As the days get longer and the nights a little warmer, most people begin planning beach trips, picnics and after-work drinks in the golden hour glow. However, for the seasonal-media maniacs, summer marks much more than gelato and frozen margaritas. It marks the season to dust off your sun-faded romance novels—or better yet, your teen drama boxsets—and invest your free time into a core four of teenagers played by 25-year-olds pretending they’re still in high school.

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’ve already seen at least 50 percent of these shows before (and more than once). So, enjoy my guide to the seasonal drama you’ve lived through twenty times already, hopefully with a new favourite waiting for you.

Gilmore Girls

Perhaps a little lighter on the teen aspect, Gilmore Girls centres around the inseparable bond between mother and daughter duo, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. Set in the charming town of Stars Hollow (where everyone knows everyone) it’s impossible not to fall for the cosy establishments, obscure town celebrations and delightfully quirky side characters. If you’re in the mood for romance and family politics with a side of fast talking, this series is for you. It’ll have you craving Chinese takeout, coffee, and romanticised late nights studying. Plus, Carole King’s Where You Lead will wrap you in a blanket of instant comfort from the opening credits. While most comfort-led viewers tuck into their annual rewatch in the fall, this lighthearted series is a must watch for all seasons.

No. of seasons: 7

Best episodes: The Lorelais’ First Day at Chilton (S1, Ep2), Nick & Nora/Sid & Nancy (S2, Ep5), They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They? (S3, Ep7), A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving (S3, Ep9)

IMDB Highest rated episodes: Raincoats and Recipes (S4, Ep22), Bon Voyage (S7, Ep22), Friday Night's Alright for Fighting (S6, Ep13)

One Tree Hill

Gilmore Girls fans will forever wonder what could’ve been if Chad Michael Murray hadn’t left the show. Would Tristan have ended up being Rory’s Romeo? We’ll never know. But one thing’s for sure: the trade-off was worth it, because One Tree Hill was born.

Following the lives of half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott, raised in completely different worlds, the brothers are ultimately pushed together through their shared interests for high school basketball… and the same girls. Beyond the teen drama, One Tree Hill dives into friendship, ambition, and messy family dynamics—serving up some of the most heart-wrenching episodes you’ll ever experience.

On the lighter side, it also delivers iconic outfits and original songs (Hayley James Scott, I’m a huge fan of your work) that you’ll be fixating on long after the ninth season finale. Sorry Gilmore Girls and The OC, but OTH takes the crown for best theme song, no contest.

No. of seasons: 9

Best episodes: Pilot (S1, Ep1), Some You Give Away (S4, Ep9), When It Isn't Like It Should Be (S3, Ep18)

IMDB Highest rated episodes: With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept (S3, Ep 16), Some You Give Away (S4, Ep9), Danny Boy (S9, Ep11)

The O.C.

Nothing says summer like sun-drenched drama, salty air and, well, Summer Roberts. Set in sunny Southern California, The O.C. follows the life of bad boy Ryan, who’s taken under the wing of lawyer Sandy and his family. Worlds away from his upbringing in Chino, Ryan tries to adjust to the privileged world of his newfound family– with help from his new best friend and brother Seth, next-door neighbour Marissa, and her best friend Summer. It’s here that the iconic core four is officially born.

Expect lots of bagels, side eyes and Adam Brody, as well as the prettiest y2k fashion inspo around. (Here’s an edit of Marissa’s entire wardrobe to prove it!)

@ybrfilmsEvery Outfit Marissa Cooper Wore on The O.C. (season one). Request a characters outfit video via the link 🔗 in my bio! #marissacooper #theoc #mischabarton #outfitinspo

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No. of seasons: 4

Best episodes: Premiere (S1, Ep1), The Countdown (S1, Ep14), The Chrismukkah That Almost Wasn’t (S2, Ep6)

IMDB Highest rated episodes: The End's Not Near, It's Here (S4, Ep16), Premiere (S1, Ep1), The Dearly Beloved (S2, Ep24)

Dawson’s Creek

Following the life of cinema-obsessed aspiring filmmaker Dawson Leery, Dawson’s Creek follows the eponymous character and his three friends as they navigate small-town life in Capeside, Massachusetts. From love triangles to sex and messy friendships, it’s the ultimate nostalgic teen drama blueprint, packed with core four tension, emotional monologues, and more film references than you’ll recognise.

No. of seasons: 6

Best episodes: Detention (S1, Ep7), The All-Nighter (S2, Ep7), …That is the Question (S2, Ep15)

IMDB Highest rated episodes: …Must Come to an End (S6,Ep24), The Longest Day (S3,Ep20), True Love (S3,Ep23)

Gossip Girl

If you’re ready to trade '90s small-town charm for noughties NYC chaos, Gossip Girl is the show for you. Packed with scandal, secrets, and fleeting guest appearances, the series follows the lives of privileged teen socialites as they navigate private school, high society and forbidden love triangles. Meanwhile, anonymous insider Gossip Girl is watching and threatening to expose their every move.

You might come for the drama, but you’ll ultimately stay for the headbands and iconic soundtrack gems.

No. of seasons: 6

Best episodes: Summer Kind of Wonderful (S2, Ep1),The Treasure of Serena Madre (S3, Ep11), masquerade party, The Handmaiden's Tale (S1, Ep6)

IMDB Highest rated episodes: New York l, I Love You XOXO (S6,Ep10), The Goodbye Gossip Girl (S2,Ep25), O Brother, Where Bart Thou? (S2,Ep13)

90210

Based on the 90s hit series of the same name, 90210 follows the lives of Beverly Hills rich kids navigating West Beverly high school. Unlike the other series mentioned, 90210 has a lot more than a core four or five. In fact, it has a core nine (NINE?!) main characters you’ll love to hate, including siblings Annie and Dixon Wilson, aspiring singer-songwriter Adrianna Tate-Duncan and ultimate diva, Naomi Clark. Character development (and decline) is essential to this series and you’ll likely be routing for someone new each episode.

No. of seasons: 5

Best episodes: One Party Can Ruin Your Whole Summer (S1,Ep24), Girl Fight (S2, Ep14), The Prom Before the Storm (S3, Ep21)

IMDB Highest rated episodes: One Party Can Ruin Your Whole Summer (S1,Ep24), Confessions (S2,Ep22), Liars (S3,Ep12)

The Vampire Diaries

When the nights get cooler and the days slightly shorter, The Vampire Diaries is the perfect teen drama to transition into fall. After Elena faces a family tragedy, she must readjust to life in Mystic Falls, navigating school, home life and her feelings for mysterious newcomer Stefan Salvatore. However, when his charming older brother arrives with a hidden agenda, Elena finds herself in a Vampire love triangle as they navigate the supernatural chaos in the town.

No. of seasons: 8

Best episodes: Founders Day (S1, Ep22), Yellow Ledbetter (S6, Ep2), Graduation (S4, Ep3), The Originals (S4, Ep20)

IMDB Highest rated episodes: The Departed (S3, Ep22), I Was Feeling Epic (S8, Ep16), Founders Day (S1, Ep22)

Previously, on Cultured Girlfriend… Mid- month musings: Olivia Dean, spring bedding and Big Brother