Lycanthropus adulescens: the classical element in MTV's Teen Wolf (2011–17).

This article examines the prominent incorporation of Greek and Roman myth and folklore in the MTV television series *Teen Wolf* (2011–2017), created by Jeff Davis, highlighting how classical elements shape the show’s narrative, characters, and supernatural lore. It argues that *Teen Wolf* consciously draws on classical antiquity—such as the werewolves’ descent from Lycaon, the presence of creatures like Cerberus, and the use of classical myths as arcane knowledge within the story—to enrich its world-building and align its structure with ancient epic patterns. The protagonist Scott McCall is analyzed as a twenty-first-century epic hero whose moral compass and leadership echo classical heroic traits while diverging from traditional epic quests. Additionally, the article discusses how classical knowledge, often conveyed through Latin and mythological references, functions as secret lore accessible mainly to adult antagonists, creating a generational knowledge gap that the teenage protagonists must overcome. Overall, the study situates *Teen Wolf* within a broader trend of modern Young Adult and supernatural fiction engaging with classical reception to add depth and complexity to contemporary storytelling.