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The Best Gen-Z TV Shows & Where To Stream In Australia 2026

The best Gen Z shows are the ones that actually show what it feels like to be young–from chaotic friendships and messy relationships to self-discovery, mental health and dating.

Carla Traplin
August 21, 2026 - 3:57PM
Glamour Australia
Image credit: Getty images It feels like we spend way more time deciding what to watch now than actually watching something. Every week, a new release series goes viral, adding to the long list of shows you’d already publicly committed to watching, and you find yourself weeding through what is all hype and what is actually worth your time. Thankfully, this writer has spent arguably too many hours combing through every streaming platform to deliver a list of the best Gen Z shows to watch, and exactly where to stream them. Now your free time can be spent actually viewing something instead of 30 minutes of asking your housemate “What about this show?”, and inevitably flicking over to the next. At a glance, here are our favourites: Euphoria Sex Education I Love LA Girls The Summer I Turned Pretty Big Bang Theory Off Campus Friends Sterling Point Euphoria If there is one show that broke the mould for Gen Z TV, it’s Euphoria. Equal parts aesthetic, deep and full of drama, the HBO series turned teenage anxiety, addiction, sex and identity into appointment television. With its influence extending far beyond the screen, the show has shaped fashion, beauty and the way Gen Z addresses heavier topics with themselves and friends. The show follows Rue Bennett, played by Zendaya, who battles with addiction and mental health and the lives of her surrounding friends. The three seasons will have you laughing, crying, screaming and crying some more. Stream Euphoria on HBO.

Image credit: Getty images 

It feels like we spend way more time deciding what to watch now than actually watching something. Every week, a new release series goes viral, adding to the long list of shows you’d already publicly committed to watching, and you find yourself weeding through what is all hype and what is actually worth your time. Thankfully, this writer has spent arguably too many hours combing through every streaming platform to deliver a list of the best Gen Z shows to watch, and exactly where to stream them. Now your free time can be spent actually viewing something instead of 30 minutes of asking your housemate “What about this show?”, and inevitably flicking over to the next.

At a glance, here are our favourites:

  • Euphoria
  • Sex Education 
  • I Love LA
  • Girls
  • The Summer I Turned Pretty
  • Big Bang Theory
  • Off Campus
  • Friends
  • Sterling Point

 

Euphoria 

If there is one show that broke the mould for Gen Z TV, it’s Euphoria. Equal parts aesthetic, deep and full of drama, the HBO series turned teenage anxiety, addiction, sex and identity into appointment television. With its influence extending far beyond the screen, the show has shaped fashion, beauty and the way Gen Z addresses heavier topics with themselves and friends. The show follows Rue Bennett, played by Zendaya, who battles with addiction and mental health and the lives of her surrounding friends. The three seasons will have you laughing, crying, screaming and crying some more. 

Stream Euphoria on HBO.

 

Sex Education Sex Education is the combination of a traditional teen drama, with adult levels of emotional intelligence. Beneath the sex jokes and chaotic friendships (and relationships), the Netflix hit series takes on important conversations to have with those closest to you–expect to dive into consent, sexuality, gender and mental health. The openness of the characters make it feel less like TV archetypes and more like you’re watching your friends' lives play out. It is funny, awkward and has moments of heart break, which is also why it has become one of the most popular Gen Z shows of this decade. Stream Sex Education on Netflix.

Sex Education

Sex Education is the combination of a traditional teen drama, with adult levels of emotional intelligence. Beneath the sex jokes and chaotic friendships (and relationships), the Netflix hit series takes on important conversations to have with those closest to you–expect to dive into consent, sexuality, gender and mental health. The openness of the characters make it feel less like TV archetypes and more like you’re watching your friends' lives play out. It is funny, awkward and has moments of heart break, which is also why it has become one of the most popular Gen Z shows of this decade. 

Stream Sex Education on Netflix.

I Love LA If Gen Z was to be described by a show in 2026, it would be I Love LA. The show carries the type of comedy that only a 20-something would be drawn to; deeply self-aware, chronically online and just a tad unwell. Created by and starring Rachel Sennott, the HBO series follows Maia, a struggling talent agent whose life gets complicated when her influencer ex-best friend reappears in her life. The season follows a mix of problems within each character's social status, work, relationships and of course, living in the creator economy. It is like Girls, but for the generation that was raised on TikTok and ringlights, instead of Twitter and oversized knits. I Love LA encapsulates the Gen Z feeling of trying to build a life while constantly aware that everyone else is watching. Stream I Love LA on HBO.

I Love LA 

If Gen Z was to be described by a show in 2026, it would be I Love LA. The show carries the type of comedy that only a 20-something would be drawn to; deeply self-aware, chronically online and just a tad unwell. Created by and starring Rachel Sennott, the HBO series follows Maia, a struggling talent agent whose life gets complicated when her influencer ex-best friend reappears in her life. The season follows a mix of problems within each character's social status, work, relationships and of course, living in the creator economy. It is like Girls, but for the generation that was raised on TikTok and ringlights, instead of Twitter and oversized knits. I Love LA encapsulates the Gen Z feeling of trying to build a life while constantly aware that everyone else is watching.

Stream I Love LA on HBO.

Girls Before Gen Z had a word for every stage of a quarter-life crisis, there was Girls. Lena Dunham’s perennial Millennial (but timeless) HBO comedy follows four women navigating friendship, love, sex and work, whilst also suffering from the unspoken humiliation of being young and convinced you have everything figured out– spoiler alert, you don’t. Despite being over ten years old, Girls portrayal of young adulthood is still remarkably relevant, particularly for Gen Z, where in the world it feels more than ever that everything is uncertain. Girls reminds us viewers, that it is okay to not have our life figured out by 25 and in fact, all adventurous women do. If you know, you know. And more importantly, you will see yourself in all four women throughout the series, for good and for bad. Stream Girls on HBO.

Girls

Before Gen Z had a word for every stage of a quarter-life crisis, there was Girls. Lena Dunham’s perennial Millennial (but timeless) HBO comedy follows four women navigating friendship, love, sex and work, whilst also suffering from the unspoken humiliation of being young and convinced you have everything figured out– spoiler alert, you don’t. Despite being over ten years old, Girls portrayal of young adulthood is still remarkably relevant, particularly for Gen Z, where in the world it feels more than ever that everything is uncertain. Girls reminds us viewers, that it is okay to not have our life figured out by 25 and in fact, all adventurous women do. If you know, you know. And more importantly, you will see yourself in all four women throughout the series, for good and for bad. 

Stream Girls on HBO.

The Summer I Turned Pretty It has been a long time since a show nailed the love triangle trope (shout out to The Vampire Diaries, streaming now on HBO), but Jenny Han left no room for error. The show follows Belly as she moves between first love, friendship, family and the uncomfortable realisation that growing up means your childhood summers—and sometimes the people in them—cannot last forever. Its mix of romance, drama, nostalgia and instantly debated characters make it exactly the kind of streaming TV show that turns individual episodes into group-chat conversation and debates. Stream The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime Video.

The Summer I Turned Pretty 

It has been a long time since a show nailed the love triangle trope (shout out to The Vampire Diaries, streaming now on HBO), but Jenny Han left no room for error. The show follows Belly as she moves between first love, friendship, family and the uncomfortable realisation that growing up means your childhood summers—and sometimes the people in them—cannot last forever. Its mix of romance, drama, nostalgia and instantly debated characters make it exactly the kind of streaming TV show that turns individual episodes into group-chat conversation and debates.

Stream The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime Video.

Big Bang Theory Gen Z’s relationship with The Big Bang Theory is proof that a series doesn’t necessarily need to have been made for your generation to become engrained in it. The long running sitcom has recently found a second life with Gen Z through streaming platforms globally. The shows instantly recognisable characters, light hearted humour and easy to follow episodes make it the perfect comfort television. Similar to Friends and Girls, it has become one of those shows which you can watch (and rewatch) without your interest fading. Stream Big Bang Theory on HBO.

Big Bang Theory 

Gen Z’s relationship with The Big Bang Theory is proof that a series doesn’t necessarily need to have been made for your generation to become engrained in it. The long running sitcom has recently found a second life with Gen Z through streaming platforms globally. The shows instantly recognisable characters, light hearted humour and easy to follow episodes make it the perfect comfort television. Similar to Friends and Girls, it has become one of those shows which you can watch (and rewatch) without your interest fading.

Stream Big Bang Theory on HBO.

Off Campus Based on Elle Kennedy’s best selling book series, the Prime Video hit show follows the students of Briar U through romance (lots of romance), friendship, some heartbreak and self discovery. It is hard to not fall in love with every character on the show and this is not just because of their looks (though definitely a bonus), Off Campus hits the sweet spot of relatability and yearning that has you both giggly and kicking your feet in the air, with a side of looking away from second-hand embarrassment. Best of all, if you are a sucker for any type of trope, this series is bound to meet it, expect fake dating, enemies to lovers, second-chance romance and secret dating. Stream Off Campus on Prime Video.

Off Campus

Based on Elle Kennedy’s best selling book series, the Prime Video hit show follows the students of Briar U through romance (lots of romance), friendship, some heartbreak and self discovery. It is hard to not fall in love with every character on the show and this is not just because of their looks (though definitely a bonus), Off Campus hits the sweet spot of relatability and yearning that has you both giggly and kicking your feet in the air, with a side of looking away from second-hand embarrassment. Best of all, if you are a sucker for any type of trope, this series is bound to meet it, expect fake dating, enemies to lovers, second-chance romance and secret dating.

Stream Off Campus on Prime Video.

Friends Yes, Friends started and ended before half of Gen Z was born, but that has not stopped the global hit from becoming a regular rotation amongst the generation. Gen Z is still falling in love with the same characters millennials and Gen X did 20-odd years ago. Its enduring popularity is a reminder that the best TV shows can outlive their original audience–with the young viewers discovering the same friendships, romances (were they on a break?), and New York dream life that made it a phenomenon in the first place. Stream Friends on Netflix.

Friends 

Yes, Friends started and ended before half of Gen Z was born, but that has not stopped the global hit from becoming a regular rotation amongst the generation. Gen Z is still falling in love with the same characters millennials and Gen X did 20-odd years ago. Its enduring popularity is a reminder that the best TV shows can outlive their original audience–with the young viewers discovering the same friendships, romances (were they on a break?), and New York dream life that made it a phenomenon in the first place. 

Stream Friends on Netflix.

Sterling Point If you have not binged Sterling Point, what have you been doing? Sterling Point is the latest proof that coming-of-age dramas are so back. Following twins Annie and Connor, they discover they have inherited their late estranged grandfather's remote island in Canada (Sterling Point), the series follows a storyline full of romance, family mystery and all the emotions of being a teen/young adult. Sterling Point has managed to tap into the two biggest reasons why Gen Z keeps returning to ‘young adult’ TV. Sometimes you just want a complicated story with big themes and good looking people in a beautiful location on screen. Stream Sterling Point on Prime Video. What are the best TV shows for young adults? The best TV shows for young adults are ones which reflect the realities of young adulthood, including themes of friendship, dating, sex and work. Shows such as Euphoria, I Love LA and Sex Education stand out for combining comedy with drama and having storylines that feel relevant to young viewers. Where can I stream Gen Z TV shows in Australia? The best Gen Z TV shows are spread across major streaming platforms in Australia, including Prime Video, Netflix, HBO and Disney+. Availability and licensing can change, so it is best to check your local streaming service before watching.

Sterling Point

If you have not binged Sterling Point, what have you been doing? Sterling Point is the latest proof that coming-of-age dramas are so back. Following twins Annie and Connor, they discover they have inherited their late estranged grandfather's remote island in Canada (Sterling Point), the series follows a storyline full of romance, family mystery and all the emotions of being a teen/young adult. Sterling Point has managed to tap into the two biggest reasons why Gen Z keeps returning to ‘young adult’ TV. Sometimes you just want a complicated story with big themes and good looking people in a beautiful location on screen. 

Stream Sterling Point on Prime Video.

What are the best TV shows for young adults?

The best TV shows for young adults are ones which reflect the realities of young adulthood, including themes of friendship, dating, sex and work. Shows such as Euphoria, I Love LA and Sex Education stand out for combining comedy with drama and having storylines that feel relevant to young viewers.

Where can I stream Gen Z TV shows in Australia?

The best Gen Z TV shows are spread across major streaming platforms in Australia, including Prime Video, Netflix, HBO and Disney+. Availability and licensing can change, so it is best to check your local streaming service before watching.