Finding a show that everybody agrees upon is always easier said than done. Luckily, these options were designed with this classic family night conundrum in mind.
Here are the best family shows on Netflix right now.
Waffles + Mochi
On Waffles + Mochi, former first lady Michelle Obama and her lovable puppet pals travel the world to try new foods and make countless new friends along the way.
Exploring the wonders of food culture, they sit down with aspiring and world-class chefs to talk about what goes into making our food. This whimsical series is something the whole family can easily savor. Just be sure to have your binge-watching snacks nearby!
Fuller House
For those who watched Full House in the 80s and 90s, this wholesome spin-off serves up a hefty batch of nostalgia.
Fuller House brings back many of the key cast members to reprise their beloved roles. But even for those fully unfamiliar with the Tanner household happenings, this family-oriented series is easy to get into.
Nailed It!
The only thing that might be more fun than watching master bakers is watching bakers who have no idea what they’re doing.
Nailed It! embraces culinary failures, meltdowns, and mishaps, always giving an A for effort and a lot of good laughs.
Adding to its quirky charm, contestants are endlessly positive amidst their consistently crumbling baking dreams. And it’s an instant crowd-pleaser if you’re looking for a delicious, yet messy good time.
Lost in Space
Emmy nominated for its spellbinding visual effects, Lost in Space is a family-friendly reboot of the 1960s classic TV show.
Following a crash landing on an alien planet, the Robinson family struggles to survive and never stop fighting for each other. Sadly, its third and final season is airing 2021, but it’s definitely a binge journey worth taking together while you can.
The InBESTigators
A hilarious whodunit for the whole family, The InBESTigators is a mockumentary about elementary school kids who start a detective agency and solve mysteries around their neighborhood and school.
While this one’s definitely most appealing for younger audiences, the superb acting and super witty script will keep tweens, teens, and adults endlessly entertained from start to finish.
Brain Child
Produced by Pharrell Williams, Brain Child is most suitable for slightly older kids, but it’s absolutely engaging for all.
The innovative series unpacks STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) concepts, depicted by unique experiments and easy-to-understand explanations.
Sahana Srinivasan is the approachable, zany, and all-around magnificent host of this standout series.
Chances are, many of the topics discussed are issues most kids already know about (like dreams, fears, and the five-second rule), but the information is presented in such a playful and dynamic way, your whole family will soon be hooked.
Family Reunion
Family Reunion follows the McKellan family. They’ve recently Seattle to start anew in Georgia and are adjusting as they go.
This one’s heartwarming, full of profound lessons, and winner of the NAACP Outstanding children’s series award.
Some have given it flack for being a little too “old-fashioned,” but those who love it claim that Family Reunion more than makes up for any triteness by starting important conversations with the kids.
Tiny House Nation
Tiny House Nation is consistently praised by audiences of all ages.
The creativity, drive, and ingenuity of tiny house builders are unbelievable. And above all else, the way they help families all over the USA achieve their dreams is incredibly inspiring.
Plus, every single tiny house concept is super cool.
Each episode comes with a touching story about why the family is “going tiny.” There’s also a lot that can be learned from their philosophies about living with less to become closer to each other and experience more.
Free Rein
Winner of the Outstanding Children’s or Family Viewing Series in the Daytime Emmy Awards, Free Rein is ideal for older kids and teenagers looking for a little drama, but the premise is remarkably positive.
This coming-of-age story might seem like it’s just for those who love horses–but stay tuned. For kids in the middle of exploring their identities, they’ll likely find a friend to relate to and learn with through the main character, Zoe.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Neil Patrick Harris is the lead in A Series of Unfortunate Events, and wow, does he deliver! This strange, silly, visually striking, and sometimes dark series offers a little something for everyone.
Of the plot, Netflix says, “The extraordinary Baudelaire orphans face trials, tribulations, and the evil Count Olaf in their fateful quest to unlock long-held family secrets.”
Our Planet
Our Planet is all about appreciating the world we live in and taking nothing for granted. On top of all the valuable information about the Earth and the creatures who inhabit it, the cinematography is beyond amazing.
Adding to its educational value, this insightful series explores the ongoing destruction of natural resources in a thoughtful way that’s sure to inspire mindfulness in audiences of all ages.
Anne With an E
For adults who adored Anne of Green Gables, consider this one an infinitely expanded walk down memory lane.
Anne With an E tells the tale of an orphan girl adopted by aging siblings. The message within is empowering, especially for young girls. In a nutshell, it’s about finding one’s place in the world and the power of inner strength. It also promotes anti-bullying in brilliant ways.
The Big Family Cooking Show-Down
For families who share a love of good food, cooking, and food culture, you need to add The Big Family Cooking Show-Down to your watchlist immediately.
On this uplifting and fun-loving series, families try their hand at global cuisine as they learn tidbits about each country. It’s the perfect balance of visual delights and fun factoids about geography.
One Day at a Time
The New York Times called this series remake “the best shows of the year.” On One Day at a Time, we watch how the Alvarez family endure their ups and downs on the path to finding their most authentic selves.
For families looking for ways to broach serious conversations, it thoughtfully tackles issues surrounding sexuality, race, and cultural heritage.
Jurassic Park: Camp Cretaceous
Jurassic Park: Camp Cretaceous is a thrilling and chilling dinosaur fest for new generations, and it’s fully animated.
For those who love the original Jurassic Park, you’ll enjoy this action-packed ride just as much as your kids will. This time around, however, children are the main characters and heroes. There’s also a new group of dinosaurs to keep you on edge in the best of ways.
Merlin
This PG series is full of adventure, fantasy, comedy, and stunning landscapes. Chances are, anyone who loves Harry Potter will easily get into it.
Merlin has five seasons, and each one is a little better than the last. Many of the characters are worth looking up to and there’s no shortage of sword fighting, dragons, mischief, spooky spells, and heart.
Shaun the Sheep
Don’t knock Shaun the Sheep until you’ve binged it!
This family-friendly slapstick comedy series is outstanding, outlandish, warm, and brilliantly animated. It’s also one of those shows you just have to watch to understand why it’s great.
“Join freewheeling Shaun for barnyard misadventures with his cousin Timmy, giant sheepdog Bitzer, jealous cat Pidsley and fellow sheep Shirley,” per Netflix.
You Vs Wild
Created by famed adventurer and survivalist Bear Grylls, You vs Wild is “a choose your own adventure” style series. And choosing what Bear does next is definitely fun for everyone who wants to join in.
Will you put the Man vs Wild star in harm’s way or send him on the smoothest course to find his way out of the wilderness? Only the audience can decide what happens next on this exciting interactive Netflix hit!
The Last Kids on Earth
The Last Kids on Earth is an impressive adaptation of the bestselling books of the same name by Mark Brallier.
Follow the adventures of 13-year-old Jack Sullivan and his friends as they attempt to survive an apocalyptic nightmare in their zombie-invested town. You won’t be disappointed.
With the adults nowhere in sight, these kids must learn how to make it on their own. All in all, there’s plenty of engaging adventure for kids of all ages. Plus, the character development is top-notch even by grown-up standards.
The Great British Baking Show
Ready, set, bake!
For those who somehow haven’t watched this one yet, The Great British Baking Show is an optimistic, high-energy, feel-good baking competition that’ll keep you hungry for more each season.
The overall mood is sugary sweet and endlessly supportive, but it has plenty of intense moments to keep the adrenaline levels high. Who knew a dropped cupcake could be so earth-shattering to watch?!
There’s always someone new you’ll be rooting for and something you’d give anything to taste. But the most rewarding part might be watching the competing bakers go from strangers to an apron-clad family by the end of it all.
Read More: Set Those Timers! ‘The Great British Baking Show’ Will Be Back Before You Know It
