23 Great TV Shows to Watch as a Family

Lately, you've probably been spending more time together as a family than ever before. There's bonding to be done, so once the work for the day is finished, the last thing you want is for everyone to retreat and watch their own screens. Fortunately, there are countless quality shows streaming that your whole family will enjoy—it'll take you years to run out of options! Whether you're in the mood to laugh, hide under a blanket, or cheer on a superhero, there's a series on this list for you and your loved ones.

A portal between two worlds opens up in an Indiana town, and a group of middle schoolers are the first to suspect that something's horribly wrong. Set in the '80s, Stranger Things follows the kids and their families as they get to the bottom of the mysterious experiments being conducted in Hawkins. There are some pretty freaky monsters and dark moments in this one, so it's best for teenagers and brave pre-teens. But it's a series that kids and parents will both enjoy—even if all of you have to cover your eyes every once in a while. And for more Netflix hits, These Are the Best Netflix Shows to Stream While in Quarantine.

Stream on Netflix.

Boy Meets World begins with a sixth-grade Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) trying to make sense of the world, alongside his sweet but doofy brother, Eric (Will Friedle), and best friend, Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong). As he grows up, Cory falls in love with his classmate Topanga (Danielle Fishel) and comes to realize that his teacher/next door neighbor, Mr. Feeny (William Daniels), actually knows a thing or two about life. A follow-up series, Girl Meets World, centers around Cory and Topanga's daughter.

Stream on Disney+; buy on Amazon, Google Play, Apple TV, and Vudu.

This reboot of the '70s Norman Lear sitcom follows a Cuban-American family and deals with serious, real-world issues in a sensitive, warm, and funny way. Mom Penelope (Justina Machado) is a veteran dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); her best friend, Schneider (Todd Grinnell), is in recovery for alcohol use disorder; teen daughter Elena (Isabella Gomez) is discovering things about herself and her identity; and immigration concerns touch the whole family. While it may be too serious for little ones, One Day at a Time may help you start conversations with the kids who are ready for them.

Stream on DirecTV and Netflix; buy on Apple TV.

Set between the films Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, the animated series The Clone Wars is a must for families who can't get enough of the Skywalker saga and need some new material. You'll recognize characters like Anakin (Matt Lanter), Obi-Wan (James Arnold Taylor), and Count Dooku (Corey Burton), but The Clone Wars also introduces new heroes and villains, like Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein), Anakin's protégé and a future Jedi master in her own right. And for more from the House of Mouse, These Are the Best Movies to Stream on Disney+.

Stream on Disney+; buy on Amazon, Apple TV, and Vudu.

Are your kiddos into creating masterpieces (or just masterful messes) in the kitchen? Then you have to get them hooked on The Great British Baking Show. This competition series pits amateur bakers of all ages and walks of life against each other to bake technically challenging and spectacular cakes, breads, and desserts. And, well, "pits" is a strong word, because the joy of this series is that all of the contestants are so nice. And for more soothing series, try these 13 TV Shows That Are Perfect Background Noise While Working From Home.

Stream on Netflix, Hoopla, and PBS; buy on Amazon, Google Play, Fandango Now, and Vudu.

If you grew up glued to public television and watching Bob Ross paint "happy little trees," then it's time for you to pass on this incredibly soothing show. Adults and children alike will be mesmerized by Ross' calming presence, and the way he transforms blank canvases into detailed landscapes. Don't be surprised if it sparks your own creativity and inspires a family paint night.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

Stream on Amazon Prime and Hulu; buy on Amazon.

The '80s cartoon gets a modern makeover with this animated Netflix original. She-Ra was originally introduced as the long-lost sister of Adam of Eternia (AKA He-Man), but this series makes her the primary hero. Here, She-Ra (Aimee Carrero) leads an alliance of princesses as they fight against the influence of the evil Horde. And for more entertainment you can share, check out these 16 Classic Family Movies to Stream With Your Kids.

Stream on Netflix; buy on Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango Now, and Vudu.

Lemony Snicket's set of novels about the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans and the utterly miserable circumstances in which they find themselves is adapted into an archly funny and endlessly creative series that'll delight audiences of all ages. Neil Patrick Harris chews scenery as the evil Count Olaf, a master of disguise who's after the children's fortune, and older viewers will recognize plenty of clever celebrity cameos. There are even a few double entendres sprinkled into the script, but don't worry—they'll go right over your kids' heads.

Stream on Netflix.

Series creator Adam F. Goldberg based the series on his own childhood, growing up in Pennsylvania in the '80s. Like the creator himself, his young avatar records many of his family's sitcom shenanigans for posterity—sometimes, the show shares the real home movies. Your kids will will get into the Goldberg clan's various hijinks while you're busy counting the period-appropriate pop culture references. And for some older series your kids might enjoy, here are 15 Classic TV Shows You Didn't Know You Could Stream Right Now.

Stream on Hulu and DirecTV; buy on Amazon, Google Play, Fandango Now, and Vudu.

Can't take two steps in your house without stepping on a tiny building block? Then you need to get into Lego Masters, the new reality competition series that challenges teams of Lego builders to design jaw-dropping structures according to a theme. It's hosted by Will Arnett, which is only appropriate, as he voices Batman in the Lego Movie franchise.

Stream on Hulu, Fubo, and Fox Now; buy on Amazon, Google Play, Apple TV, Fandango Now, and Vudu.

You're probably trying to raise your children to be good citizens, so if they can handle some sitcom-y sexual situations, it's time that they meet Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler). Parks and Recreation follows the most dedicated, ambitious public service employee in Pawnee, Indiana, as she does everything she can to improve the lives of her neighbors—whether they deserve it or not.

Stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime; buy on Google Play, Apple TV, Fandango Now, and Vudu.

Supergirl is the most family-friendly series in the CW's "Arrowverse"—their interconnected shows based on DC Comics characters—starring Glee alum Melissa Benoist as Superman's Kryptonian cousin. Hiding out on Earth as Kara Danvers, Supergirl has to step up and embrace her powers when her home of National City is threatened, which brings her into contact with several legendary heroes and villains, including her famous relative.

Stream on DirecTV and Netflix; buy on Amazon, Google Play, Apple TV, and Fandango Now.

Living in the Land of Ooo years and years after nuclear war, Finn the Human (Jeremy Shada) and his BFF, Jake the Dog (John DiMaggio), are called upon to do some pretty heroic stuff on a regular basis. With the relationship between the boy and his shape-shifting pooch at its center, Adventure Time is equal parts goofy and emotional, with tons of supporting characters that school-aged kids will instantly connect with.

Stream on Hulu, Fubo, and Sling; buy on Amazon, Vudu, and Google Play.

One of the few shows that deals with disability issues and features a main character with a disability—Micah Fowler and his character JJ both have cerebral palsy—Speechless is worth watching for its premise alone, especially if you have kids that face challenges. You'll all fall in love with the DiMeo family, a scrappy clan who aren't particularly well-off or sophisticated, but who support each other fiercely and will mow down anything—or anyone—who gets in their way.

Stream on Hulu; buy on Amazon, Google Play, Apple TV, and Fandango Now.

You know the story: Now an adult, Kevin Arnold (Daniel Stern in the voiceover) looks back on his childhood in the late '60s and early '70s. Real-life historic events like the moon landing and the Vietnam War serve as the backdrop for little Kevin's (Fred Savage) coming of age, from his first kiss with neighbor Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar) to his first job, and beyond.

Stream on Hulu.

In 2017, Disney premiered a new version of DuckTales, featuring the voices of David Tennant, Ben Schwartz, Danny Pudi, Bobby Moynihan, and other big names. Everything you loved from the '80s series is still there, from Scrooge (Tennant) doing the breast stroke through his coins to the high-flying antics of Launchpad McQuack (Beck Bennett), but the new DuckTales also beefs up the role of Webby Vanderquack (Kate Micucci), who's more into adventures than tea parties these days.

Stream on Disney+, DirecTV, and Sling; buy on Google Play.

Advertising executive Dre (Anthony Anderson) and doctor Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross) raise their kids in their fancy California suburb, where money doesn't solve every problem. While it's hilarious and modern, Black-ish also provides context through integrated lessons on black history and culture. And once you're caught up with this series, you can turn to its spinoffs, Grown-ish (following the Johnsons' eldest daughter to college) and Mixed-ish (a prequel that chronicles Rainbow's childhood with her activist parents).

Stream on Hulu; buy on Amazon, Google Play, Apple TV, and Fandango Now.

If you're the type of family that loves to sit down and watch your favorite Saturday Night Live clips on YouTube on a regular basis, you should branch out on your sketch comedy. Introduce your kids to Carol Burnett, one of the all-time greats. Her variety show made television history, and so many gags still stand up. You may have to explain some vintage Hollywood references, but it'll be worth it to watch your little ones lose it to the iconic Gone With the Wind sketch.

Stream on Amazon Prime; buy on Amazon.

The Belchers aren't a perfect family. Their burger business is almost always struggling, the kids are usually in trouble at school, and they've found themselves in some pretty unbelievable jams. But they've got each other, and that's what matters. In other words, they may remind you a little of your own brood.

Stream on Hulu, DirecTV, and Fubo; buy on Amazon, Google Play, Apple TV, and Fandango Now.

Is your household all about sci-fi/fantasy? Then you'll get a lot out of digging into the long-running British series Doctor Who. Initially conceived in the early '60s as an educational series for children, the show about a time-traveling alien who bounces around the universe in a blue box is still wholesome enough to share. Smaller children may find some of the monsters too scary, but the frightening stuff almost always comes with a lesson about doing good and standing up for what's right.

Stream on DirecTV; buy on Amazon, Google Play, Apple TV, and Fandango Now.

If you were an avid viewer of ABC's TGIF lineup, then Fuller House will put you into a near-ecstatic state of nostalgia. The continuation of the hugely popular and squeaky clean sitcom Full House catches up with the Tanner family years down the line, as they come together to help widowed D.J. (Candace Cameron Bure) raise her kids. You won't see Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as Michelle, but the rest of the original cast reprise their roles.

Stream on Netflix; buy on Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango Now, and Vudu.

For families who prefer their humor with a side of the absurd, the entire run of the wacky children's show Pee-Wee's Playhouse is available to stream. While the show was originally marketed as a Saturday morning kids' series, adults tuned in with their cereal too, glued to its psychedelic tone. And now you can share Pee-Wee's (Paul Reubens) incredible inventions, the "secret word" of the day, and Laurence Fishburne's Cowboy Curtis with your own offspring.

Stream on Netflix and Hoopla; buy on Amazon and Google Play.

Anne Shirley, the protagonist of Anne of Green Gables, has been a hero to generations of kids. This recent adaptation adds period-appropriate instances of the prejudice and bullying Anne (Amybeth McNulty) would encounter as an orphan, making it a jumping off point for some tough but necessary conversations about discrimination and class struggles.

Stream on Netflix.