August 17, 2018

As much as we adore recent TV hits like Game of Thrones and Riverdale, there are some shows that we can’t seem to get enough of—even if they first aired more than a decade ago. While it is easy to get sentimental, there’s just something about their dialogues and storylines that make them irreplaceable. In fond memory of these beloved series and for old time’s sake, here is a throwback to the TV shows from the 2000s that have left a mark on our teenage years.

That’s So Raven (2003 – 2007)

Oh snap! The original master of disguise and the queen of elaborate schemes—remember the time Raven impersonated her mother for a parent-teacher conference only to be “betrayed by the booty”? Together with her best friends, Chelsea and Eddie, Raven Baxter is a winsome teenager with psychic abilities who is often caught in a series of wacky misadventures and crazy shenanigans. Although incredibly comedic, That’s So Raven managed to incorporate serious life lessons on issues such as racism and body shaming, making it one of the best and most loved Disney shows of all time.

Veronica Mars (2004 – 2007)

Back in 2004, it was uncommon to find a strong female lead that possesses all the attributes of a modern-day feminist. Once the most popular girl in high school, Veronica Mars becomes an outcast who helps her private investigator father dig into the lives of the rich and famous. As a young girl who grew up watching her, Veronica Mars was such an inspiration. I admired her wits and charm, plus her ability to successfully take down high-ranking men who exploited their powers. She showed us that physical strengths do not define power, and to never underestimate the capabilities of a woman.

Zoey 101 (2005 – 2008)

Watching Zoey 101 made us all want to attend a boarding school just like PCA. Stylish dorm rooms, Sushi Rox on campus and Jet Xs to ride around on made the place a total dream school. Starring Britney Spears’ little sister, Jamie Lynn Spears as the protagonist, Zoey 101 follows the lives of Zoey and her friends living together and dealing with common pre-teen issues. The series was light-hearted and fun to watch, an eye-candy look into lifestyle of the upper-class, but it also teaches us a thing or two about girl power. Furthermore, let’s not forget about the major crush that “fuzzy head” Chase had on Zoey and the absolutely shell shocking romance between Logan and Quinn that no one saw coming.

How I Met Your Mother (2005 – 2014)

Ted is determined to find “the one”, after his best friend Marshall proposes to his longtime girlfriend, Lily. Helping him on this quest for love is Barney, a suit-loving friend who frequently conspires outrageous and unique ways to meet women. Set in the year 2030, Ted who is now a father recounts to his children how he met his wife, through a series of flashbacks and voice-overs. How I Met Your Mother was undeniably hilarious but what made it so relatable was its fair share of emotional moments. It taught us that life will not always a bed of roses and we’re bound to encounter challenges along the way, but what matters most is how we choose to overcome and grow from it.

Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)

Gossip Girl here, your one and only source into the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite. An anonymous blogger who goes by the name, “Gossip Girl” shares the inside scoop to all the latest happenings and heartaches of privileged NYC teens living on the upper east side. From Serena sleeping with her best friend to Blair’s boyfriend to Bart Bass dying twice, Gossip Girl never failed to engross us with its dramatic and enthralling storylines. This series was straight-up glamour too, keeping viewers up to date with the latest fashion trends and pop culture phenomena. In fact, this show was so iconic that the Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg proclaimed January 26th as Gossip Girl Day.

Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)

High school chemistry teacher, Walter White’s life is a series of unfortunate events. He fails to make ends meet, has a teenage son battling with cerebral palsy and has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Knowing that his cancer will cause his family to suffer financially, Walter desperately finds ways to earn money but ultimately decides to turn an old RV into a meth lab on wheels. Breaking Bad was absolutely mind-blowing. It featured both fresh and timeless themes and had refreshing plot twists that spurred our excitement. On top of that, the show was wonderfully written and the cast had a way of making their characters extremely compelling for viewers.