8 Shows From The Early 2000s That Are Still Worth Watching

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7. Gilmore Girls

When Gilmore Girls was released to critical acclaim back in 2000. With Lauren Graham’s outstanding performance as Lorelai Gilmore, the fast paced dialogue filled with pop culture references and dynamic familial themes, it’s not hard to see why the show was such a hit and was able to go on for seven years. The show has everything from family, friendship and romance to generational, as well as social class issues, and is perfect for grandparents, parents and teenagers. The only problem with the show is the seventh season – it’s just not as good as the other six seasons.

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6. Smallville

Smallville was such a compelling show during its first four seasons when Clark Kent was a teenager and just starting his journey to becoming Superman. Sometime around season five, when Clark passed his formative years, the show began to lose its luster. Even if the show should have ended after Clark finished high school, it’s still a must see – at least the first four seasons are.

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5. The O.C.

The O.C. was one of the most popular new dramas when it first aired in the 2003-2004 television season. Although the show centered Ryan Atwood being taken in by the Cohen family, it became more about Ryan’s relationship with his foster brother Seth and his romance with the girl next door, Marissa, as well as Seth’s relationship with his childhood crush Summer. The first couple of seasons were excellent; however, after season three the show went downhill, but redeemed itself with season four, after which it was cancelled. The first couple of seasons are definitely worth watching and so is the fourth. We’d just recommend skipping out on season three. It’s a bit of a downer.

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4. One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill is considered one of the best teen dramas of all time and with good reason. Airing on the CW from 2003 until 2012, and starring Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, Hilarie Burton, Bethany Joy Lenz and Sophia Bush, the show had everything from teen angst, romantic drama and life lessons. If you haven’t watched this show yet, now is the perfect time to get started! There are nine seasons in total, so it takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it!

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3. Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights was never able to garner a sizable audience despite the fact that it was a critical success. Premiering on NBC in 2003, the show suffered low ratings and was in danger of cancellation after its second season, but it’s considered one of the best shows in recent years, as it tackled important issues including race and class, drugs and abortion. There were five seasons in total, all of which should be binge-watched.

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2. Veronica Mars

Veronica Mars was never a ratings success, but it did receive critical acclaim for its smart and engaging storylines and Kristin Bell’s performance as Veronica, a high school student who moonlights as a private investigator. While the show was abruptly cancelled during its third season, leaving one of the big mysteries of that season unsolved, the first two seasons were absolutely flawless, from the different stand-alone cases in each episode to the season-long mystery arcs. This is definitely worth watching if you love mysteries and a smart and sassy lead character.

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1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is easily one of the greatest shows to come out of the 2000s. Featuring Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers, the show followed the young slayer as she battled vampires, demons and other dark forces with her friends, who became known as the Scooby Gang. The show ran for a total of seven seasons from 1997 to 2004 and had an incredible cast, great storylines and had no problem poking fun at itself. Every season only left fans wanting more, which is why this show is definitely a must watch!

Cate

Cate has a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature and has been the Managing Editor of Fame10 for more than 6 years. Despite having a love for the works of Thomas Hardy, Leo Tolstoy and Lord Byron, she also has an intense fascination with pop culture. When she isn’t writing for Fame10, she’s planning her next big adventure in Southeast Asia.