Sharpen your pencils and brace for awkward icebreakers—because it’s time to head back to school… TV-style.
Whether you’re nostalgic for lockers and lunch lines or still haunted by group projects and gym class, these back-to-school episodes capture all the excitement, chaos, and cringe of a new academic year.
From sitcom staples and teen dramas to supernatural first days and total cafeteria disasters, these shows remind us that no matter where you go to school, some things never change: nerves are high, teachers are weird, and someone always forgets their locker combo.
So grab your backpack (or your remote) and get ready to relive the glory and panic of school beginnings through 20 of TV’s most memorable back-to-school episodes.
Full House Season 3 Episode 2 “Back to School Blues”
Stephanie Tanner is starting a new school year, and the pressure is very real.
In classic Full House fashion, this episode takes the emotional rollercoaster of growing up and wraps it in hugs, wholesome advice, and oversized hair bows. Stephanie’s nerves about being the new kid hit home for anyone who ever worried about lunch tables and locker locations.
Meanwhile, D.J. is stepping into junior high—with makeup. It’s a heartwarming look at the joys and jitters of school transitions, full of that signature ‘90s charm.
Cue the soft music and the Danny Tanner life lesson about believing in yourself.
Boy Meets World Season 2 Episode 1 “Back 2 School”
Ah, the classic leap to high school: new lockers, taller bullies, and a serious lack of Mr. Feeny proximity.
In Back 2 School, Cory Matthews enters 7th grade—and promptly realizes he’s at the bottom of the social food chain again.
The episode brilliantly captures that awkward phase between childhood and teenhood, with Cory trying (and failing) to impress.
Meanwhile, Shawn is still chaotic-good, and Eric somehow makes high school look too cool. It’s a nostalgic punch of baggy jeans, hallway drama, and school dance anxiety.
Watching it now feels like unearthing your old Trapper Keeper—cringey, comforting, and very on-brand.
Modern Family Season 5 Episode 2 “First Days”
Back to school gets a modern twist with Modern Family’s chaotic return to classrooms.
Luke and Manny start high school, Cam becomes a substitute teacher, and Claire attempts to make a professional comeback—all on the same day. The result? Total comic chaos.
It’s an episode packed with relatable parenting panic, awkward student moments, and that sweet, chaotic energy of the first day back. Manny’s over-preparedness meets Luke’s wing-it vibes, while Cam’s dramatic teaching debut deserves its own report card.
With its fast-paced humor and genuine heart, this episode nails the modern back-to-school scramble—from drop-off tears to hallway meltdowns.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 1 Episode 1 “Welcome to the Hellmouth”
Talk about a rough first day. Buffy Summers arrives at a new high school hoping for a fresh start—but instead gets vampires, cryptic librarians, and a Hellmouth beneath her locker.
Welcome to the Hellmouth kicks off the iconic series with equal parts high school drama and supernatural slayage.
Buffy just wants to blend in, but fate (and some seriously shady vampires) has other plans. Between meeting future ride-or-dies Willow and Xander and trying not to get expelled again, Buffy’s intro to Sunnydale High is dark academia meets ‘90s teen queen.
It’s the first day of school… with a body count.
Young Sheldon Season 1 Episode 1 “Pilot”
Starting high school is scary—but starting high school at nine years old? Welcome to Sheldon Cooper’s world.
The Young Sheldon pilot throws us into East Texas academia, where Sheldon, already smarter than his teachers, is thrust into the social minefield of older kids, cafeteria politics, and confused administrators.
It’s funny, sweet, and surprisingly touching as we see Sheldon’s genius through the eyes of his loving (and very patient) family.
The back-to-school vibe here comes with bowties, awkward silences, and one very supportive mom ready to fight anyone who messes with her precocious little scientist.
Gilmore Girls Season 1 Episode 2 “The Lorelais’ First Day at Chilton”
Lorelai oversleeps and ends up in Daisy Duke shorts on Rory’s big first day at fancy Chilton—setting the tone for a lifetime of coffee-fueled chaos.
Rory’s dreams of Harvard suddenly feel a little more terrifying as she steps into a world of blazers, ancient Latin, and one very intense Paris Geller. It’s culture shock meets academia, with Lorelai and Rory navigating elite private school politics while staying perfectly, adorably offbeat.
This episode reminds us that school isn’t just about grades—it’s about finding your voice, facing your fears, and, yes, surviving that girl in the front row who always raises her hand.
The Wonder Years Season 5 Episode 2 “Day One”
Kevin Arnold’s first day of high school is about as awkward as adolescence itself.
He’s got a locker he can’t open, a P.E. teacher who might be a drill sergeant, and a desperate need to not look like a total dork. Classic Wonder Years narration delivers the angst and nostalgia with pitch-perfect heart, reminding us all how brutal (and hilarious) freshman year can be.
It’s not just about classes—it’s about fitting in, getting lost (emotionally and literally), and hoping your voice doesn’t crack during roll call.
If you’ve ever felt invisible in a sea of upperclassmen, this one hits home.
Zoey 101 Season 2 Episode 1 “Back to P.C.A.”
Pacific Coast Academy is back in session, and the Malibu vibes are strong. In this season premiere, Zoey and the gang return to a new dorm, new classes, and new drama—including Zoey rooming with Lola, a transfer student with an acting flair and a flair for the dramatic.
There’s skateboarding in the quad, tech gadgets galore, and school uniforms that somehow still look cool.
Zoey 101 made boarding school seem like a sleepover with your coolest friends—and this episode brings that fantasy back full force. If only all back-to-school experiences came with ocean views and Chase Matthews crushes.
My So-Called Life Season 1 Episode 1 “Pilot”
Angela Chase starts the school year with a hair dye existential crisis and a burning need to escape her boring life—which basically makes her the patron saint of teenage angst.
My So-Called Life’s iconic pilot captures that weird, painful transition between who you were and who you might become.
Angela ditches her childhood bestie, stumbles through class, crushes on the elusive Jordan Catalano (he leans so well), and questions everything. It’s raw, real, and dripping in ‘90s grunge soul.
School is just the backdrop to her emotional awakening—and honestly, isn’t that what high school’s really all about?
Fresh Off the Boat Season 4 Episode 2 “First Day”
Back-to-school means one thing for the Huang boys: identity crises, awkward intros, and navigating cafeteria politics.
In First Day, Eddie tries to upgrade his social status at his new private school, but his fresh start quickly turns stale thanks to a clueless teacher and racial stereotyping. Meanwhile, Emery and Evan are riding very different waves—one smooth, one rocky.
Jessica, of course, is armed with binders, backup plans, and aggressive school spirit.
As usual, the show balances sharp humor with a real look at growing up Asian American in the ’90s. Relatable, hilarious, and just the right amount of cringey.
Lizzie McGuire Season 2 Episode 14 “Just Like Lizzie”
It’s back-to-school, and someone is stealing Lizzie’s entire vibe.
In this episode, Lizzie meets Andie, a new girl who basically becomes a carbon copy—style, speech, scrunchies and all. At first, it’s flattering… until it’s freaky.
The episode hilariously captures that middle school insecurity of wanting to be special and totally normal at the same time. Throw in Gordo and Miranda’s signature commentary and that animated Lizzie alter ego panicking in the background, and it’s classic Disney Channel teen drama at its best.
Because let’s be real—every classroom has that one kid who “borrows” your entire personality.
Gossip Girl Season 1 Episode 1 “Pilot”
XOXO, Upper East Siders—it’s back-to-school, but make it scandalous.
The Gossip Girl pilot doesn’t just reintroduce us to elite prep school politics; it launches a whole cultural obsession.
Serena’s surprise return, Blair’s thinly veiled fury, Nate’s confusion, and Dan’s outsider longing are all set against a backdrop of plaid skirts, backstabbing brunches, and text blasts that changed TV forever. It’s not your typical school day—unless your homeroom includes a hidden affair, a public shaming, and a Met steps power play.
Luxe, messy, and utterly iconic, this episode made private school look like a gladiator arena with designer handbags.
Dawson’s Creek Season 4 Episode 2 “Falling Down”
Back to school in Capeside isn’t just about new notebooks—it’s about existential spirals and romantic melodrama (naturally).
In Falling Down, Dawson returns to school post-breakup and promptly realizes he has no idea who he is without a film project or a relationship to define him. Meanwhile, Joey’s juggling financial pressures and senior-year panic, Pacey’s still trying to prove he belongs, and Jen is in full “burn it all down” mode.
It’s the kind of moody, self-reflective episode that made Dawson’s Creek iconic. Because at this school, no one just goes to class—they soul-search between bells and monologue on the docks.
Derry Girls Season 1 Episode 1 “Episode 1”
Welcome to Our Lady Immaculate College, where the school uniforms are stiff, the nuns are terrifying, and the sarcasm is weapons-grade.
In the pilot episode of Derry Girls, it’s back to school in 1990s Northern Ireland—and teenage chaos is in full swing. Erin and her friends are more concerned with boys, crisp sandwiches, and avoiding embarrassment than they are with the Troubles happening around them.
Between Sister Michael’s deadpan stare and the girls’ nonstop scheming, this first episode sets the tone: sharp, hilarious, and brilliantly honest. It’s school life with a Belfast bite—and it’s gloriously unfiltered from day one.
Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide Season 1 Episode 1 “First Day and Lockers”
Middle school is basically a battlefield, and Ned’s Declassified hands you the survival guide.
In this pilot episode, Ned, Moze, and Cookie take on the chaos of the first day and the all-important locker assignment. Whether it’s struggling to open your locker, avoiding hallway stampedes, or mastering the art of the perfect schedule hack, this episode is both absurd and completely relatable.
It’s fast-paced, cartoonish, and packed with tips you wish you had in sixth grade.
With its direct-to-camera advice and wild visual gags, it’s the ultimate prep course for anyone who’s ever feared a tardy slip.
The Middle Season 2 Episode 1 “Back to School”
Back to school hits the Heck family like a ton of bricks—and not the organized kind.
Frankie’s overwhelmed, Brick forgets how to function in public, Sue’s doing her usual overzealous club sign-ups, and Axl… well, Axl is just shirtless and annoyed.
In true The Middle style, it’s chaos wrapped in heart, with a dash of Midwestern optimism and a pile of laundry.
This episode nails the frantic energy of school prep when no one is ever truly ready. It’s not glamorous, but it’s painfully real—and that’s why we love it.
Also, never underestimate Sue in full school spirit mode.
The Goldbergs Season 4 Episode 1 “Breakfast Club”
Adam’s convinced high school will be just like The Breakfast Club—spoiler alert: it’s not.
In this totally rad episode, The Goldbergs pays tribute to the ultimate teen movie while Adam and Barry navigate first-day drama in hilariously opposite ways.
Beverly, naturally, inserts herself into every second, embarrassing her kids with unmatched smothering love. It’s full of ’80s flair, big hair, and heartfelt lessons delivered with a laugh track.
Whether you’re a jock, a nerd, or a lovable dweeb like Adam, this episode captures that universal truth: no one really knows who they are on day one—but that’s part of the fun.
Alexa & Katie Season 2 Episode 1 “Second First Day”
The stakes are high for Alexa and Katie as they head back for their second “first day” of high school, after Alexa’s cancer diagnosis derailed their freshman year.
There’s excitement, nerves, and the lingering anxiety of how their classmates will react. The episode strikes a great balance between humor and heart, showing the power of friendship when life throws you a curveball.
Alexa’s determination to return to normal, Katie’s fierce support, and a few school hallway mishaps make it a sweet and inspiring start.
Bonus points for tackling serious stuff without losing the upbeat, back-to-school sparkle.
Saved by the Bell Season 1 Episode 15 “King of the Hill”
It’s Zack Morris’ very first day at Bayside High—and he’s terrified.
This flashback episode rewinds to when Zack, Slater, Kelly, and the gang were just awkward freshmen trying to survive the social jungle.
Slater arrives like a tank-top-wearing alpha, and Zack’s cool guy facade starts to crack immediately. It’s a hilarious, retro reminder that even the smoothest operators have rough starts.
With 1990s cheesiness, neon fashion, and sitcom wisdom, King of the Hill delivers pure Saturday morning comfort.
Also, it’s worth it just to see baby Zack try to flirt and fail. Iconic.
Freaks and Geeks Season 1 Episode 7 “Carded and Discarded”
While technically, this isn’t the first day of school, it still nails the back-to-school vibe like few others.
When the gang befriends a new transfer student, they panic—because she’s smart, pretty, and actually wants to hang out with them. Cue the awkward scrambling to impress and the creeping self-sabotage that defines high school insecurity.
Meanwhile, the younger geeks attempt to score fake IDs to see Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Classic.
It’s painfully real and totally hilarious, reminding us how back-to-school isn’t just about class—it’s about cliques, expectations, and the tiny tragedies of cafeteria seating.