Sabienna Bowman
Finding shows everyone in your family will enjoy is no easy task. The thousands of streaming options at your disposal should make things simple, but sifting through Netflix for hours looking for a program everyone can agree on is a daunting idea when your kid wants to watch something right now. Fear not, because those elusive family-friendly series you’re looking for actually do exist, and they really are just a click away.
Below, you’ll find 18 shows that you and your kids will love. Some of them are educational, some will start conversations, and some are just fun. The one thing they all have in common is that they’re entertainment you can feel good about watching and sharing with your loved ones. Pop some popcorn and start planning your next TV night with one of these series that are perfect for streaming with the whole family.
- American Ninja Warrior (Hulu)
Whether you’re a sports fan or just a sucker for an inspiring story, the athleticism of everyday people that’s on display in American Ninja Warrior is perfect for you and every member of the family. The best part thing about watching this obstacle course show with your kids is it might lead to them catching the ninja bug and actually wanting to play outside this summer.
2. Steven Universe (Hulu)
Beautifully animated with a storyline deep enough to draw in adults and episodic enough to captivate children, this is one cartoon you’ll be happy to watch all day.
3. Just Add Magic (Amazon Prime)
This series follows three young women who practice magic through baking. Just Add Magic has all of the hijinks of a kid’s show, but the cooking segments will encourage you and any aspiring chefs in your family to hit the kitchen. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself discussing whether or not Mama P is evil while you’re whipping up some Shut ’em Up Shortcake.
4. Mythbusters (Hulu)
Science has never been so exciting. The Mythbusters team take everyday questions — like, do humans really only use 10 percent of their brains? — and put them to the test with often explosive results. There’s no better way to keep your kids learning all summer long than by showing them just how much fun answering the world’s weirdest questions can be.
5. Doctor Who (Amazon Video)
The modern Doctor Who is one of TV’s best family shows. You’re never too young or old to go on an adventure with Doctor. A superhero who thinks his way out of problems and values humanity above all else is a character everyone can love.
6. Goosebumps (Netflix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXiYpfR-cRE
For you, this ’90s scarefest will conjure up nostalgia, while your kids will be enthralled by the spooky and often funny tales. Be sure to point out a young Ryan Gosling to them when you get to “Say Cheese and Die” to earn yourself some extra cool points.
7. Horrible Histories UK (Hulu)
This British import is so hilarious, everyone in your family will be laughing too hard to realizing they’re learning actual facts about history. While the whole show is a treat, expect the “Stupid Deaths” segment to become an instant favorite.
8. Star Trek: The Next Generation (Netflix)
Introduce your family to the world of Star Trek with Patrick Stewart at the Enterprise’s helm. While every version of Star Trek emphasizes wonder and progressive thinking, no other installment has quite as much heart.
9. Phineas And Ferb (Netflix)
A summer of endless adventure awaits in this witty animated series. This one show that proves you’re never too old for cartoons. The humor and the inventiveness of the series’ titular brothers is sure to keep you just as entertained as the younger members of your family.
10. Gortimer Gibbon’s Life On Normal Street (Amazon Video)
Every episode of Gortimer features a lesson about growing up, but those lessons are wrapped in parables and delightful weirdness. There’s nothing normal about Normal Street, and that’s exactly why it’s such a fun place to visit.
11. Anne with an E (Netflix)
This updated version of Anne of Green Gables brings Anne Shirley to a new generation with an emphasis on girl power and found families.
12. We Bare Bears (Hulu)
One of TV’s warmest comedies just so happens to be the animated story of three adopted bear brothers making their way in a modern world. It may be written with a kid audience in mind, but this show is so addictive you’ll end up watching episodes even when the kiddos are sleeping.
13. Danger & Eggs (Amazon Video)
D.D. Danger and her talking egg best friend are a weird pair, but their antics are surreal, heartwarming, and, above all, fun to watch. Don’t be surprised if this thoughtful cartoon brings a tear to your eye at least once in Season 1.
14. Supergirl (Netflix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC7P8_zyh94
Kara Danvers is as strong as she is awkward, and that’s what makes her so special. Seeing the earnest hero save the world and conquer the stresses of everyday life will be rewarding for the whole family.
15. Over The Garden Wall (Hulu)
Eerie and stunningly animated, this miniseries is a television feast everyone needs to see at least once. Just beware that it can be genuinely scary at times, so be prepared to talk with your kids about the show’s use of monsters and folklore.
16. Fuller House (Netflix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXuGLswn2l0
Yes, the Tanner family is just as cheesy as you remember them being, and that’s exactly why this comfort food TV plays well with kids and kids at heart.
17. Fresh Off The Boat (Hulu)
The Huang family’s journey from Washington D.C.’s vibrant Chinatown community to ’90s Orlando is the rare family sitcom that everyone in your home can enjoy. The kids on the show are just as integral to the story as the adults, but Constance Wu’s scene-stealing performance as the family’s mom, Jessica, is the best reason to binge this comedy.
18. The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRNMzIl0qLo
A competition series that’s informative, endlessly watchable, and features the contestants actually supporting one another is a rarity. To have all of that and the soothing presence of Mary Berry is a gift far too special to squander.
The next time you’re looking for a show the whole family can enjoy try one of these streaming gems. You’ll be amazed by just how easy it is to make everyone from your youngest kid to your grandmother happy when you choose the right series.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings