Top 10 Legendary WB Shows That Defined a Generation — Ranked From Funniest to Most Iconic

Before streaming took over, The WB was the heart of young adult television. Launching in 1995, it perfectly captured the mix of comedy, drama, and emotional chaos that spoke to teens and twenty-somethings. The network didn’t just make shows — it built an identity. Whether it was through relatable growing pains or supernatural adventures, The WB knew exactly how to connect with its audience.

Even though it no longer exists, its shows continue to live rent-free in fans’ hearts. From witchy sisters to small-town dreamers, here are the 10 best WB shows of all time — ranked by impact, storytelling, and unforgettable vibes.

10. What I Like About You (2002–2006)

Stars: Amanda Bynes & Jennie Garth

This late-era WB gem gave us the hilarious chaos of sisterhood. Bynes and Garth shined as Holly and Val Tyler, two sisters navigating love and life in New York City. The show’s energy matched the early 2000s vibe perfectly — wild, colorful, and full of heart.

Bynes broke away from her Nickelodeon roots, while Garth transitioned from Beverly Hills, 90210 into comedy with ease. What I Like About You proved that even as The WB neared its end, it could still produce charming sitcoms with major chemistry.

9. The Wayans Bros. (1995–1999)

Stars: Shawn Wayans & Marlon Wayans

One of The WB’s original hits, The Wayans Bros. brought real, laugh-out-loud humor to primetime. The series followed brothers Shawn and Marlon as they hustled through daily life and ridiculous misadventures.

It wasn’t just funny — it was groundbreaking. The Wayans brothers brought authentic Black comedy to a network crowded with mostly white sitcoms, paving the way for future legends like White Chicks and Scary Movie. This show helped define The WB’s early years and gave the network serious comedic credibility.

8. Roswell (1999–2002)

Stars: Shiri Appleby, Jason Behr, Katherine Heigl

Aliens, love, and teen angst — Roswell had it all. When Max Evans saves Liz Parker’s life, she discovers that he and his friends aren’t exactly human. The mix of romance and sci-fi drama made this show a total cult favorite.

Before the age of massive fandoms, Roswell had one of the most passionate followings out there. It opened the door for future supernatural teen hits, blending mystery, emotion, and extraterrestrial intrigue like no other.

7. Felicity (1998–2002)

Stars: Keri Russell, Scott Speedman, Scott Foley

Created by J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves, Felicity was pure emotional storytelling. It followed Felicity Porter, a shy girl who impulsively moves to New York to chase love — and ends up finding herself instead.

With its heartfelt writing and grounded realism, the show captured what it truly feels like to grow up, fall apart, and figure out who you are. Between the love triangle, the friendships, and Keri Russell’s iconic curls, Felicity became a defining college drama.

6. One Tree Hill (2003–2012)

Stars: Chad Michael Murray & James Lafferty

Half-brothers. Basketball. Small-town drama. One Tree Hill was teenage emotion turned up to 11.

Starting on The WB and continuing on The CW, the show became one of the longest-running teen dramas ever. It had everything — heartbreak, betrayal, hope, and an unforgettable soundtrack. For anyone who grew up in the early 2000s, One Tree Hill wasn’t just a show. It was an experience.

5. Charmed (1998–2006)

Stars: Shannen Doherty, Alyssa Milano, Holly Marie Combs, Rose McGowan

Before witches were cool, there were the Halliwell sisters. Charmed followed three (later four) powerful witches fighting demons and destiny. It blended sisterhood, empowerment, and supernatural storytelling into eight magical seasons.

More than just spellcasting, Charmed gave fans emotional depth — loss, sacrifice, and love — all wrapped in weekly fantasy adventures. It defined The WB’s supernatural side long before vampire dramas took over.

4. Smallville (2001–2011)

Star: Tom Welling as Clark Kent

Before superhero universes became the norm, Smallville redefined what comic book TV could be. This series told the story of a young Clark Kent discovering his powers and destiny in small-town Kansas.

Blending superhero action with heartfelt character arcs, Smallville became a massive success. It set the stage for The CW’s Arrowverse years later and proved that emotional storytelling could live inside a comic book world.

3. Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)

Stars: Lauren Graham & Alexis Bledel

Fast talk. Big heart. Endless coffee. Gilmore Girls was pure WB magic. The witty, fast-paced mother-daughter relationship between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore made the show instantly iconic.

It wasn’t just funny — it was real. Between family drama, romance, and friendship, Gilmore Girls became the ultimate comfort show. Even today, it’s still being rediscovered by new fans across streaming platforms.

2. Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003)

Stars: James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams

The show that defined ‘90s teen drama. Dawson’s Creek followed a close group of friends growing up, falling in love, and figuring out life’s messiest moments.

With its smart dialogue, emotional storytelling, and legendary love triangle, it changed what young adult TV could be. It made The WB the go-to network for heartfelt, character-driven stories.

1. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

Star: Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers

The queen of The WB era — and for good reason. Buffy the Vampire Slayer wasn’t just about fighting monsters; it was about facing life itself.

Buffy juggled teenage chaos, heartbreak, and literal demons, all while saving the world. The writing was clever, emotional, and years ahead of its time. Its impact on pop culture and female-led storytelling is still unmatched.

Buffy didn’t just slay vampires — she slayed TV conventions.

Why The WB Still Matters

Even though The WB shut down in 2006, its influence remains massive. It gave us relatable heroes, supernatural worlds, and emotional storytelling that still hits hard today. From Buffy to Gilmore Girls, these shows built the blueprint for modern teen and young adult television.

So, whether you were glued to your TV every week or binge-watching years later — these WB classics will always be unforgettable.