10 Things Teen Dramas Told Us About America

From their ever-popular teen dramas, British fans knows that America is an utterly strange world, even though it’s only across the pond. From our obsessive, repeated viewings of shows like Dawson’s Creek, Buffy The Vampire Slayer and One Tree Hill, we know all there is to learn about the country. It’s a place where social hierarchy is important, prom is unmissable and college is where you have the best time. Here’s 10 conceptions of America, based on themes from hugely popular teen dramas.

Everyone loves Halloween

Halloween seems to be the most important day of the year; it’s the ‘holiday’ that’s absolutely unmissable. It’s an excuse for unmediated parties, an unlimited supply of alcohol and an excuse to be someone else for a night. Scary or sexy outfits aren’t a requirement - hot dog and bunny costumes are acceptable too.

Social heirachy at high school is EVERYTHING

As high school seems to be the most life-changing experience an 18 year old teenager will go through, it’s important to make sure everyone knows who the boss is. Even if that means going to extra-lengths to do so.

But no one really goes to class tbh

What’s the point of setting a show around a high school if no-one goes to class? It’s all about their social lives, of course! They’re either concocting their next scheme, relaxing on the beach or doing something equally fabulous. Just not learning. It’s amazing how they actually ended up graduating.

Being grounded was the worst thing ever

American parents grounded their kids for two weeks meaning that they can’t go out with their boyfriend/girlfriend or to underage parties that they shouldn’t be at. But being grounded doesn’t stop them from sneaking out to have fun.

High school jocks are basically celebrities

In America, sports players are basically gods. Girls want to date them and guys want to be them. And there is always a stadium full of supporters fully embracing team spirit to scream their names in joy.

Prom is a big deal

American teens relied on the all-important question “Who’s taking you to prom?” They’d be over the moon if someone asked them but wouldn’t go at all if no-one did.

The next four years of your college experience is determined by your roommate

Unlike in Britain where you’d usually get a tiny room to yourself, Americans must spend four years of their lives sharing their dorm rooms with a total stranger. So forming a relationship with them is absolutely crucial.

If you desperately want to join a sorority or fraternity, then ‘rush week’ is for you

Some universities have sororities and fraternities, social organisations emphasising sisterhood or brotherhood. Newbies have to ‘rush’ in your first week of starting university where the head of the house and other members pick their favourite freshman. It looks like the most fun week ever.

It’s important to maintain friendship groups…

Teen dramas are built on the idea that friendship groups are the best. And that’s before Taylor Swift was the queen of friend squads.

…or people will stab you in the back

You don’t want to get in someone’s bad books because they’ll come back to bite you, Pretty Little Liars style.