What Are The Best TV Shows To Watch With Tweens

Televison time together is a rare but precious way that tweens and parents bond. The caveat is finding programming that is enjoyable for both, of the right level for their age, and substantial enough to lead to conversation.

With more streaming options competing for eyeballs, a specially handpicked list avoids trial and error and goes straight to shows that are entertaining, motivating, and engaging.

What Makes a Great Tween Show?

Not every show marketed as "family" or "children's" is appropriate for tweens' more sophisticated tastes. Parents will often look for some fundamental qualities when selecting series:

Cross-generational appeal: The story needs to be engaging for kids and adults—presumably not rely solely on slapstick or kiddie humor.

Positive values and lessons: Empathy, persistence, imagination, teamwork, and honesty are positive themes.

Age-appropriate content: Dialogue, relationships, and arguments need not reflect overtly adult topics or use crass language, or handle them with kid gloves.

Room for discussion: Well-produced shows leave questions about moral decisions, friendship, justice, or self-discovery.

Tone and pacing that is moderate: Tense, funny, and suspenseful at times keep one engaged without overwhelming. These criteria were applied to select shows below. Many compilations of expert-approved programming, including Common Sense Media's, highlight the same criteria when recommending shows for tweens.

Top Picks: Best TV Shows to Watch With Tweens

Below are four genres to help you browse by mood or interest. Each series has a brief description, what makes it fun for both tweens and parents, and where to find it (subject to availability in your area).

A. Feel-Good Family Comedies

The Middle (Hulu)

A working-class family navigates the highs and lows of raising three very distinctive kids.

Why tweens love it: Humor is relatable and grounds jokes in ordinary situations, sibling competition, and middle school awkwardness.

Why parents like it: The show combines humor with substance messages about family, and adult figures are well-developed.

Where to stream: Hulu (or through Disney+ bundle in some markets).

Young Sheldon (Netflix / Max)

A spin-off prequel to The Big Bang Theory, focusing on a child prodigy growing up in East Texas.

Why tweens love it: The quirky intellect of Sheldon, his challenges fitting in, and subtle humor make it accessible.

Why parents enjoy it: The period setting, character depth, and link to Big Bang Theory add broader appeal.

Where to watch: Netflix or Max, depending on your country.

Malcolm in the Middle (Disney+)

A brilliant young boy in a zany home makes his way through school, siblings, and zany parents.

Why tweens enjoy it: Ridiculous jokes, over-the-top situations, and a main character who is often misunderstood.

Why parents enjoy it: Clever authorship, clever spoof, and emotional paths beneath the jokes.

Where to stream: Disney+ (or other regional platforms).

B. Adventure & Fantasy Favorites

Avatar: The Last Airbender (Netflix)

In a world in which humans control the elements, a young Avatar must learn all four to restore balance.

Age-appropriateness: Generally fine for families, with some violence and moral dilemma.

Why tweens enjoy it: Big adventure, good friends, humor, and fantasy with substance.

Why parents like it: Well-developed world-building, themes of depth such as balance, responsibility, and sacrifice.

Stranger Things (Netflix)

Appropriate for older tweens (12–13+), parental discretion A team of friends unravel supernatural mysteries in their little town.

Age note: Contains suspense, occasional violence, and darker tones—suitable for tweens who can do with a little edge.

Why tweens love it: Retro 1980s atmosphere, supernatural puzzle, gritty young protagonists.

Why parents enjoy it: Pop culture references, solid acting, and depth in storytelling.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+) 

Demigods and mythic quests bring Greek myths into modern life.

Age-appropriateness: Some action and mythic violence; appropriate with light guidance.

Why tweens love it: Reimagined mythology, fantasy fighting, humor, relatable heroes.

Why parents like it: Introduces cultural heritage and themes of identity, loyalty, and bravery.

C. Inspiring & Educational Choices

Carmen Sandiego (Netflix)

An international master thief who steals from villains only, incorporating geography and culture.

Why tweens enjoy it: Action, clever robberies, humor, cool animation.

Why parents love it: Educational value—kids learn geography, history, and problem-solving.

Brain Games: Family Edition (Disney+)

Interactive shows investigating psychology, perception, and cognitive science.

Why tweens enjoy it: Puzzles, illusions, interactive elements feel like game shows.

Why parents love it: Inspires fascination with how the mind functions, and new ideas to discuss.

MythBusters Jr. (Discovery+)

Young experimenters test myths and urban legends using science.

Why tweens like it: Hands-on tests, exploding things, and eye tests.

Why parents enjoy it: Encourages scientific reasoning, teamwork, and experimentation for its own sake.

D. Competition & Reality Shows for Families

Lego Masters (Hulu)

Teams compete to build beautiful Lego pieces in theme challenges.

Why tweens like it: Creativity, surprise elements, friendly competition.

Why parents enjoy it: Creativity, constructive rivalry, and sophisticated humor.

Is It Cake? (Netflix)

Bakers create amazingly realistic replicas of everyday objects.

Why tweens like it: "Wait—is that cake?" surprise effect entertains and intrigues.

Why parents enjoy it: Whimsical, artistic, and easy to opt-in and out.

MasterChef Junior (Tubi, Pluto TV)

Kid chefs against the clock prepare meals in timed challenge.

Why tweens enjoy it: Cooking spectacle, talent competition, and relatable contestants.

Why parents enjoy it: Encourages cooking interest, creativity, and family food discussion.

These reality and competition shows are perfect for weekend television—fluffy, lighthearted, and often tempting, "Could we do that at home?"

How to Choose the Right Show for Your Tween

The choice of a show is more art than science. Use this convenient guide:

Check age ratings: Use TV-G, TV-PG, or the like as a gauge.

Watch a trailer or pilot episode preview together: Observe your tween's reaction and look for warning signs.

Use platform parental controls: Netflix and Disney+ allow you to restrict by level of maturity.

Change up genres: Flip between comedies, fantasy, and educational programs—this is pacing and varied.

Pause to talk about it: During breaks between episodes, ask open-ended questions—"What would have you done differently?" or "What did this teach about friendship?"

Tweens' tastes change quickly: be flexible and checking in often keeps the show list current.

Where to Find These Shows

Availability differs by country, but here's a summary:

Netflix: Best for fantasy and adventure (e.g. Avatar, Stranger Things).

Disney+: Best for family comedies, Disney originals, and mythic series like Percy Jackson.

Hulu / Max: Features many older sitcoms and competition shows (e.g. Lego Masters).

Discovery+ / Specialty platforms: Best for science and educational programming (e.g. MythBusters Jr.).

Ad-supported/free services (Tubi, Pluto TV, etc.): Convenient for reality shows like MasterChef Junior with no extra cost.

Always double-check your country's availability—you might need to replace a local platform or utilize substitute streaming providers.

Encouraging Quality Family Viewing Through Television

Sharing TV with tweens can be more than passive time—it can become a quiet ritual of connection. Pick a night each week (say, “show night”), rotate who picks the show, and allow post-episode chat. Encourage comparing characters’ choices with real life. Over time, you’ll not only discover which series captivates both hearts but also build a shared vocabulary around storytelling, ethics, and dreams.

Binge-watching TV together is a time to laugh, learn, and disagree — to experience worlds you wouldn't know otherwise, and to bring your tween into deeper conversation. Choose with intention, be open to compromise, and enjoy the making of new favorites that work for both of you.

Sources

Common Sense Media

Good Housekeeping

PureWow