Top 10 Teen Drama Pilots
#10: “Pilot” “Freaks and Geeks” (1999-2000)
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Created by Paul Feig as a spec script, this witty pilot is packed with A-list celebrities before their prime. When producer Judd Apatow was presented with the script, he states that little did he know this series would become “the best thing [he has] ever worked on.” The pilot was sold to DreamWorks Television which then sold to NBC. Set in the ‘80’s, the episode centers around siblings Lindsay and Sam Weir’s social struggles in high school. If a younger James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Linda Cardellini aren’t reason enough to dive into this series, the plot will surely have you hooked. Whether you prefer Lindsay’s “freaks” or Sam’s “geeks,” you won’t be freaked out by this pilot!
#9: “Pilot” “Never Have I Ever” (2020 -)
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This coming-of-age dramedy immediately starts off with Devi Vishwakumar praying to the Hindu Gods. Narrated by professional tennis player John McEnroe, this peculiar choice will eventually make sense later in the series. The pilot explains how her parents moved to America from India to provide a better life for their family. It also covers Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s characters' trying times over the past year and how she is optimistic about her upcoming sophomore year. Not to mention she is determined to find a boyfriend and doesn’t take the news lightly when others beat her to her goal. In the final scene, she propositions her crush and receives an unexpected outcome. And never have we ever wanted more from a pilot episode!
#8. “Chapter One” “On My Block” (2018-)
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Released on Netflix in 2018, this teen comedy-drama focuses on the coming-of-age stories of Monsé Finnie, Ruby Martinez Jr., Cesar Diaz, and Jamal Turner. Set in the Los Angeles neighborhood Freeridge, we are presented with young adults at a house party. As Daye Jack’s “Finish Line” plays in the background, the four main characters observe as they fantasize about high school. Summer passes and the friends notice a few changes that occurred over the break. Several events transpire, including Ruby’s room sharing dilemma, Cesar’s controversial familial ties, Jamal’s athletic secrets, and Monsé’s recent developments. Lastly, a potential rumor comes to light, and we can’t wait to see what happens next on their block!
#7: “Premiere” “The O.C.” (2003-07)
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Raking in more than seven million viewers, the pilot for one of the best TV teen series began with Ryan and his brother Trey stealing a car. Both are caught and serve time. While in juvie, Ryan confides in his public defender, Sandy Cohen. He is released under his mother’s care; however, that doesn’t go well, and Ryan is left to call the one person he can trust. Sandy takes the juvenile delinquent home to Newport Beach, but… his wife Kirsten is worried about his influence on their son, Seth. Although the two boys do get up to some mischief, Ryan is eventually welcomed into the Cohen home. We root for Ryan’s new beginning and after this episode, we were singing “California, here we come!”
#6: “Pilot” “Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)
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Originally aired on the WB in 2000, this mother-daughter comedy-drama is so light-hearted and fun to watch. Set in Stars Hollow, Connecticut, the pilot begins with Lorelai Gilmore walking into Luke's Diner while The La’s “There She Goes” plays in the background. Her daughter Rory is quick to join her and the banter between the two is adorable. Since Lorelai had Rory when she was a teenager, she holds great pride in the sacrifices she made to raise her as a single mother. If you are looking for a show that makes you feel good and appreciate the importance of family, then “Gilmore Girls’” first episode will win you over for sure!
#5: “Pilot” “The Vampire Diaries” (2009-17)
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Based on L. J. Smith’s novel series of the same name, this CW supernatural drama starts off strong. After Elena Gilbert’s parents mysteriously die in a car accident, both her and her brother Jeremy do their best to overcome their recent traumas. Elena’s best friend Bonnie Bennett tries her best to cheer her up; however, she only begins to perk up when she accidentally runs into captivating new student Stefan Salvatore. Not only does Stefan suck in Elena’s attention, but he also attracts Caroline Forbes and us as well! Several other spooky situations occur in Mystic Falls, Virginia, but you’ll have to continue watching to find out what else is written in “The Vampire Diaries.”
#4: “Pilot” “Glee” (2009-15)
Credited as an aptly named series, Entertainment Weekly stated that this series’ title “both embodies and inspires exactly that quality.” Not only did Ryan Murphy’s musical comedy have one pilot, but the series followed up with an extended director's cut version as well. When the head of the McKinley High Glee Club is fired, Spanish teacher Will Schuester attempts to rehabilitate the club in a new direction. However, his personal life presents him with a difficult choice, and he must choose whether to stay or leave. With the harmonious talents of Lea Michele and Cory Monteith, this engaging pilot will give you chills. Even if you’re not a fan of musicals, don’t stop believing just yet because this episode will leave you gleefully satisfied.
#3: “Welcome to the Hellmouth” / “The Harvest” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)
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This pilot for the late 90’s WB smash is a spooky one! When Buffy Summers burns her bridges at a previous high school, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character must start over in Sunnydale, California. She wants to keep a low profile; however, this is difficult when she has a reputation as a vampire slayer. She meets several new faces and a peculiar guardian angel who warns her that "The Harvest" is coming. Worried about the safety of the Sunnydale civilians, Buffy eventually overcomes the stigma she associates with her vigilante status. With the help of her new friends, she learns to embrace her supernatural senses. And although the premiere is super-sized, it will suck you in!
#2: “Pilot” “Euphoria” (2019-)
Coming a long way from her Disney Channel days, Zendaya takes on the role of controversial teenager Rue Bennett in this HBO teen drama. The pilot touches on a younger Rue’s mental health journey which inevitably leads to her dependency on medication. This visually pleasing pilot caught the attention of both Canadian rapper Drake and music producer Future the Prince and they both signed on as executive producers. If you are seeking a darker, more raw perspective on adolescence, then “Euphoria” is for you! It does cover uncomfortable topics; however, Zendaya’s performance and the plot are euphorically captivating! Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “The Mortal Cup,” “Shadowhunters” (2016-19) Clary Fairchild Learns About Her Secret Supernatural Lineage “Mother and Child Reunion,” “Degrassi: The Next Generation” (2001-15) This Two-Part Pilot Features Original Cast & a Mother's Worst Nightmare “Bienvenidos,” “Elite” (2018-) Unknown Events Within Prestigious Posse Lead to Marina’s Mysterious Murder “Pilot,” “One Tree Hill” (2003-12) Half-Brothers Constantly Compete to See Who Is the Strongest Scott “Pilot,” “Gossip Girl” (2007-12) Who Is She? You'll Have to Watch to Find Out. Xoxo Gossip Girl
#1: “Pilot” “Friday Night Lights” (2006-11)
Despite having to compete with other sports dramas, like “One Tree Hill,” the first episode of “Friday Night Lights” had us falling in love with coach Eric Taylor, his family, and the Panthers football team. The real kicker of the introductory episode is when Taylor’s star protégé, Jason Street, is injured during a game. Fortunately, second-string quarterback Matt Saracen focuses and turns the game around. While centering around the importance of football and family in Dillon, Texas, every time we re-watch the pilot, it brings back all the feels. Please don’t drop the ball if you haven’t seen this nostalgic teen drama yet. We highly recommend you join in the team spirit and give it a go!
