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Keeping up with what your teen is watching on their summer break is no easy feat!
From the latest teen romance to a gripping fantasy plot, we’ve rounded up a helpful guide to all the biggest teen shows coming out this summer — and most importantly, what parents should know about them.
Giving them space to watch what they want to watch is important, especially since studies show that not giving your kids a chance to foster their independence hinders their personal development. But it’s normal to want to be at least somewhat aware of the media your kids consume. That’s where this guide comes in.
We’ve included age ratings, assessed the contents, and some plot points that might give you a better understanding of what your teen could take from the shows they’re loving. We’ve also highlighted some things parents might enjoy from this summer’s teen TV hits — if your kid is willing to share, that is.
Here is your guide to the shows your teen will be loving all summer long!
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We Were Liars
Image Credit: Jessie Redmond/Prime We’ve already written about why we think parents should join their teens in bingeing Prime Video’s We Were Liars, but if you’re unfamiliar with this book adaptation, think of it as a YA version of Big Little Lies or The Perfect Couple with a major twist at the end.
It follows Cadence Sinclair and her band of affluent friends and cousins who summer on her family’s private island. After a mysterious accident last summer left her with memory loss, Cadence returns to the island determined to uncover the secret that her family is keeping from her.
Parents Guide: The show is generally considered suitable for ages 15+. It includes profanities, portrayals of underage drinking and drug use, and moderate nudity.
The plot includes some valuable lessons about racial inequality and how wealth corrupts.
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Ginny & Georgia
Image Credit: AMANDA MATLOVICH/NETFLIX Ginny & Georgia season 3 will have your teen hooked. The show is all about mother-daughter drama but in season 3, Georgia’s murder trial takes center stage. Meanwhile, Ginny is still navigating some pretty intense teenage struggles and trying to get her mom’s help where she can.
Parents Guide: Ginny & Georgia is generally considered suitable for teens aged 15+. Teenage sex is shown, but with no nudity. There is moderate violence and use of profanities.
Season 3 also includes a stunningly accurate portrayal of an abortion that teens and parents could learn from.
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The Buccaneers
Apple TV+ is delivering one heck of a season 2 of The Buccaneers. The Bridgerton-like hit follows five enterprising young American women who have their sights set on marrying into British nobility.
In season two, their complicated relationships thrust new challenges at the girls as they wonder if they got more than they bargained for.
Parents Guide: The Buccaneers is considered suitable for teens aged 14+ . Romance is central to the plot, and there are occasional sexual scenes with moderate nudity. Characters are shown drinking at parties. There is an abusive relationship.
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Forever
Image Credit: Elizabeth Morris/Netflix We’ve already recapped just how important it is for teens to have Forever’s portrayal of teen sex delivered to their screens, but if it wasn’t clear, we couldn’t recommend this one enough.
This modernized version of Judy Blume’s Forever follows two teens as they navigate first loves, first times, and first heartbreaks.
Parents Guide: Recommended for age 15+, Forever contains lots of sexual references and actual sex, but with minimal nudity. There is also moderate use of profanities.
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Next Gen NYC
Image Credit: Heidi Gutman/Bravo For the reality TV fans, Bravo’s Next Gen NYC is easy to binge. The show follows a group of well-connected young adults, several of whom hail from reality TV families, as they navigate life in NYC.
Parents Guide: Suitable for ages 15+, Next Gen NYC contains mild profanities, and portrayals of drinking and partying.
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The Summer I Turned Pretty
Image Credit: Erika Doss/Prime The final season of this YA novel adaptation will likely have your teen hooked when it airs on July 16. The coming-of-age romantic drama follows Belly as she navigates being torn between her love for two brothers, Jeremiah and Conrad.
In season 3, Belly and Jeremiah’s plans to get married are derailed with Conrad reappears in her life.
Parents Guide: Suitable for ages 15+, TSITP includes mild nudity and sex.
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My Life With the Walter Boys
Image Credit: COURTESY OF NETFLIX Season 2 of My Life with the Walter Boys is coming to Netflix on August 21, just in time for teens to fill the hole The Summer I Turned Pretty will no doubt leave.
Season 2 will pick back up after Jackie’s move to New York, following her chaotic love triangle with the Walter brothers.
Parents Guide: The series has a recommended age rating of 13+. There is kissing, some talk of hooking up and implied sex, but no nudity is shown.
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Wednesday
Image Credit: Jonathan Hession/Netflix © 2025 Jenna Ortega will lead the long-awaited season 2 of Wednesday on Netflix, which returns on August 6.
After a cliffhanger in season 1’s finale, we’re expecting more twists and turns as Wednesday navigates life and magic at Nevermore Academy.
Parents Guide: With no profanities, nudity or substances, this show is suitable for ages 13+. Some parts may be frightening for younger kids.
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