Seniors, graduation is just around the corner! Before you know it, your diplomas will be in your hand, and the days of polos and khakis will be behind you. To get in the spirit, check out this curated list of graduation-related media in every form. What better way to prepare for the big event than learning from the first graduations you ever saw on TV?
Watchlist
Hannah Montana: “I Am Mamaw, Hear Me Roar!” (S4, E12)
“‘This is a little Photoshop, Mamaw style’ ‘But now Lilly’s dad’s not in the picture.’ ‘Oh, like I need that crybaby on my mantle.’”
Miley’s secret is out, and her Mamaw flies in for her graduation. But as fans bombard the two — ruining their graduation photo — friction builds up. This not-so-relatable dilemma forces Miley to navigate the two sides of her life: a lesson any soon-to-be college freshman will know soon, even if they aren’t an international pop star. Follow the full seven-episode arc of Miley’s reveal — starting with “I’ll Always Remember You” to best get in the sentimental spirit of saying “goodbye.”
Gilmore Girls: “Those Are Strings, Pinocchio” (S3, E22)
“‘Look around for a sec. You notice? It’s not so scary anymore.’”
Just a day before Rory backpacks across Europe, she delivers a heartfelt graduation speech and phone call goodbye, turning over a new leaf for the next chapter of her life.
Gossip Girl: “The Goodbye Gossip Girl” (S2, E25)
“‘Now that all my secrets are out, you have a clean slate. Until college. Congratulations, I’m coming with you.’”
In typical “Gossip Girl” fashion, graduation is nothing short of dramatic. With Gossip Girl sending out her own class superlatives, Serena goes on a hunt to unmask her— only for it to backfire.
Boy Meets World: “Graduation” (S5, E24)
“‘Of course, I was feeling like I always do: I couldn’t wait to get out of here.’”
Cory, Topanga, and Shawn are finally out of high school and ready to meet the world! Even principal and mentor Mr. Feeny is ready to leave John Adams High School behind. Yet as they reflect on their feelings, all four find themselves forced to make a choice.
The O.C.: “The Graduates” (S3, E25)
“‘Hey. Let’s go graduate. Come on, come on!’”
A must-watch for any OC resident, tune into Orange County’s second-best graduation ceremony you’ll witness this year. After the excitement of graduating with your best friends and celebrating with family, the show also features the four main characters together in one room for the very last time.
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
“‘We’re all in this together.’”
Unsure of where their futures are headed, Troy and Gabriela are ready to make the most of their senior year together. But plans soon change, throwing everyone into a whirlwind. Watch Troy, Gabriela, Sharpay, Lucas, Corbin, and Monique take their final bow!
After you finish rewatching your favorite scenes, don’t forget to soundtrack the sentiment with bittersweet and celebratory songs.
Playlist
“I’ll Always Remember You”
Artist: Hannah Montana
Genre: Pop
“We’ll smile and we’ll laugh, but right now, we just cry ‘cause it’s so hard to say ‘goodbye.’”
Just as Miley Stewart did with her Hannah outfits in the show, take a look into your wardrobe and reminisce on your most memorable moments in each OA uniform combination.
“Rivers and Roads”
Artist: The Head and the Heart
Genre: Americana
“And they’re goin’ to better places, but our friends will be gone away.”
“Landslide”
Artist: Fleetwood Mac
Genre: Folk-Rock
“I’ve been ‘fraid of changin ‘cause I’ve built my life around you.”
“A World Alone”
Artist: Lorde
Genre: Alternative Pop
“Let ’em talk, ’cause we’re dancing in this world alone.”
“Long Live”
Artist: Taylor Swift
Genre: Pop-Rock
“I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you.”
“The Climb”
Artist: Miley Cyrus
Genre: Country-Pop
“There’s always gonna be another mountain; I’m always gonna wanna make it move.”
“You’re Gonna Go Far”
Artist: Noah Kahan
Genre: Folk-Pop
“You’re the greatest thing we’ve lost.”
“Scott Street”
Artist: Phoebe Bridgers
Genre: Indie
“(Ooh-ooh, ooh) Anyway, don’t be a stranger.”
“Slipping Through My Fingers”
Artist: ABBA
Genre: Pop Ballad
“Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture and save it from the funny tricks of time.”
“Night Changes”
Artist: One Direction
Genre: Ballad
“It will never change me and you.”
“I’ve Seen It”
Artist: Olivia Dean
Genre: Pop-Soul
“I understand it less and less; I guess I’m not supposed to know it all.”
“Ribs”
Artist: Lorde
Genre: Alternative
“You’re the only friend I need.”
And of course, the quintessential graduation song. For maximum effect, play “Ribs” during a late-night hangout or last drive around school.
Binge these graduation-inspired media on your own or with friends as the last “high school hangout” before the big day. The finish line is in sight. Happy graduating, class of 2026!
