TOP 10 TV TEENS

Claire Danes as Angela Chase, originally uploaded by Poewar.

After watching LIFE UNEXPECTED last night, I thought again about what an amazing character they have created with Lux. There are so many shows out there that depict girls in a shallow stereotype, and don't dig deeper. You all know which shows out there now don't give a fair shout out to girls, I don't need to mention them here. Shows written about and for teens where they really get what it is like to be a teenager are hard to come by. Some shows, in my opinion, have really gotten it. Here is my top ten list of TV characters from the past (who I miss) and a couple from the present that show what real girls are like and how awesome we can be.Whether it's a comedy, drama or an interesting combo of both, these shows got it right.

10. Amy Abbott, EVERWOOD
In a show mainly about a father and son, Amy Abbott (played by BROTHERS AND SISTERS' Emily VanCamp) was such a wonderful character that she became a crucial part of the story, not only as the love interest, but as a main facet of the show. When the show's life was ended too soon, fans cried out before the finale to know if the relationship would last. Hannah, Amy's best friend played by Sarah Drew, receives an honorable mention on this list for being Amy's voice of reason and a unique character we also adored.

9. The girls of 90210 (The Original)
Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth), Donna Martin (Tori Spelling), Andrea Zuckerman (Gabrielle Carteris) and Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) comprised the quartet that defined what the teen drama could be all about (emphasis on drama). They also showed us how hard friendships can be.

8. Topanga Lawrence, BOY MEETS WORLD
This one is cheating a little bit, since it ran for so long we watched the lead characters go from elementary school all the way to college. Danielle Fishel's Topanga started out as a nerdy annoyance to the boy of her dreams, and then became the girl of his dreams. Funny how that works out sometimes.

7. Lindsay Weir, FREAKS AND GEEKS
All of the main characters on this show were brilliant, and it was canceled before it had a chance to really reach the masses. One of my favorites was the strong and confused Lindsey Weir, played by Linda Cardellini. Sadly, the show ended before we had the chance to find out if Lindsey ever figured out what she wants out of life. We think she most certainly did.

6. Buffy Summers, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
This iconic character portrayed by Sarah Michelle Geller had to simultaneously deal with homework and slay vampires. Need I say more?

5. Jal Fazer, SKINS
SKINS, an import from England, is one of our all time favorite shows. Super controversial, it showcases the lives of a class of teens before heading to university. There is a new batch of students now, but our favorite is hands down Jal, played by Larissa Wilson, from the show's first season. Jal was genuine, smart, a fantastic musician, and a great friend to everyone on the show. We watched her conquer beyond imaginable circumstances and fight her way back to the top.

4. Rachel Berry, GLEE
Rachel, played by Lea Michele who hails from Broadway, is a quirky new face that has given us a slew of hilarity so far. Plus, she can sing. It is a win-win and it's back on in April!

3. Joey Potter, DAWSON'S CREEK
Katie Holmes' Joey, Dawson's smart and genuine lifelong friend, showed us that it isn't just ok to be the girl next door, it can rock.

2. Amy Juergens, THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER
Shailene Woodley's Amy has showed us truly how to cope with the unexpected and learn to get through, with plenty of humor and heart. Amy is a character most of us can identify with, and we always root for her to come out on top. It also doesn't hurt that her mom is played by the stellar eighties teen icon Molly Ringwald.

1. Angela Chase, MY SO-CALLED LIFE
If you have never seen this show, it is available on both DVD and season one is on Hulu. This really started it all, with a real look at what life was like for teen girls in the nineties. Starring Claire Danes in her breakout role, you will feel like you are right there with her as she tackles crazy friends, love, hair dye and learning what it means to be different.



Who is on your top list of TV teens? Did we leave anyone out? We want to know! Comment here or send us an email: girlsinthehallblog@gmail.com.