9 TV shows you'll actually want to watch with your kids, and 2 that are better to catch after they're asleep
Alexandra Karplus,Amanda Goh
- With so many shows available on streaming sites, it can be hard to pick the right one to watch with your kids.
- Insider spoke to parents and tapped into Common Sense Media to figure out what's age-appropriate.
As summer winds down and the kids are heading back to school, memories of watching fall TV shows with my family when I was growing up come rushing back. All these years later, I can still sing the lyrics to iconic theme songs for shows like "The Wonder Years" and "Growing Pains."
These days, screen time is a topic that every parent of young children is battling. How long should we let them watch? What shows are deemed appropriate for their age group? How do we best monitor what they're watching?
But as my own two little ones grow up and discover a world beyond "Paw Patrol" and "PJ Masks," I get excited about what we can watch together.
So, in an attempt to recreate the type of family time that I grew up with, I reached out to other parents — with kids between ages 8 and 15 — to find out what they enjoy watching with their children. We also tapped into Common Sense Media, a website that reviews media content for children, sharing the allocated age rating by critics and comments submitted by parents.
Ultimately, of course, it's up to each family to gauge what shows are appropriate for their kids to watch, so the suggestions below are just that — suggestions.
These are the top nine shows to watch with kids, and two to avoid.
1. "Bluey"
Where you can stream it: Disney+
What age it's a fit for, according to Common Sense Media: 4+
Disney+ description: "Bluey is an inexhaustible six-year-old Blue Heeler dog, who loves to play and turns everyday family life into extraordinary adventures, developing her imagination as well as her mental, physical, and emotional resilience."
What parents on Common Sense Media have to say: The show is an Australian "family-centered" preschool series that "presents parental figures who are very much attuned to their kids and who aptly balance the demands of work and family."
Why we think it's a good fit for the family: The show follows Bluey as she goes about her daily life, spending time with her family and friends. She often learns important social skills along the way, like sharing, taking turns, and being patient.
2. "The InBESTigators"
Where you can stream it: Netflix
What age it's a fit for, according to Common Sense Media: 8+
Netflix description: "Four clever school kids start their own detective agency and vlog about their adventures, becoming fast friends in the process."
What parents on Common Sense Media have to say: The Australian comedy series features four "kid detectives" who started their own detective agency. The show is full of "kid-friendly sarcasm and good-natured humor," and contains no strong language or violence.
Why we think it's a good fit for the family: The wholesome television series follows a diverse cast as they solve mysteries around the town — including missing items or prank callers. Once the low-stake crimes are solved, there's a value to be learned, making it great for smaller kids.
3. "Young Rock"
Where you can stream it: NBC
What age it's a fit for, according to Common Sense Media: 10+
NBC description: "Dwayne Johnson stars in the comedy about his life and the people he's met along the way."
What parents on Common Sense Media have to say: The show is a "positive, absorbing story of a wrestling family," and contains fairly-accurate depictions of '80s pro wrestling. But since it's a sitcom about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, there are some scenes with coarse language, slight violence, and drinking.
Why we think it's a good fit for the family: The series, now in its third season, follows the wrestler-turned-movie-star as he goes through different stages in his life. The actors who play the younger versions of Johnson bear a strong resemblance to him — and Johnson himself stars in the show as well. Who doesn't like The Rock?
4. "The Baby-Sitters Club"
Where you can stream it: Netflix
What age it's a fit for, according to Common Sense Media: 10+
Netflix description: "Ann M. Martin's beloved books get a modern update in this series that follows a group of girlfriends and their homegrown babysitting business."
What parents on Common Sense Media have to say: The show is a "tween-friendly books-based reboot" that "celebrates friendship" and does not portray drinking, drugs, or smoking.
Why we think it's a good fit for the family: The series is about a group of teen girls who run a successful babysitting business. Although some episodes deal with topics like divorce and racism, this show can be a good starting point for parents to open the conversation with their children regarding such issues.
5. "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series"
Where you can stream it: Disney+
What age it's a fit for, according to Common Sense Media: 10+
Disney+ description: "After an epic summer at Camp Shallow Lake, the Wildcats return to East High where they prepare a stage production of 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year.' But plans are disrupted when Principal Gutierrez announces that Disney has decided to make the long-awaited 'High School Musical 4: The Reunion' movie on location at their beloved high school."
What parents on Common Sense Media have to say: The series is a "quirky spin-off" of the original High School Musical franchise. Like the original, it contains some teen drama, including romantic relationships and rivalries, as well as musical performances.
Why we think it's a good fit for the family: The show is entertaining with all its musical and dance acts, and it makes a strong statement about the value of the arts in schools. It also touches on important themes, such as friendship, loyalty, and pursuing your passions.
6. "Nailed It!"
Where you can stream it: Netflix
What age it's a fit for, according to Common Sense Media: 10+
Netflix description: "Home bakers with a terrible track record take a crack at re-creating edible masterpieces for a $10,000 prize. It's part reality contest, part hot mess."
What parents on Common Sense Media have to say: The series is a baking show that "challenges" amateur bakers to "recreate professionally made novelty desserts," to win a prize of $10,000. The results are usually hilariously disastrous.
Why we think it's a good fit for the family: Everyone on the show has a sense of humor, and they're unafraid to laugh at themselves. The baking fails can also be a source of entertainment for your kids. Some children even get inspired to take up baking.
7. "The Mandalorian"
Where you can stream it: Disney+
What age it's a fit for, according to Common Sense Media: 10+
Disney+ description: "After the fall of the Empire, a lone Mandalorian makes his way through the lawless galaxy with his foundling, Grogu."
What parents on Common Sense Media have to say: The show is set in the Star Wars universe, and contains futuristic, sci-fi scenes. Although the main character — played by Pedro Pascal — is a bounty hunter, "there's no blood or gore" in the series, but viewers can expect a lot of "conflict and battles."
Why we think it's a good fit for the family: The characters are well-written, and the show is packed with action and adventure. The series also features the adorable Grogu — better known as Baby Yoda.
8. "Chef's Table"
Where you can stream it: Netflix
What age it's a fit for, according to Common Sense Media: 12+
Netflix description: "In this Emmy-nominated series, meet culinary stars around the world who are redefining gourmet food with innovative dishes and tantalizing desserts."
What parents on Common Sense Media have to say: The Netflix documentary series is "thoughtful" and "diverse," and covers the stories of chefs from around the world. The show also touches on the chefs' personal philosophies, which center on positive messages like healthy eating and conserving nature.
Why we think it's a good fit for the family: Each episode focuses on the origin story of a single chef, and the series doubles as a travelogue as it showcases different cuisines from around the globe.
9. "Queer Eye"
Where you can stream it: Netflix
What age it's a fit for, according to Common Sense Media: 14+
Netflix description: "Grab some tissues! An all-new "Fab Five" serve up hip tips, emotionally charged makeovers, and heartfelt reveals that bring out all the feels."
What parents on Common Sense Media have to say: The show is a reboot of the original "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" series from 2003. The series includes "positive messages about being self-confident and fully accepting oneself and others who may be different."
Why we think it's a good fit for the family: Each episode features the five cast members spending a week to help improve someone's life situation. The series features some heartwarming, emotional transformations, and the cast members are kind and accepting of all the people they meet.
TO AVOID 1: "Bel-Air"
Where you can stream it: Peacock
What age it's a fit for, according to Common Sense Media: 14+
Peacock description: "Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Peacock's successful one-hour drama series Bel-Air imagines the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air through a new, dramatic take on Will's complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions, and biases of a world far different from the only one he's ever known."
What parents on Common Sense Media have to say: The series is a "very dramatic reboot" of the classic sitcom, and features "strong language." There are also scenes depicting drug use and violence, including fighting and guns.
Why we think you should enjoy it alone: If you're watching this in order to bring back the feel-good vibes from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" you grew up with in the '90s, go for it, but just maybe not with your kids. Things like Carlton snorting cocaine and the liberal use of profanity separate this from the Will Smith classic and classify it as more of a young adult drama.
TO AVOID 2. "Cobra Kai"
Where you can stream it: Netflix
What age it's a fit for, according to Common Sense Media: 15+
Netflix description: "Decades after the tournament that changed their lives, the rivalry between Johnny and Daniel reignites in this sequel to the "Karate Kid" films."
What parents on Common Sense Media have to say: "Cobra Kai" features lots of coarse language as well as violence, including "lots of fighting in the ring" as well as "street fighting and bullying."
Why we think you should enjoy it alone: It's been over three decades since the release of the Oscar-nominated "The Karate Kid." Another blast from the past, the show once again focuses on the rivalry between Daniel LaRusso and Jonny Lawrence. The show is heavy on the cheese, but watching Ralph Macchio and Billy Zabka all grown up is worth it. The violence that takes place in pretty much every episode takes it off the good-to-watch-with-kids list.
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