10:30, 27 January 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
TV has quietly become one of the best out-of-school classrooms, a place where we can learn about the real world and diverse experiences from all over the world. The kind where messy emotions, bad decisions, and hard conversations aren’t wrapped up neatly in 30 minutes.
Some shows don’t just entertain; they get what it’s like to be a multifaceted person, especially when it comes to issues that are topical right now.
This powerful drama takes on one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in recent UK history. Based on a true story, this drama follows sub-postmasters who were wrongly accused of theft and fraud due to a faulty IT system. At its centre is Alan Bates, who refuses to back down and fights for justice against a powerful institution. For viewers, it’s a gripping lesson in resilience, collective action, and why challenging authority can matter more than staying quiet.
This show is one of the most globally renowned shows on this list and for very good reason. This bold psychological limited series follows 13‑year‑old Jamie Miller after he’s arrested for the murder of a classmate – a case that shocks his community and tears his family apart. It’s raw and intense TV that explores youth, violence, social pressure, and how quickly life can change when a moment spirals out of control.
Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, Sex Education breaks down taboos around consent, sexuality, identity, and mental health. Set in a small town secondary school, the series follows socially awkward Otis, his therapist mum, and a group of students who start an underground sex therapy clinic. It treats young people with respect, reminding them that curiosity is normal and learning about yourself is part of growing up.
This show is definitely a throwback, but was staple to those growing up in the UK during the 2000s and 2010s. Secondary school comes with its fair share of problems, and this series never shied away from any kind of topic. From bullying and mental health to class, identity, and family struggles, it shows how much young people bring into the classroom, and how school can shape lives far beyond exam results. Despite being set in a school, the kids aren’t the only ones dealing with difficult lives.
Based on Blake Nelson’s novel, Recovery Road follows Maddie, a high school senior in a treatment program for substance abuse, as she tries to rebuild her life and stay clean. The series explores the challenges of addiction, peer pressure, family conflict, and the journey toward self-discovery. It’s a heartfelt, honest look at how recovery isn’t just about quitting drugs — it’s about navigating relationships, identity, and the pressures of growing up while healing.
Tech safety is one of the most pressing issues right now, especially with the rise of AI use and augmented media. That’s why we think Black Mirror is perfect for all young people because it explores how technology affects every aspect of our lives. Each standalone episode dives into a different dark “what if” scenario: social media obsession, online bullying, AI relationships, and surveillance culture. It’s unsettling, provocative, and encourages viewers to think critically about the digital world they’re growing up in, and the moral choices they’ll face within it.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Coram Beanstalk. A UK charity providing one-to-one reading support in primary schools to help children discover books that inspire and delight. Its trained volunteers work directly with pupils to boost literacy, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading. Learn more here.
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). A US-based organisation dedicated to increasing literacy and access to books for children nationwide. RIF provides free books, educational resources, and programmes to foster a culture of reading at home and in schools. Discover their work here.
World Literacy Foundation. An international non-profit working across Africa, Asia, and the Americas to improve literacy rates for children and adults. The foundation delivers educational programmes, resources, and advocacy to tackle global literacy inequality. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Quality Education.
