Best Family Shows on Netflix for Younger & Older Kids

If you’re searching for new a TV series the whole family will enjoy, check out this huge list of the best Netflix family shows.

There are series’ recommendations for younger viewers, older children and more mature tweens and teens too. I even included a few scary TV shows to watch as a family if that’s your thing.

Click on the table of contents to easily skip to the section you’re interested in or read the whole list to find a new Netflix show to binge together. If you’ve seen all of the recommended shows, check out some ideas for alternatives to Netflix.

Family Friendly Animated Shows for Young Kids (TV-Y)

In this section, you’ll primarily find animated Netflix family series’ that are rated TV-Y and appropriate for young children.

Go! Go! Cory Carson

Rated TV-Y. 6 seasons.

If your little one likes cars, turn on Cory Carson and watch him explore the roads of his hometown, Bumperton Hills. While the Netflix original series has 6 seasons, your kid will be excited to learn there are also lots of seasonal specials featuring Cory the adventurer.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Rated TV-Y. 8 seasons.

Meet unicorn Twilight Sparkle and her My Little Pony friends who live together in Equestria. Main message of this show is the importance of friendship.

The Magic School Bus Rides Again

Rated TV-Y. 2 seasons.

While you can still watch the original Magic School Bus series on Netflix, they also brought back this classic animated series featuring Ms. Frizzle’s little sister Fiona as the fun science teacher. Your whole family will love the lessons built into this cute show.

Also check out these related titles:

• The Magic School Bus Rides Again: The Frizz Connection
• The Magic School Bus Rides Again: In the Zone
• The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Kids in Space.

The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants

Rated TV-Y. 3 seasons.

This Netflix Original series by Dreamworks Animation follows George and Harold, two 4th graders who love comic books and pranks. They also have a bit of an obsession with transforming their school’s principal into an underpants-wearing super hero.

Fast & Furious: Spy Racers

Rated TV-7. 6 seasons.

Based on the classic movie franchise, Fast & Furious: Spy Racersc follows a group of teens who are recruited as undercover spies to infiltrate a group of illegal street racers.

Super Monsters

Rated TV-Y. 3 seasons.

The world’s most famous monsters and mysterious creatures send their kids to a special preschool to help them master their own powers and prepare for kindergarten.

Wizards: Tales of Arcadia

Rated TV-7. Limited series.

Another Dreamworks series, this show follows Merlin’s apprentice as he joins Arcadia’s heroes in Camelot on a journey across time during a conflict between the human, troll and magical worlds.

Avatar: Last Airbender

Rated TV-Y7. 3 seasons.

Two siblings, Sokka and Katara, awaken Aang from his long sleep and discover that he’s actually an avatar with air-bending powers that can defeat their rival, the wicked Fire Nation. Great option for fantasy lovers.

The Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos

Rated TV-Y7. 4 seasons.

After making a huge discovery, two princes work together with an elven assassin to bring peace to their respective lands.

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous

Rated TV-Y7. 5 seasons.

In this animated series, 6 teens are chosen to attend an amazing adventure camp for kids on Isla Nublar. Just like in the movies, the dinosaurs escape and the kids must work together to survive.

Good Non-Animated Shows for Younger Kids (TV-G)

These non-animated shows for families are entertaining and great for most young kids with a rating of TV-G.

Julie and the Phantoms

Rated TV-G. 1 season.

A teen girl attending a performing arts high school in Los Angeles, Julie find a new way to create music after her mom’s untimely passing… with a ghost band.

This family drama series on Netflix also features original songs by the cast. The first season of this show had my entire family completely hooked and we’re all sad there won’t be a second season.

Alexa & Katie

Rated TV-G. 4 parts.

This heartwarming series follows Alexa, a young girl who battles cancer with the support of her family and best friends. Great series for teaching empathy to kids.

The Babysitter’s Club

Rated TV-G. 2 seasons.

Based on the iconic baby-sitters club book series, this family-friendly Netflix series follows a group of friends who form a babysitting club and offer their wonderful services to the community. Mostly follows the original storyline.

Dive Club

Rated TV-G. 1 season.

Four friends share a passion for diving. When one girl goes missing, the rest go on a quest to find out what happened to her.

The Worst Witch

Rated TV-G. 4 seasons.

Based on the book series by Jill Murphy, this touching show follows Mildred Hubble as she discovers she’s destined to attend witch school.

Greenhouse Academy

Rated TV-PG. 4 seasons.

Greenhouse Academy is an exciting teen drama series set in an elite boarding school where students balance academic pursuits with unraveling mysteries and uncovering secrets. With its blend of suspense, friendship dynamics, and teenage romance, the show keeps viewers hooked as they journey through a world of intrigue and personal growth.

Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events

Rated TV-G. 3 seasons.

When the Baudelaire kids lose their parents, the orphans are sent to live with their repulsive distant relative, Count Olaf (played by Neil Patrick Harris). Based on the book series and movie of the same name, Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events, is a very visual tale.

Free Rein

Rated TV-G. 3 seasons.

A teen from Los Angeles gets the opportunity to spend summer on the island off the coast of England where her mom grew up. She develops a love for horses in the process.

Family TV Shows for Older Kids (TV-PG)

If there are no more little kids in the house, check out this list of the best family-friendly shows for older children.

Anne with an E

Rated TV-PG. 3 seasons.

One of our favorite Netflix originals, Anne with an E is an adaption from the original books and miniseries, Anne of Green Gables. This Netflix family series takes a different spin than previous versions with slightly more mature content. I was a huge fan of the original books, and I’m also a fan of the modernized series.

Lost in Space

Rated TV-PG. 3 seasons.

The Robinson family has been preparing to live on an alien planet for years. But these interstellar adventurers didn’t expect to crash land on an unknown world. Intense and inspiring family series on Netflix with a focus on familial relationships. Final season now available to stream.

Fuller House

Rated TV-PG. 5 seasons.

Continuing the story from the classic 90s show Full House, the Tanner family reunites and lives together again under one roof in this Netflix family series. This time, DJ, Stephanie and Kimmie are parenting together.

Country Comfort

Rated TV-PG. 1 season.

An aspiring country singer lands a job as a nanny to the children of a widower when her career takes a downturn. Emotional and inspiring story. We’re all hoping for a second season!

Raising Dion

Rated TV-PG. 2 seasons.

Based on the comic book, Raising Dion is a drama series about a young boy with magical superpowers. Even though he’s an 8-year old boy, his powers are strong enough to rival many adult superheroes, so he faces evil villains and monsters.

No Good Nick

Rated TV-PG. 2 Parts.

When an orphaned teen shows up on their doorstep claiming she’s family, they welcome her in. Little do they know she has secret plans of her own.

One Day at a Time

Rated TV-PG. 3 seasons.

This Netflix original series based on the TV classic from the 1970s follows a Latina mother who suddenly finds herself single while raising two kids… now with her mom’s help. Starring Justina Machado and Rita Moreno.

Watership Down

Rated TV-PG. Limited series.

A group of rabbits searching for a new home confront many challenges along the way. Adapted from the classic Novel by Richard Adams. Features voices from actors like Olivia Colman, James McAvoy and Ben Kingsley.

Shows to Watch with Younger Teens (TV-14)

This family shows list includes only series rated TV-14 and appropriate for older tweens and younger teen viewers.

Gilmore Girls

Rated TV-14. 7 seasons.

If you didn’t see Gilmore Girls when it first aired, there’s still time to watch it with your kids. My daughters and I really bonded over this show. It follows single mother Lorelai and her bright and inspiring daughter Rory as they live their very full lives.

This show has such a loyal fan base that Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life was later produced by Netflix (and many of us fans are still hoping for more).

Locke & Key

Rated TV-14. 3 seasons.

The Locke family moves into Keyhouse and quickly discover it’s full of mysteries. This mind-bending show is more entertaining than it sounds… and the series finale is well-planned and worth the watch!

The Umbrella Academy

Rated TV-14. 3 seasons.

Based on the comic book series of the same name, Umbrella Academy follows a group of people with special powers that were all born on the same day. If you’re not a fan of watching kids shows, this is the perfect choice as it truly appeals to adults and kids. Season 3 is being filmed.

Wednesday

Rated TV-14. 1 season.

This hit show is based on the classic Addams Family stories. When the title character is sent off to school at Nevermore, Wednesday finds herself investigating a string of unusual murders.

The 100

Rated TV-14. 7 seasons.

This show follows a group of teens who is sent down to Earth from the space station mankind has been living on for 100 years after a nuclear apocalypse. You can watch the entire series of The 100 on Netflix, and you’ll want to finish it from start to finish (it actually has a good ending)!

Dash & Lily

Rated TV-14. 1 season.

When Dash find a notebook with a hidden message at his local bookstore, his whole world opens up. He gets to know Lily, the author of the hidden note, by trading messages in the notebook. Will they ever meet in real life?

Charmed

Rated TV-14. 4 seasons.

A reboot of the original series, Charmed follows 3 orphaned sisters with magical powers who must save the supernatural and human worlds alike.

Never Have I Ever

Rated TV-14. 4 seasons.

Created by Mindy Kaling and starring Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Never Have I Ever is a series about an Indian American teen who’s trying to fit in at school. It’s not as easy as it sounds.

The Good Place

Rated TV-14. 4 seasons.

Several people arrive at the “Good Place” after their deaths when they were really destined for the “Bad Place.” They do everything they can to avoid being caught. Lots of opportunities for discussion about life choices when watching this series starring Kristen Bell and Ted Danson.

Community

Rated TV-14. 6 seasons.

You can watch every episode (except one) of this classic TV comedy on Netflix. Starring Joel McHale and Alison Brie, this show follows a group of kids attending community college and the hilarity that comes with that experience.

Virgin River

Rated TV-14. 4 seasons.

Nurse Practitioner Mel moves to a small town for a fresh start after her life is shook up. She finds a new life and works through her emotions with the support of her new co-workers and friends.

Atypical

Rated TV-14. 4 seasons.

This show follows a teen on the autism spectrum as he struggles with life’s day-to-day challenges, including life, love, school, family and more.

Sweet Magnolias

Rated TV-14. 3 seasons.

This cute show follows a family in a small town as they try to navigate life after divorce through friendships and new relationships. We love this show because it tells the stories of the adults and the kids, so there’s something for each of us to enjoy.

Sweet Tooth

Rated TV-14. 2 seasons.

When all of the world’s babies start being born as hybrids, everything falls apart. Gus and his dad hide in a remote cabin in the woods, but then everything changes and Gus is on his own.

Friday Night Lights

Rated TV-14. 5 seasons.

If you missed this show earlier this decade, it’s not too late to watch it with your family. This family drama series focuses on a high school football, and the families in the town.

Cobra Kai

Rated TV-14. 5 seasons.

Featuring Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, Cobra Kai is a Netflix Original Series that picks up where the movies left off. Will these two be able to heal their childhood rivalry and bring their own children together?

Shadow and Bone

TV-14. 2 seasons.

Alina spent her entire childhood avoiding her destiny. When she can deny it no more, she finds her place in the world and is determined to do good with her newfound powers.

Boo, Bitch

TV-14. 1 season.

I binge watched this limited series with my daughters! In Boo, Bitch, two senior best friends make a last ditch effort to stand out at their high school. Through a series of strange events, one of them becomes a ghost and attempts to live her best life before she disappears forever.

Manifest

TV-14. 4 seasons.

Even though this show was originally cancelled after season 3, fans made such an uproar that Netflix brought it back for a 4th season.

In this series, a plane mysteriously disappears during its flight from Jamaica back to the US… then even more mysteriously lands over 5 years later. What happened to the passengers during that time and what is their purpose now?

New Amsterdam

TV-14. 4 seasons.

New Amsterdam is a gripping medical drama series that revolves around Dr. Max Goodwin, a brilliant and compassionate medical director at New Amsterdam Hospital who upends the traditional healthcare system to provide exceptional care for his patients. As he challenges the status quo, Max’s relentless dedication to his mission inspires his colleagues and brings about transformative changes in the hospital while navigating his own personal struggles.

Series to Watch with Older Teens (TV-MA)

The best thing about kids getting older is you can watch more things together. If you’re looking for a new series to watch with your teens, these are great choices.

Ginny & Georgia

Rated TV-14. 2 seasons.

This show follows single mom Georgia, her daughter Ginny and son Austin as they move to a new town. The whole family quickly makes an impression, some good, some bad. While this show is rated TV-14, there is some more mature content in it that younger teens may not be ready for.

Bridgerton

Rated TV-MA. 2 seasons.

Bridgerton is a captivating period drama series set in Regency-era London, where the lives and romantic escapades of the wealthy Bridgerton family unfold. With its lavish costumes, intricate societal intrigue, and steamy romances, the show offers a delightful blend of romance, scandal, and witty dialogue that keeps viewers eagerly binging from episode to episode.

Be sure to also check out the prequel in the Bridgerton world, Queen Charlotte.

Firefly Lane

Rated TV-MA. 2 seasons.

Firefly Lane is a heartfelt drama series that follows the lifelong friendship of Tully and Kate, from their teenage years to adulthood. Through ups and downs, the show explores the complexities of their bond, weaving together themes of love, loyalty, and the challenges of navigating life’s unpredictable twists and turns.

Good Girls

Rated TV-MA. 4 seasons.

Good Girls is a gripping crime-comedy series that revolves around three suburban mothers who find themselves in desperate circumstances and decide to take control of their lives by entering the world of crime. With a perfect blend of humor, suspense, and engaging performances, the show keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as these unlikely criminals navigate the dangerous and thrilling path they have chosen.

Kim’s Convenience

Rated TV-MA. 5 seasons.

I’m on my 3rd time watching Kim’s Convenience… it’s that good of a series! This heartwarming sitcom follows the lives of the Kim family, who run a convenience store in Toronto’s diverse neighborhood. With its endearing characters, cultural clashes, and relatable family dynamics, the show brings laughter and heartfelt moments while exploring themes of identity, generational gaps, and the immigrant experience.

Sex Education

Rated TV-MA. 3 seasons.

This Netflix Original Series starring Gillian Anderson and Asa Butterfield follow a sex therapist and her high-school aged son, Otis. This awkward high schooler pivots the knowledge he’s learned from his mom to become his school’s unofficial sex therapist. Only for very mature teens, but a great conversation generator on the topic.

Grace and Frankie

Rated TV-MA. 7 seasons.

Starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie is a great example of how two people with different interests and personalities can come together in times of adversity.

Designated Survivor

Rated TV-MA. 3 seasons.

A political drama starring Kiefer Sutherland and Kal Penn, this show follows the “Designated Survivor” who becomes president when the rest of the government is assassinated.

You’ll find tons of great TV-MA shows on Netflix, including my personal favorite, Outlander. If you watch the first 5 seasons of Outlander on Netflix and want to continue, sign up for Starz to watch Season 6 and 7.

Family Friendly Food Shows on Netflix

The Great British Baking Show

Rated TV-14. 6 collections.

This amateur baking competition spans 10 weeks. Watch as these talented chefs in the making vie for the title of the best baker in the U.K. Also check out The Great British Baking Show: Holiday.

The Big Family Cooking Showdown

Rated TV-PG. 2 seasons.

Another British cooking show, this time home cooks compete by serving their family’s favorite dishes for the judges in the hopes of being named one of Britain’s best home cooks.

Baking Impossible

Rated TV-PG. 1 season.

Bakers create delicious treats that must stand up to some pretty intensive engineering stress tests. It almost seems “impossible” to create something that tastes amazing and looks like that!

Scary Shows to Watch as a Family

If you have teenagers who are into watching scary family shows, check out some of these hits on Netflix with them.

Stranger Things

Rated TV-14. 4 seasons.

Stranger Things quickly became a cult classic in our home. This Netflix original series follows a group of teens who discover dark things happening in their home town of Hawkins.

Haunting of Hill House

Rated TV-MA. 1 season.

After moving into a new home, one family faces the horrible memories of the haunted home they were driven from.

Haunting of Bly Manor

Rated TV-MA. 1 season.

This 2021 Emmy Nominated series is also from the creator of The Haunting of Hill House. This mystery series follows an au pair who dives into a gothic romance.

If you liked this list of the best family friendly shows on Netflix, check out our post about kid series with lots of singing and dancing! You may also like my list of the best family movies that aren’t animated.

And if you’re looking for something more educational, we have a great list of the best documentary series and features on various streaming services.

More Family Entertainment Ideas