10 Teen TV Shows That Declined in Quality After Characters Went to College

For many young adults, college symbolizes a crucial transition from the comfort of high school to newfound independence. It marks a period where they must rely on their abilities and resilience in unfamiliar environments. Most college attendees emerge directly from their senior year, having spent four years solidifying their identities and routines as the eldest in high school. However, this pivotal shift can bring about unexpected changes, particularly for those who transition from teen-focused television shows.

As popular teen series extend their narratives into the college years, they often face a dilemma. The original cast members age, leading to the pressing question of their future post-graduation. Instead of adopting realistic storylines reflecting this evolution, many shows create fictitious colleges or manipulate character ambitions. This approach allows cast members to remain within the same locale, but it can dilute the authenticity and charm that originally captivated audiences.

10 Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Rory Did Not Go To Harvard

Rory's high school graduation in Gilmore Girls

The initial seasons of Gilmore Girls revolve around Rory Gilmore’s (Alexis Bledel) relentless pursuit of admission to Harvard. Transferring to Chilton, a prestigious preparatory school, Rory embodies academic ambition, with extensive discussions surrounding her dream school dominating the narrative. Two episodes are even dedicated to her journey, culminating in a campus visit where she explores the university’s offerings alongside her mother, Lorelei (Lauren Graham).

However, as the series matured, Rory opted for Yale, a decision that strained her relationship with her family and shifted the dynamic of the show. This relocation disrupted the familiar small-town charm of Stars Hollow and diluted the intensity of Rory’s character development, making the transition feel inauthentic to audiences.

9 Saved By the Bell (1993-1994)

The Magic Stayed Back In Bayside

During its heyday, Saved by the Bell capitalized on the antics of its high school ensemble. Following graduation, producers attempted to transition to college with Saved By the Bell: The New Class, retaining only Mr. Belding (Dennis Haskins) and Screech (Dustin Diamond). The series, although enduring 143 episodes, lacked the charm and magic of the original, resulting in a less engaging narrative.

The main cast moved to Cal University, leaving behind the familiarity of Bayside High. In this new setting, the characters were encouraged to embark on richer life experiences, but viewers were not as invested in this evolution, leading to a swift cancellation.

8 Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000)

Not Quite West Beverly High

Beverly Hills, 90210 initially crafted a caricature of privileged teenagers grappling with adult challenges. The show’s high school backdrop served as fertile ground for romance and teen dilemmas. Its success led to a university setting at California University (CU) after graduation, but with this transition came increasingly implausible plots featuring characters like Andrea (Gabrielle Carteris) facing uncharacteristic trials.

The opening of the Peach Pit After Dark signaled attempts to inject more adult-themed storylines, but the shift from high school drama to college life proved jarring for many viewers who had connected deeply with the original setup.

7 Sister, Sister (1994-1999)

Even Roger Finally Went Home

Tia and Tamera Mowrey in a promotional photo for Sister, Sister

Fans of The Parent Trap would likely enjoy Sister, Sister, which explored the life of identical twins reunited after being separated at birth. The series began cheerfully, focusing on their teenage lives and family dynamics. However, with the twins’ transition to college, the show’s essence drastically shifted from humor and warmth to a more serious tone.

This evolution changed the show’s dynamics significantly, causing the once lighthearted narrative to veer toward a more adult-oriented perspective, demonstrated by alterations in its themes and character interactions.

6 Smallville (2001-2011)

High School Was A Much Simpler Time

Smallville delved into Clark Kent’s formative years, carefully balancing teenage issues alongside the emergence of his superpowers. The narrative resonated through high school struggles, friendships, and adolescent dramas. However, the show’s transition to Metropolis University obscured the relatable character arc. The charm of Smallville faded as the plots grew increasingly complicated, introducing a range of bizarre challenges.

As Clark navigated life in a bustling city, connections to his hometown dwindled, leaving viewers questioning whether the once beloved characters would be able to maintain their essence amid a rapidly changing storyline.

5 Boy Meets World (1993-2000)

Mr. Feeny Would Never Leave

William Daniels as Mr. Feeny in Boy Meets World

Boy Meets World innovatively followed its characters from middle school all the way to college—an unusual feat in the teen drama genre. The presence of longtime educator Mr. Feeny (William Daniels) across various educational stages underscored the importance of mentorship. As new challenges arose throughout their journey, the transition to higher education became a critical turning point.

Despite occasional character shifts and perplexing plot choices, the series managed to retain some of its charm by integrating familiar faces into the evolving storylines, thus allowing audiences to connect through nostalgia.

4 The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

A Sort Of Vampire Academy

Damon and Elena at a college party in The Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries enchanted viewers with its high school backdrop, chronicling the lives of Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and her friends as they faced both supernatural challenges and regular teenage issues. However, upon their graduation, the narrative shifted away from familiar high school confrontations, opting instead for more adult themes that felt disconnected from their previous experiences.

This transition not only altered character dynamics but also introduced new storylines that were often chaotic, leading long-time fans to feel a disconnect from the essence of what made the show appealing.

3 Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003)

Dawson’s Creek Could Have Done With A Time Jump

Dawson’s Creek navigated intricate friendships and relationships, setting a high emotional bar for viewers. However, the transition to college introduced conflicting plotlines. Joey’s enrollment at Worthington College created proximity issues with her friends, who attended a nearby institution. This discrepancy diluted character authenticity and disrupted long-standing relationships.

The show struggled to maintain its narrative cohesion, risking alienating its core audience due to sudden shifts in both character motivations and plot direction.

2 Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Sunnydale High Was Sorely Missed

Buffy the Vampire Slayer remains an iconic series that utilized its high school setting to great effect. The combination of supernatural elements with teenage trials made it relatable. Following graduation, however, the tone of the series shifted, impacting the group’s dynamics and the stakes involved. Willow’s (Alyson Hannigan) decision to stay in Sunnydale complicates the narrative, while the characters increasingly encounter bizarre situations that undermined the grounded nature of earlier seasons.

This transformation served to distance the show from the charm of its initial premise and left viewers yearning for the high school environment that had shaped the series’ identity.

1 The O.C. (2003-2007)

The Reluctant Graduates

The O.C. packed immense drama and character development into its first season, establishing a high standard for the series. As Ryan (Ben McKenzie) and his friends reached the end of high school, their move to college amplified the tension stemming from personal traumas, especially following Marissa’s (Misha Barton) tragic death.

With characters evolving and experiences at a university drastically altering their relationships, the beloved series struggled to find its footing amidst a flurry of emotional challenges, leading to its premature cancellation just as redemption seemed feasible.

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