Some children’s TV shows seem to have been invented to torture parents. The crazy giggling sun with a baby face haunting the skies of “Teletubbies,” and the wordless screaming of the characters in “Larva” come to mind. I can’t get out of the room fast enough when those pop up on our TV.
But there are other shows …
Shows with writers who understand it’s not just kids who will be watching their programs, it’s parents too. Through humor, clever writing, aesthetics and straight-up weirdness, there are lots of great shows out there that you will love just as much (sometimes more) than your kids. Here are a few we think you should check out.
For the preschool and younger crowd
“Bluey.” This show is at the top of every parent’s “Shows I don’t hate” list. And for good reason. Follow the adventures of Australian Blue Heeler, Bluey, and her family. The episodes are short and positive with clever writing adults love.
Stream on Disney+
“Sesame Street.” There is a reason this show has been around for decades: It’s a true classic. Puppets and people teach kids more than just the ABCs. The show also teaches lessons about life, kindness and being accepting of others. More recently, tougher issues have been tackled as well, including homelessness, autism and foster care.
Stream on Max
“Wild Kratts.” If you’ve got an animal lover, this show is for you! Join the Kratt brothers on animal adventures all over the world.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
“Ask the StoryBots.” Get ready for these curious little robots who answer questions from real kids to charm you. With guest stars including Snoop Dog, Jay Leno and Ali Wong, adults will get a kick out of watching this show, and maybe even learn a thing or two.
Stream on Netflix
“Shaun the Sheep.” There is something charming about stop-motion animation. This show (by the creators of “Chicken Run” and “Wallace and Gromit”) appeals to a wide range of viewers thanks to short and simple episodes, silly premises and the intricate stop-motion animation style.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
For the elementary-aged crowd
“Hilda.” This animated show is simply beautiful to look at. The soft colors of Hilda’s world are a welcome relief from the bright and fast-moving computer animation seen in so many children’s shows. Hilda and her friends have magical adventures nestled in the lovely Scandinavian countryside.
Stream on Netflix
“Steven Universe.” Diversity, acceptance and being yourself are the core messages of this great animated show, which has won a Peabody Award (among others). If that weren’t enough to convince you to try it, the 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes should. And there also are plenty of intergalactic fights to save Earth, plus laughs along the way.
Stream on Max
“Gravity Falls.” This Emmy award-winning show, with a cast of all ages, is popular with all ages. Follow the adventures of Dipper and Mable Pines who are sent to stay with their great-uncle Stan at his shop in Gravity Falls, Oregon. They discover a cryptic journal and work together to solve mysteries, vanquish evil and save the day.
Stream on Disney+
“Animaniacs.” This animated show from the 1990s is a zany classic. From catchy songs about the state capitols to mice trying to take over the world, this show, animated in the classic looney tunes style, appeals to a wide range of viewers.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
“A Series of Unfortunate Events.” Follow the misadventures of the Baudelaire children as they try to uncover a family secret while escaping the clutches of the evil Count Olaf (played brilliantly by Neil Patrick Harris). The cinematography and sets are beautiful, and it often feels like watching a play rather than a television show. This award-winning show is a favorite of kids and adults alike.
Stream on Netflix
“Avatar: The Last Airbender.” This epic story of a world divided into four tribes — Water Tribe, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation and Air Nomads — follows Aang, the Avatar, and the only one who can control all four elements. This animated adventure will keep the whole family entertained.
Stream on Netflix
For tweens and teens
“Anne with an E.” Based on the classic books by L.M. Montgomery, this beautiful show follows the life of spunky, creative and kind Anne. The updated series, set on Prince Edward Island, will captivate kids and adults alike. Note: There is a reference to sexual abuse in one of the episodes, though nothing graphic is said or shown.
Stream on Netflix
“The Baby-Sitters Club.” While this show only had two seasons, it is a gem. Based on the book series of the same name (each episode is titled after a book), the show follows a group of tweens who start a babysitting service (complete with a vintage landline phone they bought on Ebay). Updated for the 21st century, the show tackles friendship, gender identity, feminism, health challenges and death in a modern, honest way. Cuddle up with your tweens and binge-watch this on a rainy weekend.
Stream on Netflix
“Wednesday.” The daughter of everyone’s favorite creepy family, Wednesday Addams, is the star of this Emmy-winning show. Wednesday must uncover the mysteries at her new boarding school while also navigating teenage life and an epic school dance. This show is smart, funny, clever and just scary enough to keep kids and adults on the edge of their seats.
Stream on Netflix
“Adventure Time.” When I sat down to watch this with my son for the first time I was completely drawn in by the pure strangeness. Join Finn the Human and Jake the Dog on all kinds of adventures with their awesome cast of friends, including one of the best-named cartoon characters ever — Lumpy Space Princess.
Stream on Max
“The Simpsons.” A total classic that has been on the air since 1989. Not everything is appropriate for all kids (there is some light swearing), but we’ve never watched this show without laughing out loud at least once.
Stream on Disney+
“Sweet Tooth.” This Emmy-winning apocalyptic show follows the adventures of Sweet Tooth (also known as Gus), a half-human, half-deer child. The show takes place in a world devastated by a viral pandemic, and Gus and his friends are on a quest to find his mother. Kids and adults will love the adventure, creative storytelling and the focus on the power of friendship and acceptance.
Stream on Netflix
“Stranger Things.” A mix of adventure, sci-fi and just enough horror to get your heart beating, this show is a huge hit with the tween and older crowd. The show focuses on a group of friends (who are 12 years old in season one) who meet a mysterious girl with superpowers. Enter bad guys, monsters, alternate dimensions and a missing friend and you’ve got one exciting show. Some of the monsters are quite scary and there is some swearing, so this show is not for everyone. Pro tip: Consider watching an episode or two first before inviting your kids to join, and know that the scariness factor ramps up significantly as the seasons progress.
Stream on Netflix
“We Are the Champions.” Narrated by Seattle-born Rainn Wilson, this documentary series celebrates offbeat contests and proves that there is a place for everyone to be a champion. From a cheese-rolling race to dog dancing to frog hopping, each episode follows competitors at the top of their game in a field you probably did not know existed. Positive, fun and engaging, this show is one kids and adults will all love.
Stream on Netflix
Reality shows
These shows can be great fun to watch as a family. You can each make predictions as to who the winner will be, and maybe be inspired to bake a cake, sew a new outfit, or create your own Lego masterpiece.
“Great British Baking Show.” Possibly the loveliest show on television, contestants engage in three baking challenges in each episode. One baker is crowned the Star Baker and one is eliminated in each episode, resulting in one baker winning it all — which, for this show, is a bouquet and an engraved cake stand. The contestants are kind and supportive, and your kids just might be inspired to bake the family a cake — a win all around!
Stream on Netflix
“Glow Up.” Make-up artists compete in challenges ranging from traditional looks to science fiction to total avant-garde. This show features diverse, talented contestants and will inspire your own budding artist.
Stream on Netflix
“Lego Masters.” Hosted by Will Arnett, this show asks Lego enthusiasts to participate in building competitions with a variety of themes. Anyone who has ever played with, picked up or stepped on a Lego can relate to the show and the impressive, complex works that are created.
Stream on Amazon Prime
“Project Runway.” If you have a fashion fan, this is a must-watch. Talented contestants design and sew clothes, and each episode ends with a runway fashion show to determine who is the winner, and who is out.
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
“The Voice.” Famous musicians judge and coach up-and-coming singers who compete to win the grand prize. The twist? Contestants are judged on their voice alone. Kids and adults will love watching these talented musicians battle it out.
Stream on Peacock
“American Ninja Warrior.” World-class athletes climb, swing, jump and run their way through a seemingly impossible obstacle course, competing for the best time. Kids and adults will be inspired by the competitors’ stories and unrelenting drive. Just writing about this show makes me feel tired — and inspired!
Stream on Netflix
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