10 Movies and Shows Like PEN15 (2019) for Fans of Awkward Adolescence

Description: Like PEN15, Freaks and Geeks is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that captures the awkwardness and emotional turbulence of adolescence. Both shows use humor and heartfelt moments to explore themes of identity, friendship, and the struggles of fitting in during middle school and high school. The nostalgic 90s setting of Freaks and Geeks also parallels PEN15's early 2000s backdrop, enhancing the authenticity of the teenage experience.

Fact: Freaks and Geeks was canceled after only one season but has since gained a cult following. Many of its cast members, including James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jason Segel, went on to become major Hollywood stars. The show was created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow.

Description: Ugly Betty shares with PEN15 a comedic yet heartfelt look at the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood, particularly for those who feel like outsiders. Both shows use humor to address serious themes like self-esteem, family, and professional aspirations, though Ugly Betty is set in the fashion industry.

Fact: Ugly Betty is based on the Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea. The show won multiple awards, including a Golden Globe for America Ferrera. It was praised for its diverse cast and positive representation of Latinx culture.

Description: The Inbetweeners, like PEN15, is a comedy that doesn't shy away from the cringe-worthy and embarrassing moments of adolescence. Both shows use exaggerated humor to highlight the awkwardness of growing up, though The Inbetweeners is more focused on the male perspective and British school life.

Fact: The Inbetweeners spawned two successful movies. The show's creators, Damon Beesley and Iain Morris, also worked on The Office (UK). It has been remade in several countries, including the US.

Description: Glee, like PEN15, is a show that blends comedy and drama to explore the lives of high school students. Both series tackle issues of identity, acceptance, and the struggles of fitting in, though Glee does so through the lens of a musical comedy-drama.

Fact: Glee won multiple Emmy Awards and Golden Globes. The show's cast recorded over 700 songs over its six-season run. It was created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan.

Description: Broad City shares with PEN15 a female-centric, comedic take on friendship and the trials of young adulthood. Both shows use absurd humor and relatable scenarios to explore the bonds between their main characters, though Broad City is set in the post-college years rather than adolescence.

Fact: Broad City started as a web series before being picked up by Comedy Central. The show's creators and stars, Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, are real-life friends. It has been praised for its feminist themes and diverse representation.

Description: The Goldbergs, like PEN15, is a nostalgic comedy that revisits the past with a mix of humor and heart. Both shows are set in the 80s and early 2000s, respectively, and use their time periods to enhance the storytelling. The focus on family dynamics and teenage growing pains is a common thread between the two.

Fact: The Goldbergs is based on the real-life childhood of creator Adam F. Goldberg. Each episode ends with a real home video from Goldberg's family. The show has spawned a spin-off, Schooled, which focuses on the teachers at William Penn Academy.

Description: Freakish is a departure from PEN15's comedic tone, but both shows are set in a middle school and explore the dynamics of teenage friendships under extreme circumstances. While Freakish is a horror series about a group of students surviving a chemical explosion, it still captures the intensity of adolescent relationships.

Fact: Freakish was originally a Hulu original series. The show features a mix of established and up-and-coming young actors. It combines elements of horror with teen drama, similar to shows like The

Description: While darker in tone, The End of the F***ing World shares with PEN15 a focus on the intense, often confusing emotions of adolescence. Both shows use a unique blend of humor and drama to explore the lives of their young protagonists, though TEOTFW leans more into the absurd and surreal aspects of teenage rebellion and angst.

Fact: The show is based on a graphic novel by Charles Forsman. It was originally intended to be a film but was adapted into a TV series. The series has been praised for its distinctive visual style and soundtrack.

Description: My So-Called Life shares with PEN15 a raw and honest portrayal of teenage life, focusing on the emotional and social challenges faced by adolescents. Both shows delve into themes of self-discovery, peer pressure, and the complexities of young friendships and romances. The introspective and sometimes melancholic tone of My So-Called Life resonates with the more poignant moments in PEN15.

Fact: My So-Called Life was Claire Danes' breakout role. The show was canceled after one season but is often cited as one of the best teen dramas of all time. It was created by Winnie Holzman, who later wrote the book for the musical Wicked.

Description: The Carrie Diaries, a prequel to Sex and the City, shares with PEN15 a focus on a young female protagonist navigating the complexities of adolescence. Both shows explore themes of identity, first loves, and the challenges of growing up, though The Carrie Diaries is more of a romantic drama set in the 1980s.

Fact: The Carrie Diaries is based on the book series by Candace Bushnell. The show was canceled after two seasons. It stars AnnaSophia Robb as a young Carrie Bradshaw.