Television series
Huge
Huge is a summer-camp drama for teens that treats weight loss as the backdrop, not the point. It's genuinely funny and unexpectedly moving, juggling romance, friendship, identity and self-acceptance with real warmth. For anyone who's felt like an outsider, or who remembers that specific adolescent ache of not fitting in.
If you liked this
The Summer I Turned Pretty2022
Nostalgic summer-camp coming-of-age with genuine heart. It balances romance, friendship drama, and self-discovery without being precious about it. The cast feels like real kids navigating real stakes.
But Heavy on the love triangle, and if you're past the point of caring about teenage romance dynamics, it'll feel slight.
Atypical2017
Another Netflix teen drama that refuses to condescend. It's about neurodivergence, family, and identity with humor that lands and vulnerability that doesn't feel manipulative. Genuinely excellent writing.
But Spans five seasons, so there's commitment required. The first season has some tonal wobble before it finds its footing.
Ginny & Georgia2021
Messy, energetic mother-daughter drama with a large ensemble cast and genuine complexity. It doesn't ask you to like everyone, and the humor is sharp without undercutting the emotional stakes.
But The pacing can feel scattered, and some plotlines resolve too neatly for the grittier tone it's reaching for.
Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Huge
The wildcard
Something you would not have found on your own.
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar1995
Both take the premise of an outsider space—camp, or a road trip—and use it to explore who you actually are versus who you're told to be. Both have real warmth underneath.
Three drag queens break down in a small town and transform the place—and themselves. It's a road movie, a comedy, and a genuine meditation on identity and acceptance. Funny, moving, and surprisingly tender.
But Dated in its humor and camp sensibility. If you're uncomfortable with gender expression or drag, the whole thing won't land.
More like this (7)
Never Have I Ever2020
Coming-of-age comedy about a teen navigating grief, identity and belonging. Funny without being cynical, warm without being saccharine. The ensemble cast has real chemistry.
But Narrated by a dead person in a way that can feel gimmicky. Some jokes don't land if you're outside the age bracket.
My So-Called Life1994
The ur-text of teen drama done right: messy, honest, more interested in the texture of adolescence than plot mechanics. It captures that specific melancholy nobody else has nailed the same way.
But Only one season. It ends in the middle of things, which is either perfect or infuriating depending on your tolerance for ambiguity.
Friday Night Lights2006
A show about belonging and identity that happens to use high-school football as the frame. Writes its ensemble with real specificity. The acting is naturalistic in a way most TV isn't.
But Heavy sports focus might bore you if you don't care about football. The first season has some soap-opera energy that settles down later.
Heathers1989
Dark comedy about high school, identity, and what happens when outsiders snap. Wickedly funny and formally inventive. It proved teen stories could be serious and entertaining at once.
But Extremely cynical and bleak in a way that doesn't quite land if you're looking for warmth. Pretty dated in its gender politics.
Everything Sucks!2018
Comedy about misfits in the '90s navigating drama club, first love, and friendship. Genuinely charming and funny without winking at the audience. The ensemble clicks immediately.
But Cancelled after one season. Ends on cliffhangers that never resolve.
SKAM2015
Norwegian teen drama that broke the internet for a reason. Innovative storytelling (texts, Snapchat, etc.), genuine diversity of character, and emotional intelligence. Each season focuses on a different character.
But Subtitled, and the innovation can feel gimmicky on rewatch. Some plotlines are darker than others; season three in particular deals with assault.
Moonlight2016
The same core question: who are you when nobody's watching you, and how do you become that person? Huge asks it with humor; Moonlight asks it in silence.
Three chapters of a young man's life as he discovers his identity, sexuality, and place in the world. Shot like poetry, acted with devastating quiet. One of the best films ever made about growing up.
But Very slow, very sad. Minimal dialogue. If you need plot momentum or lightness, this will feel punishing.
People
Cast
Writing
- Savannah DooleyCreator
- Winnie HolzmanCreator