Teen Shows Where the Adults Are the Main Characters

Teen dramas usually focus on high school romance and coming of age struggles but sometimes the parents and teachers steal the spotlight. These series feature adult storylines that are just as compelling and complex as the narratives involving their younger counterparts. Viewers often find themselves more invested in the marriage troubles or career changes of the older generation than the prom drama of the teens. The following list highlights television shows where the adult characters play integral roles in the plot and overall success of the series.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

Lorelai Gilmore is a single mother raising her teenage daughter Rory in the charming town of Stars Hollow. The show focuses heavily on Lorelai as she navigates her complicated relationship with her own wealthy parents and manages her career as an inn owner. Her romances and personal growth receive just as much screen time as Rory’s high school and college experiences. The bond between mother and daughter serves as the central anchor for the entire series.

‘Friday Night Lights’ (2006–2011)

Coach Eric Taylor and his wife Tami act as the moral center of a football obsessed town in Texas. While the high school players deal with the pressures of the sport the Taylors face challenges in their marriage and professional lives. Eric struggles to mold young men into winners while Tami navigates the politics of the school administration. Their relationship highlights the compromises and teamwork required to sustain a long marriage.

‘The O.C.’ (2003–2007)

Sandy and Kirsten Cohen take in a troubled teenager named Ryan Atwood and welcome him into their wealthy Newport Beach home. Sandy works as a public defender who often clashes with the elite community while Kirsten manages her father’s real estate empire. Their parenting styles and marital dynamics are central to the plot as they guide the younger characters through various crises. The adult storylines provide a grounded perspective amidst the chaotic lives of the wealthy teens.

‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–Present)

Decades after their initial karate tournament showdown Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso reignite their rivalry as adults. The series explores how their past traumas and current midlife crises affect their decisions as mentors to a new generation of karate students. Johnny seeks redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo while Daniel struggles to maintain balance in his life without his mentor Mr. Miyagi. The show prioritizes the perspectives of these two men even as it introduces a new cast of teenage fighters.

‘One Tree Hill’ (2003–2012)

The rivalry between half brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott is fueled by their father Dan Scott who serves as the primary antagonist. Dan’s manipulative behavior and complex relationships with the mothers of his sons drive much of the drama throughout the series. Keith Scott acts as a father figure to Lucas and provides a stark moral contrast to his brother Dan. The adult characters deal with redemption and betrayal in ways that deeply impact the lives of the high schoolers.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–Present)

Joyce Byers and Police Chief Jim Hopper are relentless in their efforts to protect the children of Hawkins from supernatural threats. Joyce demonstrates fierce determination to find her missing son while Hopper evolves from a cynical lawman into a protective father figure for Eleven. Their investigation into the mysteries of the Upside Down runs parallel to the adventures of the younger group. The adults provide essential strength and resources in the battle against the forces threatening their town.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

The parents in this dark adaptation of the Archie Comics often have secrets that rival those of their children. Characters like Alice Cooper and Hiram Lodge engage in criminal activities and complex schemes that drive the narrative forward. The history between the adult characters directly influences the conflicts their children face in the present day. Viewers watch as the older generation grapples with past mistakes that continue to haunt the town.

‘Veronica Mars’ (2004–2019)

Keith Mars is a disgraced former sheriff turned private investigator who works alongside his teenage daughter Veronica. The father and daughter duo share a close bond as they solve crimes and navigate the class divides of Neptune. Keith often takes on cases that expose the corruption of the local elite and puts his own safety at risk to protect Veronica. His guidance and professional ethics are crucial to Veronica’s development as a sleuth.

‘Smallville’ (2001–2011)

Jonathan and Martha Kent play a pivotal role in shaping the moral compass of a young Clark Kent as he discovers his superpowers. Their wisdom and protection allow Clark to navigate the difficulties of adolescence while hiding his extraterrestrial origins. Lionel Luthor serves as a formidable presence whose machinations often dictate the challenges the characters must overcome. The contrasting parenting styles of the Kents and the Luthors form a thematic backbone for the show.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

Lily van der Woodsen and Rufus Humphrey have a romantic history that complicates the lives of their children Serena and Dan. Their rekindled relationship and eventual marriage bring the two families together under one roof in the Upper East Side. The show frequently explores their past as well as their attempts to parent headstrong teenagers in a world of immense privilege. These adult storylines offer a look at how the scandals of the past repeat themselves in the next generation.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

Will Schuester fights to keep the McKinley High glee club alive while facing constant opposition from cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester. The professional rivalry between Will and Sue provides much of the show’s comedic and dramatic tension. Will’s personal life and his efforts to inspire his students are central to the narrative structure of the series. Sue schemes to destroy the arts program and creates obstacles that force the adults to adapt and overcome.

‘The Fosters’ (2013–2018)

Stef Adams Foster and Lena Adams Foster are a lesbian couple raising a blend of biological and adopted children. The series focuses heavily on their efforts to maintain a stable and loving home environment amidst various external challenges. Their careers as a police officer and a school vice principal often intersect with the issues their children face. The partnership between Stef and Lena serves as the emotional core of the show.

‘Ginny & Georgia’ (2021–Present)

Georgia Miller is a young mother with a mysterious past who moves her children to a New England town for a fresh start. Her criminal history and desperate attempts to protect her family drive the plot just as much as her daughter Ginny’s high school drama. The series explores the complex dynamic between a mother who will do anything to survive and a daughter who is beginning to understand the world. Georgia’s actions and secrets are the catalyst for nearly every major event in the story.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

Rupert Giles serves as the Watcher and mentor to Buffy Summers as she fulfills her destiny as the Slayer. He provides the knowledge and research necessary to defeat the forces of darkness while acting as a surrogate father figure. The relationship between Giles and the younger Scooby Gang is essential to their survival and success. His transition from a stuffy librarian to a hardened warrior highlights his importance to the group.

‘Pretty Little Liars’ (2010–2017)

The mothers of the four main characters often find themselves entangled in the mysteries surrounding the anonymous tormentor known as A. Their own secrets and lies from the past provide clues and context for the terrifying events occurring in the present. Fans of the show often refer to the mothers as the Wine Moms due to their scenes of bonding over alcohol and crisis management. The adults eventually become targets themselves as the stakes of the mystery escalate.

‘Teen Wolf’ (2011–2017)

Sheriff Noah Stilinski and Melissa McCall are single parents who become deeply involved in the supernatural events plaguing Beacon Hills. They provide emotional support and practical assistance to their sons Scott and Stiles as they battle werewolves and other creatures. Chris Argent starts as a hunter of the supernatural but evolves into an ally who uses his skills to protect the town. The adults offer a grounded perspective and often risk their lives alongside the teenagers.

‘Dawson’s Creek’ (1998–2003)

Mitch and Gail Leery act as the primary parental figures who navigate their own marital issues while raising their son Dawson. Their open marriage and subsequent reconciliation attempt are major plot points in the early seasons of the show. Evelyn Ryan known as Grams evolves from a strict religious figure into a loving and supportive guardian for Jen Lindley. These characters provide a stable home base for the teens as they explore their own identities.

‘Switched at Birth’ (2011–2017)

Kathryn and John Kennish discover that their biological daughter was switched at birth with the daughter of Regina Vasquez. The show focuses on the two families coming together to raise the teenage girls in a shared environment. The adults must navigate their class differences and conflicting parenting styles while building new relationships with their children. Their growth and acceptance of one another are just as significant as the journeys of the teenagers.

‘Freaks and Geeks’ (1999–2000)

Jean and Harold Weir try to understand their changing children Lindsay and Sam during the cultural shifts of 1980. The show portrays the parents with a mix of humor and genuine concern as they deal with the rebellion of their daughter and the social awkwardness of their son. Guidance counselor Jeff Rosso offers well-meaning but often misguided advice to the students at McKinley High. The adult characters add a layer of realism to the depiction of suburban family life.

‘90210’ (2008–2013)

Harry and Debbie Wilson move their family from Kansas to Beverly Hills to care for Harry’s mother Tabitha. The parents deal with the culture shock of the wealthy community while trying to keep their children grounded. The series also features the return of original cast members like Kelly Taylor and Brenda Walsh who mentor the younger generation. The adult storylines focus on family secrets and the challenges of parenting in a high pressure environment.

Tell us which TV parents you think deserved even more screen time in the comments.