Finding the right TV show for your children can be overwhelming. If you’re raising a Gen Z like I am, you can relate to the struggle of keeping up with times. The youngsters of today are so good at understanding themes and translating them to emotions. As a parent, you need to be extremely careful with the content your children consume.
Of course, we adults have to make the ultimate choice between fairytales and thrillers. I am waiting for my younger ones to grow up so that we could watch all those Al Pacino and Daniel Day-Lewis classics on our Cox cable. In the meanwhile, I have come across a few family-friendly TV shows.
Here’s the complete list.
The Office
Where to Stream: Peacock
The American adaptation of Ricky Gervais’ acclaimed hit is known for its sly humor and witty pranks. The series aired in the U.S. in 2005. It ran for nine seasons, ending in 2013. The show documents the professional lives of Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) and his employees as they go about their everyday lives at the office. Other cast members include Rainn Wilson and John Krasinski.
Stranger Things
Where to Stream: Netflix
Stranger Things is an ode to retro horror and sci-flicks like Stephen King’s IT and Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. It provides a great dose of suspense, thriller, and horror without being over-the-top gory. The series revolves around a group of kids with superhuman abilities. It offers a great combination of sci-fi horror and action with a compelling storyline. Expect your teens to jump out of the couch in sheer horror and excitement.
Cobra Kai
Where to Stream: Netflix
The Karate Kid was a big hit with the audience during the eighties. I remember hating Johnny Lawrence to my guts for his bullying behavior. Thirty-odd years later, Netflix decided to adapt the series into a TV show. The result was Cobra Kai. Both Ralph Macchio and William Zabka reprise their roles as Danny LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence respectively. While your children may question you for wearing a karate outfit while you guys enjoy the show, they’d appreciate your dedication to The Karate Kid franchise.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Where to Stream: HBO Max
Before Will Smith become a bad boy, he was The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The good-natured sitcom from the nineties is known for its exploration of the parent-child relationship in a humorous manner. Smith pretty much plays himself. He’s raised in a quite intense neighborhood in Philadelphia. Smith’s mum sends him to live with his wealthy Uncle Phil and his family in Bel-Air. What follows after is a ride filled with joy, laugh, and tears.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Where to Stream: Netflix
A Series of Unfortunate Events is a surprisingly good TV show with occasional wacky and weird moments. It is based on a novel series of the same name. Author Daniel Handler wrote the 13 novels under the pseudonym Lemony Snicket. The show explores the trials and tribulations of three orphans and the evil schemes of their guardian Count Olaf. Cast members include Neil Patrick Harris, Malina Weissman, and Louis Hynes.
Schitt’s Creek
Where to Stream: Netflix
This Canadian sitcom has tons of humor to complement its theme of family. My younger ones enjoyed every single moment of watching the show. The father-son duo of Eugene and Dan Levy has helmed the show. They also play the lead actors. The show imparts important lessons regarding success and failure. Cast members include Annie Murphy and Catherine O’Hara.
Dad Stop Embarrassing Me
Where to Stream: Netflix
Dad Stop Embarrassing Me perfectly captures the father-daughter bond. Academy-winning actor Jamie Fox portrays the role of a widower who has to raise his teenage daughter following the death of her mother. The show tackles various social issues through humor. It is inspired by Foxx’s real-life relationship with his daughter Corinne Foxx. Cast members include Porscha Coleman, Heather Hemmens, and Jonathan Kite.
Atypical
Where to Stream: Netflix
The show explores the various challenges associated with autism. Sam (played by Keir Gilchrist) is an autistic kid who wants to explore romance, dating, and love. It is a heartfelt comedy with some great scenes. It is great that autism has started to receive mainstream attention.
