Parents may enjoy watching a series together with their children and find that it's a good way to bond. It can be difficult to find the right shows to watch based on their entertainment factor, appropriateness, cultural sensitivity, or thematic depth. Sitting through a ten-minute love-making session may be a little awkward, so Game of Thrones is probably out.
Nevertheless, Netflix is packed with family-friendly shows that can spur deep conversations, keep viewers on the edge of their seats, or deliver some much-needed belly laughs without the awkwardness. The shows on this list are sure to be enjoyed by adult viewers as well as younger of the audience, as well.
Updated on January 13th, 2021 by Svetlana Sterlin: Streaming is becoming a part of people's everyday routines, and Netflix in particular continues to take the world by storm. The world's largest and most popular streaming service, Netflix constantly updates its extensive catalog to include media new and old. Netflix Originals also populate the library of films and series, with more in production every year. Here are five additional Netflix series that are each perfect for the whole family to enjoy together without sacrificing on quality or intriguing subject matter.
Julie And The Phantoms
The first season of this Netflix Original premiered in 2020 to positive reception. Julie Molina is a high school student with a ion for music, but she's been struggling to create ever since her mother died.
One night, three ghosts show up in her music studio and help her reignite her ion for music. Together, they form a band called Julie and the Phantoms, and they're an instant hit. But the three ex-boy band face threats from Caleb Covington, an evil and all-knowing ghost who runs a club where mortals can be entertained.
Anne With An E
Anne Of Green Gables, this Netflix series is a reimagining of the classical tale. The show is much darker and grittier than the original story, but still retains its hope and imagination. The series explores pertinent themes of found family, gender equality, sexuality, racial discrimination, and individuality.
Anne is an orphan who is adopted by an elderly brother and sister who live on Prince Edward Island, Canada. As an outsider, Anne struggles to fit in and feel like her peers accept her. However, she finds a friend in Diana Barry, the daughter of a wealthy family, and an academic rival in Gilbert Blythe, who doesn't hide the fact that he likes Anne.
Sex Education
This Netflix series proves that sex education doesn't have to be awkward. Sex Education is first and foremost a comedy, but that doesn't mean it backs away from tackling serious topics.
Set in a fictional British high school, the clever Maeve Wiley asks the awkward Otis Milburn to start an underground sex therapy clinic with her. Although he has misgivings, Otis thinks it'll be a breeze because his mother Jean is also a sex therapist. Otis's best friend is the flamboyant Eric Effiong, who faces issues of his own, but is always there to Otis and encourage him to make a move with Maeve.
I Am Not Okay With This
Unfortunately, this series was canceled after just one season, but that makes it perfect to binge-watch. Even better, the episodes are short and snappy and full of action. The show is an accessible exploration of mental health in a teenage setting. It's also very funny and entertaining.
Sydney Novak is an average teenage girl - or so she thinks until she discovers she has superpowers. She begins to theorize that she's inherited them from her late father, who committed suicide. Her powers kick into action when she's feeling a particularly strong emotion, like anger or anxiety. This means that being around her best friend is a challenge because Sydney is also in love with her. To make matters worse, Stanley Barber won't leave her alone and insists on being her mentor.
Outer Banks
For viewers looking for an adventure, Outer Banks is the way to go. The Netflix Original quickly climbed through the streamer's viewership rankings and was one of its most-watched programs of 2020.
John B is orphaned when his father dies at sea looking for a shipwreck and gold. He leaves his son clues so that he may find this gateway to wealth. John B enlists the help of his friends - Kie, Pope, and JJ; also known as the "Pogues", as opposed to the island's wealthy "Kooks" - to find this gold. They get into a whole lot of trouble, and John B accidentally teams up with Kook queen, Sarah Cameron.
Gilmore Girls & Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life
Gilmore Girls focuses on the mother-daughter relationship between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. Lorelai is a highly independent woman but she's very close to her daughter. On the other hand, Lorelai's relationship with her mother isn't quite so breezy.
Following its debut in 2000, this heart-warming dramedy ran for seven straight years and was revived in 2016 for a four-episode follow-up. The series is now available to view on Netflix.
Stranger Things
Stranger Things is a perfect sci-fi horror that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages. Older viewers may be attracted by the 80s nostalgia and teens will love the scares, convincing special effects, and the frequent comedy.
This supernatural thriller has spawned a massive fandom and a tidal wave of merchandise. Many have compared it to the likes of The Goonies and Alien. The series kicks off when a young boy goes missing, and in his place shows up a mysterious girl with telekinetic abilities. The boy's friends start a search for him with the help of this young superhero and, in the process, they discover a whole new world – literally.
Riverdale
It seems that everyone has at least heard of Riverdale by now. The series is a teen drama based on the characters from Archie Comics and follows the lives of Archie Andrews and his friends who live in the small town of Riverdale.
With its gorgeous young cast and The O.C. level drama, this show was tailor-made for teens, but adults can appreciate all of its dark and gritty twists and turns. Like Stranger Things, Riverdale has a broad fandom because of its nostalgia factor.
Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina
Older viewers may Sabrina The Teenage Witch starring Melissa Joan Hart. Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina is loosely based on the same characters, but with a much darker twist. It's no sitcom, but the show still allows for plenty of comedic moments.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a supernatural TV series based on the Archie Comic character Sabrina Spellman, a typical teenage girl who also happens to be half-witch. Once Sabrina turns sixteen, she must decide if she wants to pursue the path of darkness or continue on as a mortal, despite her desire to straddle both worlds. The series is full of Riverdale references since the series is set one town over.
The Good Place
This series follows Eleanor Shellstrop, a woman who accidentally wakes up in the Good Place (Heaven) and attempts to hide her bad behavior and misdeeds in order to stay there.
This character-driven comedy is laugh-out-loud funny without being crass and explores the concepts of life, death, morality, and philosophy. The show has been praised for its originality, unique characters, superb performances, and light-hearted tone.
