court while navigating love, family, and troubles in the small town of Tree Hill.
Now I have already mentioned this series a few times so you already know what is coming—One Tree Hill. Few shows have stolen my heart and this one is the one. I feel like I have never felt such heart packed into a series like this one. Between deciding which is the better brother (there is no choice), love triangles, and Nathan and Haley, it gives what it needs to. I will say for me personally it died off in the last season, but it always makes you feel understood and like you can rewatch it for days. There is never a dull moment and it is definitely something to slow down your summer and lead you into the fall.
3. Smallville (2001–2011)
Summary: It’s Clark Kent before the cape—high school, small-town life and love, and the uncovering of his powers developing his origin story.
A current watch, and a welcoming favorite—Smallville. To be fair I just started watching this series, and I am 15 episodes deep. I have been a superhero lover since I was a child and I feel like this series is bringing back that inner child in me. It is centered around Clark Kent and I have heard, “Start Smallville if you don’t care as much about Superman, but more about Clark.” I have definitely felt that and it should be something everyone hears before watching the series as well. I can never steer away from a teen drama and neither should you. It is a perfect blend of that nostalgic feeling and holds up in a way that maybe you would not quite expect. Give it three episodes, please—coming from somebody who nearly gave it up by episode one. It’s Tom Welling, guys, come on.
4. Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003)
Summary: A group of close friends grow up in a small coastal town, exploring all things love and identity, and going through deep emotional changes.
Now this one is one you cannot move through life without watching—Dawson’s Creek. So technically it began in 1998, but I feel like it bleeds early 2000s show. If you’re interested in diving deep into the manchild that is Dawson Leery, but are sticking around for the slowburn, this is the one for you. It is an emotional rollercoaster and had me all over. It is endlessly complicated but in a good way. Whether you are team Pacey… and uh, that seems to be the only team… it is a classic and simply never ever gets old.
5. 90210 (2008–2013)
Summary: This reboot of Beverly Hills, 90210 brings a new set of wealthy teens to West Beverly High and follows their messy yet glamorous lives.
A reboot hates to see me coming and should hate to see you too. Some are bad, some are good, but a reboot of the original Beverly Hills, 90210 is simply the essence of teen drama. I went back and forth when watching this about a year ago and it was a good back and forth. This is a complete and honest recommendation, so I feel as though I have to be honest. If you love chaotic teen drama, this is for you. I liked it, but if you’re looking for a good 2000s show, maybe have this in like top four of your watchlist. It is over the top, but in the best way and it screams 2000s and has plenty of messy love triangles.
6. Veronica Mars (2004–2007)
Summary: A teen sleuth investigates local mysteries and big secrets in her sunny California town of Neptune while dealing with—yep, you guessed it—high school and loss.
I recently watched this series about three months ago and I couldn’t put it down—Veronica Mars, you are it. It definitely is not everyone’s cup of tea. It is a teen detective show, but come on—Logan Echolls? I stayed for him and him only. It is a good mix of heartbreak and mystery and if you haven’t read my piece on bringing back slowburns, this one includes the biggest and most loved slowburn of the decade. I won’t spoil but it is completely underrated and I wish I heard more about it. It is a perfect binge.
7. Glee (2009–2015)
Summary: A group of misfits forms a high school glee club and navigates love, loss, and friendship—all while performing together.
Now I feel like a certain percent of teens grew up watching Glee, and I am one of many. It is the perfect theater kid’s dream, and it’s iconic in its own way. Whether you’re interested in watching for the songs, loved couples, or Sue Sylvester, it is one of those shows you can rewatch endlessly. Does it make you cringe? Sure. But it is just one of those shows you need to see.
8. The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017)
Summary: A teenage girl finds herself in the middle of a dangerous love triangle between vampire brothers, but little does she know, apart from vampire brothers, Mystic Falls is a town full of supernatural secrets.
Now a top ten of mine—The Vampire Diaries. It is a supernatural teen drama, and supernatural teen dramas are always good. It is an addiction when you watch it and between the sibling rivalry or the love triangles, it is full of heart and pulls you right in. It delivers and it has heart and it is simply a must-watch. It is the ideal comfort show and perfect for leading into fall and watching before our loved fall lineups start premiering.
Content is endless and these series are constantly talked about—not because of a character or a ship, but because they are loved. They shaped us, and if you haven’t been shaped yet, you will! Whether you are looking for an old favorite or one that is tipping the edge of old and new, these 2000s series are going to make you feel comfort to the third degree—and, as always, a few tears along the way.
Rewind and Replay 
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