Beverly Hills, 90210; Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Credit: Everett Collection (2)

High school doesn't last forever. This is a regular fact of human existence, and a fundamental tragedy for any semi-longrunning TV show about American teenagers. The setting is a world that has to end. Dramas, sitcoms, supernatural adventures, and reality docusoaps all share the same YA rituals: Senior proms, diplomas, farewells to parents and teachers, couples going different directions, childhood friends choosing divergent futures.