The WB’s Top 10 Shows Ranked: Iconic Teen Dramas & Comedies

The WB network was a turning point in television, specifically designed to appeal to young adults and becoming known for its popular teen dramas and comedies. It first aired in early 1995 and successfully tapped into a previously underserved audience by blending humor and more serious storylines.

Unlike traditional networks, The WB specifically focused on the issues and interests of teenagers and young adults. It quickly became a defining part of a generation’s culture, and is still remembered with fondness, even though it later became The CW and eventually faded in popularity.

The WB’s shows were unique because they captured a modern, authentic vibe. They weren’t afraid to tackle real issues or use relatable humor, and they told stories that genuinely connected with audiences. Whether grounded in everyday life or featuring supernatural themes, all the shows felt like a natural fit for the network, creating a strong sense of unity.

Even though not every show on The WB was a huge hit, the network consistently delivered content that resonated with its target audience – and sometimes, that connection was more important than the show’s quality. By nurturing its actors like a classic Hollywood studio, The WB established itself as a significant network, and its shows left a lasting, positive impression on a whole generation of viewers.

10. What I Like About You

2002-2006

I was totally obsessed with What I Like About You back when it was on The WB! It starred Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth as sisters, Holly and Val, trying to figure out life and love in New York City. What I really loved was watching how their relationship changed – they started off kind of messy, but eventually really grew closer. It was cool to see those two actresses in a fresh, new show and setting.

Amanda Bynes, well-known from her work on Nickelodeon, was trying to prove herself as an actress capable of appealing to a more mature audience. Meanwhile, Tori Spelling, recently finished with Beverly Hills, 90210, was honing her comedic timing after spending years on a dramatic teen show. Throughout its four seasons, What I Like About You developed its characters and perfectly captured the feeling of the early 2000s.

9. The Wayans Bros.

1995-1999

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One of the first shows on The WB, The Wayans Bros., played a key role in establishing the network’s comedic style. The series starred brothers Shawn and Marlon Wayans, who played fictionalized versions of themselves – Shawn and Marlon Williams – as they worked in their family’s businesses and found themselves in funny, classic sitcom situations. The Wayans Bros. combined traditional sitcom humor with physical comedy, becoming a defining show for the network.

The Wayans Bros. was a defining show for The WB, and it significantly boosted the careers of the Wayans brothers, leading to hits like White Chicks and the Scary Movie series. In a television landscape dominated by white comedians and traditional sitcoms, the show offered a fresh, relatable brand of humor that helped it stand out.

8. Roswell

1999-2002

Roswell, a standout show from The WB, uniquely blended science fiction with the drama of teen romance. The series begins after Max Evans saves the life of Liz Parker, and soon reveals a hidden world of teenage aliens living among us. As Liz gets to know Max, along with his sister Isabel and friend Michael, she discovers that nothing is as it appears in the town of Roswell.

With a mix of heartfelt character stories and mysterious paranormal elements, Roswell quickly gained a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase during its three seasons. It became a pioneer for teen dramas with supernatural themes and even led to a revival years later. Roswell helped kickstart the late ’90s sci-fi boom on The WB, arriving before other, perhaps better-known, sci-fi shows became popular.

7. Felicity

1998-2002

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As a total fan of early 2000s TV, I remember Felicity being a really important show for The WB. It was created by J.J. Abrams – who would go on to do Alias and Lost – and Matt Reeves. The series followed Felicity Porter, played by Keri Russell, as she transformed from a pretty shy high school graduate into someone taking a big leap to New York City. Honestly, she did it all on a whim to chase after this guy, Ben Covington (Scott Speedman), and it was so captivating to watch her figure things out.

Originally a lighthearted show about following your dreams, Felicity evolved into a more mature and thoughtful exploration of self-discovery and the challenges of growing up. A central part of its appeal was the complex love triangle between Felicity, Ben, and Noel Crane (played by Scott Foley). Despite tackling some surprisingly complex themes, Felicity felt remarkably genuine and captured the college experience in a way few shows did at the time.

6. One Tree Hill

2003-2012

One Tree Hill is a beloved teen drama from the early 2000s that successfully transitioned from The WB to The CW. The show premiered on The WB in 2003 and revitalized the small-town teen drama genre, focusing on the relationship between half-brothers Nathan (James Lafferty) and Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray). Although it ran for fewer years on The WB, that’s where the story began.

Following two half-brothers from their high school years into adulthood, One Tree Hill didn’t hold back on the typical teenage drama. Its emotional storytelling and use of popular music from the time made it a hit with viewers, and it continues to be a beloved show for those who watched it originally or discovered it later.

5. Charmed

1998-2006

The show Charmed was key in establishing The WB as a network for young adults, bringing a fantasy drama to the channel. It followed the story of the Halliwell sisters – Prue, Piper, and Phoebe – played by Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, and Alyssa Milano. After Prue’s character left the show, Rose McGowan joined the cast as Paige Matthews, the youngest sister.

As a huge fan of supernatural shows, I always loved how Charmed built this incredibly rich and detailed world over its eight seasons. It really helped establish The WB as a network that embraced the paranormal. But it wasn’t just about ghosts and demons; the show beautifully balanced those ‘monster of the week’ storylines with really powerful themes of sisterhood, women taking charge, and the sacrifices they made to protect each other – and the world, of course! It was a fantastic blend of thrills and heart.

4. Smallville

2001-2011

Smallville, a reimagining of the Superman story on The WB, starred Tom Welling as Clark Kent. The show followed his life growing up in the town of Smallville, Kansas. While staying true to the core of any good Superman tale, Smallville also introduced new ideas and storylines over its ten seasons.

Smallville was a huge hit, known for its compelling characters and stories within the superhero genre. It paved the way for later CW shows like Arrow, demonstrating how well teen dramas and superhero narratives could blend. This success helped establish a strong foundation for comic book adaptations on television for many years to come.

3. Gilmore Girls

2000-2007

Known for its quick wit and energetic pace, Gilmore Girls was a major success for The WB television network. The show centered on Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her daughter, Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel), as Rory navigated the challenges of attending an elite high school and, later, a top-tier university.

At its core, Gilmore Girls was about the special bond between mothers and daughters, but that was just one part of what made the show so compelling. Filled with love stories and memorable supporting characters, the series felt fresh and relevant to the time. It continues to be a beloved comfort show for many viewers and proved that The WB could offer truly meaningful programming.

2. Dawson’s Creek

1998-2003

Dawson’s Creek is often considered the defining teen drama of the 1990s, changing what television offered to young viewers. The show followed Dawson Leery, along with his friends Joey, Pacey, and Jen, as they navigated high school and early adulthood. It demonstrated that teen dramas could be intelligent, entertaining, and thought-provoking.

Premiering in 1998, Dawson’s Creek was a defining show for the early years of The WB, running for five seasons. It became popular for its realistic, thoughtful conversations, emotionally driven stories, and the complicated relationship between its main characters, Dawson, Joey, and Pacey. The series was a huge success and helped establish The WB as a major television network.

1. Buffy The Vampire Slayer

1997-2003

First airing in 1997, Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed expectations for genre shows on television. The series starred Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers, a teenage vampire slayer, and followed her adventures fighting monsters with the help of her friends, known as the Scooby Gang. Clever and emotionally resonant, it quickly became a standout show on The WB.

Buffy wasn’t just a typical supernatural show; its strong storytelling and emotional depth proved it was a compelling series that would shape future depictions of strong, complex female heroes. Over its seven seasons, Buffy helped establish The WB network and make it a recognizable name in many homes. Ultimately, the show was more than just a cultural trend – it paved the way for other series to follow.

2025-11-09 05:51