Since its premiere of thefourth and final seasonon June 8,Never Have I Everhas sparked conversations among many. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, its undeniable influence on numerous viewers cannot be overlooked. Since 2020, viewers have been captivated by the story of Devi, a feisty and socially awkward Indian teenager portrayed by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. As her journey finally reached its conclusion this June, many are left with a void they are eager to fill. WhileNever Have I Ever may possess its fair share of cheesiness and clichés, its final season exceeded expectations, delivering a deeper and authentic portrayal of teen life. Exploring themes such as cultural identity, grief, growth, and self-discovery, the series left an indelible mark on its viewers.
Coming-of-age series revolve around young characters who navigate the tumultuous path from adolescence to adulthood, grappling with a myriad of life issues along the way. As viewers bear witness to their personal growth and transformation over time, it becomes difficult not to become emotionally invested in their journeys. Characters like Devi, Otis, and Ginny entertain viewers as they navigate the complexities of their youthful lives, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The hurdles these characters face in their quest for self-discovery, love, and navigating friendships resonate with viewers, making coming-of-age series relatable and immensely appealing. Here are some other series you should consider watching next.
15Sex Education (2019-Present)
Set in a fictional British town,Sex Educationcenters around the socially awkward Otis and his unlikely alliance with rebellious classmate Maeve Wiley to establish an underground sex therapy clinic at school. Despite his lack of personal experience, Otis uses his knowledge and insights gained from his mother, Jean, a professional sex therapist.
Once you’ve finished following Devi’s story,Sex Educationis a show worth immersing yourself in. It cleverly combines wit, coming-of-age drama, and friendship, while also addressing matters of sex in a more serious manner. In essence, it caters to a diverse audience. It offers a nostalgic glimpse into the teenage drama of high school for those seeking a reminder, and simultaneously provides educational content on topics related to sex and beyond. The series already has three seasons, and fans will be delighted to know that a fourth season is slated toarrive sometime in 2023.
14On My Block (2018-2022)
On My Blockis a coming-of-age comedy-drama series that follows the lives of four best friends, Monse, Cesar, Ruby, and Jamal, as they navigate their adolescent age while growing up in a rough neighborhood in South Central Los Angeles. It combines humor and drama in its authentic portrayal of teenage life, while bringing to light the social issues faced by marginalized communities.
Just like Devi, the characters inOn My Blockexplore friendships, family, love, and the pursuit of their dreams, all within the harsh realities of their environment. While the series maintains a light-hearted tone, it doesn’t shy away from presenting the genuine struggles and complexities of its high school characters. It addresses pertinent topics such as friendship dynamics, gang influences, the quest for acceptance, and familial conflicts, captivating viewers throughout. With its endearing cast, clever storytelling, and realistic portrayal of the high school experience, many considerOn My Blockto be among thebest Netflix originals.
13Haters Back Off (2016-2017)
Haters Back Offprovides a satirical and exaggerated look at the pursuit of fame in the digital age, offering a mix of cringe-worthy humour and heartfelt moments. Based on YouTube character Miranda Sings, this comedy series follows her life as a self-absorbed young woman who believes she is destined for fame and stardom. Although the show is intriguing, fun, and even profound at times, it unfortunately faced cancelation by Netflix after just one season. It’s an odd series featuring a strange character that will either be intensely loved or incredibly annoying to viewers.
Despite mixed reviews,Haters Back Offmanages to impart valuable lessons about self-obsession and the impact of social media on our lives. It offers moments that can evoke both laughter and tears, creating a unique viewing experience.
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12Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
If you are looking for something as innocent and comforting asNever Have I Ever, this is one TV show to go for.Gilmore Girlsshowcases the enduring love between a mother and daughter, the joys and trials of small-town life as it revolves around the lives of Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory Gilmore, as they navigate the ups and downs of life. The show’s witty dialogue, heartwarming moments, and relatable characters make for a charming television show.
Gilmore Girlsstrikes a balance between being smart, profound, and light-hearted, making it suitable for viewers of all ages. For those who enjoyedthe mother-daughter dynamicbetween Devi and Nalini,Gilmore Girlsoffers an even more heartwarming portrayal of this special bond, coupled with its signature wit. While it may have its flaws, there’s no denying thatGilmore Girlsis a timeless, feel-good show that invites you to cozy up on your couch and indulge in its sweet charm.
11The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021-Present)
This teen comedy-drama follows the lives of four freshman roommates as they navigate the ups and downs of college life, relationships, and sexuality. Bella, Kimberly, Leighton, and Whitney each bring their own unique perspectives and experiences, weaving together a tapestry of captivating stories and emotions. For fans of Mindy Kaling’s enjoyable and relatable series,The Sex Lives of College Girlsis a must-watch. It skillfully addresses sensitive topics such as sex, college life, and modern challenges in a light-hearted manner.
The relatable storylines and endearing characters make it easy to become hooked on this comforting show. However, it’s worth noting that some viewers may find it lacking when compared to shows likeSex Education, and there are those who perceive it as overly exaggerated. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for an enjoyable series centered around college girls and their experiences with common issues, this show is definitely worth exploring.
10The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022-Present)
Created by Jenny Han, and based on her novel trilogy of the same name, this coming-age series follows the story of Belle and her love triangle with two brothers during a summer vacation. Fans can anticipate the premiere of the first three episodes ofThe Summer I Turned PrettySeason 2 on Prime Video, scheduled for July 14. These new episodes will undoubtedly delve deeper into Belle’s dilemma as she navigates her feelings for Conrad and Jeremiah, ultimately facing the difficult decision of choosing between the two brothers.
Lola Tung, Christopher Brinley, and Gavin Casalegno will reprise their roles, ensuring a continuation of the engaging performances seen in the first season. The show’s picturesque locations, stellar casting, and solid acting contribute to its status as a comfort watch, despite the occasional cheesiness and frustration that some viewers may experience.The Summer I Turned Prettypossesses an addictive quality that draws viewers in once they become invested.
9Derry Girls (2018-2022)
Through its mix of humor, relatable teenage experiences, and historical context,Derry Girlsoffers an insightful and entertaining tale that revolves around a group of teenage girls, Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle, and their English cousin James. Set in the 1990s in the city of Derry, the series follows the girls' misadventures as they attend a strict all-girls Catholic school, deal with family dynamics, and engage in the typical teenage antics of friendships, crushes, and rebellion.
Despite having only three seasons,Derry Girlsstands out as a unique teen show, capturing the essence of life amidst the backdrop of the British Army and IRA conflict. It skillfully addresses the political issue while exploring the innocence and complexities of teenage life during that era. The likable cast portrays the teenage characters convincingly, while also capturing the wit and reactions of the older generation to the ongoing war. There’s no denying the show’s quirkiness, brilliance, and well-written humor, making it one of thebest comedy serieson Netflix.
8Chewing Gum (2015- 2017)
Created by Michaela Coel, the British comedy series,Chewing Gum, follows the life of Tracey Gordon, a 24-year-old woman living in a London housing estate, who is eager to explore her sexuality and break free from the constraints of her strict religious upbringing. Determined to lose her virginity, Tracey embarks on a quest to explore her desires and try new things in the world of relationships and intimacy.
Although Tracey may not be as young as Devi, her story remains amusing, relatable, and wonderfully laid-back. Like Devi, she is a girl on a journey of self-discovery, navigating through the messiness of life. However, it’s important to note that due to its sexual humor and crude content, this series is not suitable for all ages, and some viewers may find it off-putting. Coel’s writing has been widely praised for creating this incredibly funny and wild young woman, Tracey, in a 21st-Century British comedy setting.
Related:The Best Netflix Shows About High School Life and Being a Teenager
7Ginny and Georgia (2021-Present)
This Netflix dramedy follows a 15-year-old Ginny Miller and her 30-year-old mother, Georgia. After the sudden death of her husband, Georgia moves with her two children, Ginny and Austin, to start a new life in Wellsbury. Georgia is vibrant, charming, and fiercely protective of her family, while Ginny is an intelligent and angsty teenager trying to find her place in her new community.
Despite the constant release of new shows,Ginny & Georgiaconsistently rankshigh on Netflix’s TV charts. While it may have moments that are cringe-worthy and overly dramatic, it never fails to entertain as it explores themes of fitting in, relationships, navigating family issues, and delving into deeper topics such as depression and self-harm. The chemistry between Antonia Gentry and Brianne Howey is undeniably one of the series' strongest aspects. Excitement was palpable among viewers for the arrival of season 2, and fans will be delighted to learn that Netflix has confirmed both Seasons 3 and 4 are in the works.
6The Mindy Project (2012-2017)
The Mindy Projectis a romantic comedy series that follows the life of Mindy Lahiri, a skilled and vivacious OB/GYN as she navigates her romantic escapades, while also facing the challenges of balancing her professional career, personal aspirations, and relationships with her colleagues and friends. While it may not be Kaling’s most widely known show, it certainly encapsulates the signature elements of fun, wit, and heartwarming moments that she is known for.
The series boasts an impressive lineup of guest stars, including Seth Rogen, Common, Josh Peck, Tyler the Creator, Wilson, Amar’e Stoudemire, and others, which adds to its appeal. Similar to how Devi transcends her cultural background inNever Have I Ever, Mindy, as an Indian woman who doesn’t fit the mold of a typical woman lead, is depicted without making a fuss about it. For those who enjoy romantic comedies with a focus on older characters,The Mindy Projectis the perfect show to indulge in.
