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- Gen Z is binge-watching millennial-era shows like Girls, The Office, and Skins, turning them into meme culture and comfort-core content.
- These series hit different today—offering chaotic vibes, questionable characters, and iconic aesthetics that resonate in the TikTok era.
- From awkward romances to cringe-inducing plot twists, these shows are now Gen Z-certified classics.
"Wait, this show is actually iconic?": 15 Millennial TV Shows Gen Z Just Adopted as Their Own
Every generation discovers a new form of nostalgia—but Gen Z? We’re speedrunning the entire 2000s. And right now, we’re deep in our millennial TV rewatch era. From HBO drama queens to early-YouTube-core humor, these are the shows we didn’t grow up with—but somehow feel deeply connected to.
And honestly? I didn’t get the Gossip Girl hype until I rewatched it post-2020. Something about the drama, the fashion, and the absurd plot twists hit differently when you're watching with a mix of nostalgia and irony. Like, yes, Serena’s decisions are wild, but that’s the point—it’s chaos with couture, and we love that.
If you’ve ever screamed “WHY was this show so unhinged?” while still pressing “Next Episode,” welcome. This list is for you.
1. Girls (2012–2017)
This one? A cultural artifact. Gen Z is watching Girls like it’s a sociological study. Hannah’s delusion, Marnie’s messiness, Shoshanna’s one-liners—every character is a red flag wrapped in a brunch order. We don’t relate, but we’re obsessed.
Why it hits: Toxic friendships, career chaos, and the most self-unaware characters ever created. Peak meme material.
2. Gossip Girl (2007–2012)
Upper East Side icons and enough plot twists to fuel three different shows. Gen Z has fully reclaimed Gossip Girl—not as aspirational, but as satire. And Blair Waldorf edits? Never going out of style.
Why it hits: Rich people being ridiculous, Y2K fashion, and Dan being the worst.
3. New Girl (2011–2018)
Jess is weird, Nick is hot, and Schmidt is the most quotable man alive. This show is the TV version of eating Hot Cheetos in bed while avoiding your to-do list.
Why it hits: Found-family comfort and chaotic good vibes. Also: Cece and Schmidt = elite ship.
4. The Office (2005–2013)
Gen Z watches this for the dry awkwardness and mental escape from remote Zoom jobs. Michael Scott? Horrifying. Iconic. Hilarious.
Why it hits: Cringe humor, subtle romance, and memeable forever.
5. Skins (UK, 2007–2013)
If Euphoria is high-drama Gen Z, Skins is our messy British older cousin. It’s darker, realer, and somehow even more chaotic.
Why it hits: Depression-core energy + grainy cinematography = aesthetic agony.
6. Glee (2009–2015)
Unhinged in the best way. Sue Sylvester monologues are now Gen Z gospel. We’re not watching for the music—we’re watching for the breakdowns.
Why it hits: Camp, chaos, and unintentional comedy gold.
7. Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
Leslie Knope’s optimism is the delusion we all aspire to. Gen Z watches this when we want to believe the system still works.
Why it hits: Warm fuzzies with a side of waffles.
8. How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)
This one’s controversial. Gen Z is watching it to debate if Ted Mosby is the real villain (he is). We’re hate-watching... lovingly.
Why it hits: Questionable morals + friendship tropes = classic sitcom vibes.
9. Pretty Little Liars (2010–2017)
This show makes no sense—and that’s exactly why Gen Z loves it. Every plot twist is chaos. Every outfit? 2010-core.
Why it hits: Peak cringe, peak drama, peak content.
10. The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017)
Love triangles, eye contact, and Damon’s bad decisions. Gen Z eats up every episode like it's a moody fanfic.
Why it hits: Hot people doing dumb things in leather jackets.
11. Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)
Rory’s drama. Lorelai’s coffee addiction. Stars Hollow is our fantasy small town where everyone talks too fast.
Why it hits: Cozy chaos, plus endless debates over Team Jess vs. Team Logan.
12. One Tree Hill (2003–2012)
This show has the most unhinged plot arcs in CW history—and that’s saying something. It’s drama for the sake of drama.
Why it hits: Sad boy basketball core meets Taylor Swift fan fiction.
13. The OC (2003–2007)
California, trauma, and that Imogen Heap moment. Gen Z loves this show for its soundtrack and slow-motion disaster energy.
Why it hits: Emo-core meets rich kid existentialism.
14. That ‘70s Show (1998–2006)
Chill basement vibes, outdated jokes, and early Ashton Kutcher chaos. It’s vintage rebellion with laugh tracks.
Why it hits: Retro vibes, big hair, and “dumb but lovable” humor.
15. Ugly Betty (2006–2010)
Betty was the original anti-aesthetic queen. Gen Z is rediscovering this fashion dramedy as the chaotic, heartfelt show it always was.
Why it hits: Wholesome, dramatic, and full of real glow-up energy.
Vibe Check
Gen Z isn’t just streaming these shows—we’re curating them. Cutting fan edits, meme-posting toxic characters, and turning forgotten plots into cultural canon. These weren’t made for us, but that doesn’t matter—we’ve reclaimed them, reshaped them, and added Phoebe Bridgers to the soundtrack.
They’re not just shows. They’re ✨vibes✨.
Stay connected to the cultural rewatches and meme-worthy streaming recaps at Woke Waves Magazine.
#GenZTVRewinds #GirlsHBO #GleeChaos #MillennialDrama #WokeWavesEntertainment
