Top 10 Memorable TV Proms
TV, teenagers, and proms are the perfect formula for drama. In this video, http://www.WatchMojo.com counts down our picks for the top 10 memorable TV proms. For this list, we're looking at TV Proms that upped the ante on their regularly scheduled teenage programming. The prom is an event that generally, most teenagers look forward to all year. In the television world, it's an opportunity for writers and show-runners to unleash all kinds of wacky hijinks, teachable moments, and sometimes, violence. TV high schools are unpredictable, and so are their proms.
Special thanks to our user Rachel Bloom for submitting the idea on our Suggestions Page at WatchMojo.comsuggest
#10: “Valley Girls”
“Gossip Girl” (2009)
Though the episode also focuses on a retro ‘80s story about Serena’s mom as a rich wild child, “Valley Girls” also takes place on the day of the Senior Prom at Constance Billiard School for Girls. And, just cause Serena van der Woodsen starts the episode off in jail doesn’t mean we see no prom planning: while Serena’s dealing with the law, her best bud Blair is trying to plan the perfect prom night with her boyfriend Nate. Of course, this being a teen drama, you know nothing goes as planned.
#9: “The Party Favor”
“The O.C.” (2006)
If you thought being a wealthy, attractive teenager in Orange County was without its fair share of problems, well…you might be right, but not completely. The beautiful bunch is just looking to have another night of partying – formally anyway – but of course it wouldn’t be an O.C. prom without some serious romantic complications. There are old flames being reignited, or rejected, surprise prom dates, and of course, betrayals.
#8: “The Senior Prom”
“Saved by the Bell” (1992)
The show was like a catalogue of the worst late-‘80s-slash-early-‘90s fashion, so we were looking forward to what the prom episode would have in store. It seemed like after lengthy pursuits, both Zack and Screech would finally end up with their dream girls. As luck would have it, however, Kelly ends up not being able to go to the prom because her dad lost his job, and Lisa gets on Screech’s nerves for a change. What a twist! But it makes for some typically “Saved By the Bell”-style drama.
#7: “A Night to Remember”
“Beverly Hills, 90210” (1993)
You’d think that two attractive, popular twins at a Beverly Hills high school would find prom dates easily, but in this episode; Brenda and Brandon Walsh both have to scramble to find partners for the big night. As the evening approaches, the student body of West Beverly is dismayed when a rule is passed barring any student from graduation who’s found drunk at the prom. But of course, Donna drinks too much champagne, and almost compromises her graduation. Prom night intimacy pressure is no joke, but the dancing is.
#6: “Look Who’s Stalking”
“Veronica Mars” (2006)
The prom may have been cancelled, but that didn’t mean the fun would stop there. The kids of Neptune High find a way to have an “alterna-prom.” It’s really just a backdrop for all of the creepy stalking, STD revelations, and of course, unrequited love. Veronica may have initially avoided Logan’s affections when he made his feelings known, but she wasn’t ready to find another girl in his hotel room the next morning. Ah, young love.
#5: “Prom Night at Hater High”
“One Tree Hill” (2007)
Just when you thought teenage romances couldn’t get any more complicated, throw pre-Prom party and a videotape of a drunken hookup into the mix and all bets are off. While the girls are busy punching each other in the face, and Haley’s forcing Nathan to list his past sexual conquests, there’s a ripple effect being felt by more than just the tape’s participants. However, no prom night would be complete without a last-second shocker!
#4: “Dead & Gone”
“Degrassi: The Next Generation” (2011)
This school has a serious issue with kids carrying guns on their property. You’d think they would’ve found a way to crack down on this over the years. In this case, a kerfuffle turns into a prom shooting in what is likely a social commentary on how dangerous teenage life is nowadays, in ways never explored by the original Degrassi. Infamous thug Vince Bell shoots first and asks questions later when he storms the prom looking for Bianca. And one of his bullets unfortunately finds transgender teen Adam Torres.
#3: “The Anti-Prom”
“Dawson’s Creek” (2000)
What’s an epic love triangle without a prom to complicate matters further? And while the Joey-Pacey-Dawson saga is at the center of the story, there’s also the fact that one of their friends is having his own problems bringing a date to the prom. Being the resourceful and progressive teenagers they are, the kids decide to skip the formal school arrangements and have their own shindig by their own rules.
#2: “Just Say Yo”
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1993)
The stresses of teenage life can often become too much to handle. What’s a kid to do when they need help? Well, according to this very special episode, the answer is found in amphetamines. Or rather, it’s NOT found in amphetamines because they’re dangerous and can have you acting the fool at your school prom. They can even send you to the hospital. But we gotta say: Carlton on speed is a sight to behold.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “The One with the Prom Video”
“Friends” (1996)
- “Best Prom Ever”
“How I Met Your Mother” (2006)
- “The Prom”
“The Cosby Show” (1988)
- “Prom-ises, Prom-ises”
“Boy Meets World” (1998)
- “Prom-asaurus”
“Glee” (2012)
#1: “The Prom”
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1999)
When your town is situated smack dab on a hellmouth, weird things are bound to happen. The senior prom is no exception, especially not when the bulk of your high school experience has been spent battling the supernatural. And when one spurned teen decides to sic some hellhounds on the formally dressed students of Sunnydale High, Buffy springs into action once more. Unfortunately, she’s still heartbroken after being dumped by her vampire boyfriend; but in true Class Protector style she makes sure everyone has a good time – even herself.
Do you agree with our list? What do you think is the most memorable TV prom? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.