18 Coming-Of-Age Shows That Perfectly Capture The Chaos Of Growing Up

There’s something about teenage friendships, heartbreaks, and late-night conversations that stays with us long after we've grown up. Maybe it's the intensity, maybe it’s the chaos—or maybe it’s just the way everything felt like the end of the world and the beginning of everything. These shows get that. From shared secrets in crowded dorm rooms to the bittersweet ache of first love, here’s a list of teen dramas that hold up a mirror to all the confusion, joy, and vulnerability of growing up side by side.

Kota Factory

The series relates to the journey of Indian teenagers. The gruelling preparation for competitive exams and an uncertain future is something almost every Indian has gone through. The show is in black and white format, yet the characters and their everyday struggles bring out different colours. Undeniably, this show is a cult favourite.

Aspirants

The journey of three friends, where every character is meritorious yet flawed in their own way. The show explores the flawed definition of success and failure. Be it Avinash's ambitions, Guri's kindhearted nature, Dhairya's maturity, or SK's undeniable loyalty, Aspirants is a show that offers many lessons without being preachy.

Gutar Gu

A heartwarming love story of teenagers Anuj and Ritu. Set against the backdrop of the City of Lakes, Bhopal, it brings out the innocence of first love and the gutar gu amidst studies, careers, orthodox families, and teenage insecurities. Their story manages to strike a chord with the social media generation seeking old-school, pure love.

Adulting

Ray and Nikhat, two best friends who share an apartment in Mumbai, are the best example of opposites attracting. Nikhat is the overthinker yet organised one, while Ray is spontaneous yet the messier one. Their friendship, unlike the stereotypical female lead-side character trope, is one of equals as they navigate vulnerabilities together. The series captures their journey of ‘adulting’ side by side.

Please Find Attached

Shaurya and Sanya's love story is a whirlwind office romance. Their modern-day love story goes beyond the flowery honeymoon phase—it explores the realities and conflicts a couple faces daily. Be it Shaurya's idea of a stable career or Sanya's vision of a spontaneous yet fulfilling one, their contrasting ideologies make the story both compelling and real.

Best Of Luck Nikki

The show that defined childhood for every Indian Gen-Z. The funny antics of the Singh family still manage to bring smiles to our faces. A show where every single frame triggers nostalgia. Best Of Luck Nikki is Disney’s classic gem that remains relevant and endlessly rewatchable.

Little Things

Dhruv and Kavya are the ultimate comfort couple. The duo effortlessly bring in binge-worthy chemistry where ‘little things’ seal the deal. In a world where couples need a moment to create on-screen chemistry, they are the moment. Their conversations feel like those of an old, happy couple, and their conflicts are deeply relatable.

Yeh Meri Family

TVF’s Yeh Meri Family brings in the nostalgia of the ’90s. It captures simpler times, the good old days, when families stayed close through playful banters. The backdrops and conversations ignite childhood memories, making it a perfect show to watch with your family.

Operation MBBS

A story of three individuals—Huma, Sakshi, and Nishant—who explore a budding friendship while navigating one of the most demanding courses: MBBS. The show dives into their life in medical college, the struggle to pass semesters, ragging, seniority, privilege, and mental health with a refreshing perspective.

Hostel Daze

From late-night maggi cravings to friendship squabbles, awkward crushes to madness of hostel life, chaotic roommates, last-minute submissions, mess food, and friendships that stay forever. A series that brings back every college memory you didn’t know you missed.

Girl's Hostel

Inside jokes, late-night breakdowns, washroom lines, stealing shampoos, and unexpected sisterhood. Girls’ Hostel shows the real, raw, and hilarious side of growing up in a girls' hostel. It is a story where women find solace with each other in the most unexpected moments.

Big Girls Don't Cry

Set in an elite all-girls boarding school, the show, beyond the glamour and glitz, explores teenage friendships, vulnerabilities, and developing emotions. This show focuses on being real and raw in a world that seeks perfection. Every character has a story to tell, and they all come together and battle their own struggles.

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Still figuring out whether you are Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? Summers, first crushes, vacation at the Cousins, messy love triangles, and that one year everything changed. A soft, bittersweet, Taylor Swift-coded coming-of-age that feels like a warm memory.

Never Have I Ever

It's Devi's world and we are just living in it. Devi is chaotic, confused, and unapologetically herself. She is not your sorted girl-next-door; her actions might be confusing, yet she remains a character that you couldn't help but love. Whether it’s dealing with love drama or family trauma, this show proves that growing up is never a straight line.

Wednesday

Wednesday Addams, a character who managed to get theme parties dedicated to her. She is fiercely intelligent, unapologetically weird, and oddly charming. It’s a story of a girl who embraces the darkness but still longs for connection, and that’s what makes her quest in Nevermore Academy iconic. 

Sex Education

Sex Education explores teenage confusion around love, relationships, and sexuality. The show balances awkward humour with deeply emotional moments. Each season unpacks insecurities and intimacy with grace. It’s not just about sex, but how education should empower, not shame.

Resident Playbook

Oh Yi-Young is not your genius OB-Gyn resident. She is a clumsy, ditzy resident working not because she can feel the patient's anatomy when she touches them, but because she has bills to pay and loans overdue. Her friendship with other residents over late-night ramen, inside jokes, and shared trauma makes this spin-off a good watch. 

Heartstopper

Nick and Charlie’s love story is all things soft, wholesome, and heart-melting. The show creates a safe space for conversations about identity, coming out, and mental health. A reminder that first love can be quiet yet powerful.