63 TV series that the whole family can enjoy together and where you can find them in the UK.
Years ago back when we were children there were only a few TV channels to watch, so there were always a few favourite shows that the whole family could sit down and watch together. These days there is so much choice, and many of us have TVs in more than one room, which means we all end up watching different shows in different rooms and not spending that precious family time together.
There is an enormous amount of choice out there now and it can be difficult to please everyone but TV doesn’t have to mean the end of family time, we can adapt.
I have found with my family that if we can get into a series together, then we get to spend more quality time with each other in the evening, and we enjoy discussing what’s happening in our favourite show. I feel that finding a good show that all ages can enjoy equally can be a really nice way of spending time together as a family.
So I have put together a list of 57 TV series in no particular order that are suitable for the whole family and where you can find them in the UK.
63 great TV series to watch with the family and where to find them in the UK.
I hope that you and your family enjoy watching these shows together as much as we have. If you would like to make any comments or suggestions for family-friendly TV shows you can leave them in the comments box below.
1. Merlin – BBC I Player (Fantasy adventure)
Merlin is a British fantasy television programme The show is set in the fictional city of Camelot during the time of King Arthur. It follows the story of Merlin, a young wizard who must keep his magical powers secret from everyone including Arthur Pendragon whom he serves as manservant and friend.
2. The Mysterious Benedict Society – Disney Plus. (Mystery adventure)
The Mysterious Benedict Society is a live-action, TV series that is based on a book series of the same name. It follows a group of four children who are recruited by an enigmatic benefactor to go on a secret mission.
3. Once upon a time. – Disney Plus Recommended 12+ (Adventure drama)
Once Upon a Time is a live-action, TV series that is based on classic fairy tales. It follows the story of Emma Swan who is drawn into a world where she must save her loved ones from a curse.
4. Is it cake? – Netflix (Gameshow cookery competition)
Is It Cake is a cookery competition where the contestants try to create a cake that looks like an everyday item and hide it amongst similar items and the judges have to guess which one is a cake.
5. The Durrells – ITV Hub (Comedy-drama)
The Durrells is a TV series that is set in the 1930s on the Greek island of Corfu. It follows the story of a British widow and her four children who move to Corfu to escape the boredom of life in England.
6. Dr Who – BBC I Player (Fantasy adventure)
Dr Who follows the adventures of a Time Lord called the Doctor. The Doctor travels through time and space in a ship called the TARDIS with their companions, fighting evil wherever they find it.
7. Lost in Space – Netflix Recommended 12+ (Sci fi adventure)
Lost in Space is based on the classic 1960s show of the same name. It follows the story of the Robinson family who is stranded on a strange planet and has to find their way back home.
8. Raising Dion – Netflix Recommended 12+ (Fantasy adventure)
Raising Dion is a TV series about a single mother who discovers that her son has superpowers. She must protect him from those who would exploit his powers for their own gain.
9. Sweet Tooth – Netflix Recommended 12+ (Fantasy adventure)
Sweet Tooth is a TV series about a boy with antlers who sets out into the world to find his mother and discover the secrets of his own origins.
10. The repair shop – BBC I Player (TV show that fixes old things)
The Repair Shop is a TV series that follows the work of a group of experts who restore cherished heirlooms and family treasures.
11. Sugar Rush – Netflix (Cookery competition)
Sugar Rush is a TV series about a group of friends who enter a baking competition. They have to create the most amazing cakes, pies and pastries in order to win the prize.
12. Green Planet – BBC I Player (Nature documentary)
Green Planet is a documentary series that is currently airing on the BBC. It follows a group of scientists who are investigating the potential for life on other planets. The show is suitable for all ages and is a great way to learn about science and nature.
13. A Series of Unfortunate Events (Fantasy Adventure)
A Series of Unfortunate Events is a great show for all the family to watch together, it is full of twists and turns and you never know what is going to happen next. You can find it on Netflix in the UK.
14. The Wonder Years (2021) – Disney plus Recommended for 12+ (Coming of age comedy-drama)
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The Coming of age story of a 12-year-old black boy in Montgomery, in the 1960’s told by his adult self.
15. His Dark Materials – BBC I Player (Fantasy adventure)
His Dark Materials is based on the books by Philip Pullman. The story follows two children, Lyra and Will, who are transported to another world where they must save their friend Roger from the evil forces that are after him.
16. Around the world in 80 days – BBC I Player (Adventure drama)
This is a great family show that will take you on an adventure with Passepartout and Phileas Fogg as they try to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days.
17. Fuller House – Netflix (Comedy-drama)
Fuller House is a continuation of the 1980s series Full House. The show follows a widowed mother and her two adult daughters who live together with their children.
18. Wednesday – Netflix (Dark comedy) Recommended 12
Wednesday is a funny and slightly dark series with a gothic twist that follows Wednesday Addams and her friend’s adventures at Nevermore Academy.
19. Anne with an E- Netflix (Coming of age historical drama)
It is set in the late 1800s and follows Anne, an orphan who is sent to live with relatives on Prince Edward Island. The series is beautifully shot and captures the imagination.
20. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina – Netflix Recommended 14+ (Fantasy supernatural)
The chilling adventures of Sabrina is based on the comic books of the same name. It follows Sabrina Spellman as she tries to reconcile her dual nature as a half-witch, and half-mortal while fighting the evil forces that threaten her, her family and the town of Greendale.
21. Riverdale – Netflix Recommended 14+ (Teen drama)
Riverdale is a great example of a series that the whole family can watch together. It is a live-action drama with elements of mystery and suspense which will keep everyone hooked.
22. The Bureau of Magical Things – Disney Plus (Fantasy adventure)
The Bureau of Magical Things is a British-Australian fantasy series. t It follows the story of a young girl who discovers she has magical powers and must use them to save the world from evil.
23. The Worst Witch – BBC I Player (Fantasy drama)
The Worst Witch is a British television series about a group of young witches at a school for witchcraft.
24. The Secrets of Sulpher Springs – Disney Plus. (Fantasy adventure)
The Secrets of Sulpher Springs is a show about a group of kids who solve mysteries in their small town.
25. Goosebumps – Disney Plus ( Supernatural, mild horror)
Goosebumps is a TV series based on the best-selling books by R . L Stine. The series follows the adventures of teenager Zach Cooper and his friend, Hannah, as they try to stop monsters coming to life from the Goosebumps books.
26. Are you afraid of the dark? – Paramount+ (Supernatural mild horror)
Are You Afraid of the Dark is a little bit spooky but also has a lot of humour in it. It is about a group of kids who form a secret society where they tell ghost stories.
27. Theodosia – BBC I Player (Fantasy Adventure)
Theodosia is a live-action series that follows the life of a young girl who is taken from her family and sold into slavery. It is set in ancient Rome and is a really interesting look at life during that time.
28. The Evermoor chronicles – Disney Plus (Fantasy adventure)
The Evermore Chronicles is a great show for the whole family. It follows the lives of two families who live in a small town. The series is set in the present day and follows the families as they go about their everyday lives. The show is full of drama and humour and it is sure to keep you entertained.
29. The Gilmore Girls – Netflix (Wholesome drama)
The Gilmore Girls is a great show for families to watch together as it follows the story of a mother and daughter who are very close. The show is set in a small town in America so it has a lot of heart and is very relatable.
30. Avatar – Disney Plus (Cartoon adventure)
Avatar the series is a great one for the family to watch together, it is set in a world of fantasy and adventure and has something for everyone.
31. She-ra the Princess of Power – Netflix (Cartoon adventure)
She-ra is an 80s classic that has been bought back for a new generation. It follows the story of Princess Adora who transforms into the superhero She-ra to save her home planet of Etheria from the Evil Horde.
32. The Owl House. – Disney Plus (Cartoon adventure)
Luz, a human girl stumbles upon a portal and falls into another world. She makes friends with a witch called Eda and a tiny warrior called King. Even though Luz has no powers of her own she persues her dreams of becoming a witch by serving as Eda’s apprentice.
33. Sherlock – BBC I Player Recommended 12+ (Mystery drama)
Sherlock is set in modern-day London and stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as his trusty sidekick, Dr. John Watson.
34. The Mandalorian – Disney. Plus Recommended 14+ (Fantasy adventure)
The Mandalorian is set in the Star Wars universe. This makes it perfect for any fans of the franchise but also accessible for those who are not familiar with it.
35. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – Apple TV (Comedy)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is light-hearted and funny but also has some good messages about family and friendship.
36. WandaVision – Disney Plus (Fantasy Superhero)
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Wandavision is a mix of live-action and animation and follows the story of Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they try to figure out what is happening to them.
37. Loki – Disney Plus Recommended 12+ (Fantasy Superhero)
Loki is a new Marvel show that follows the character of Loki after the events of Avengers: Endgame.
38. Hawkeye – Disney Plus Recommended 12+ (Fantasy Superhero)
Hawkeye is a great show for the whole family, it is a Marvel show about superheroes and has a great mix of action and comedy.
39. Be our chef – Disney Plus (Cooking competition)
Be Our Chef is a Disney-themed cooking show that follows a group of young chefs as they compete in a series of cook-offs.
40. Crazy Delicious – Channel 4 and Netflix (Cooking competition)
Crazy Delicious is a cooking show with a difference, it is set in a magical world where the food looks and tastes amazing.
41. Buffy the vampire slayer. – Disney plus Recommended 12+ (Supernatural mild horror)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a great show for the whole family. It is a mix of comedy and drama with a bit of action thrown in. It follows the story of Buffy, a teenage girl who is chosen to fight vampires and other demons.
42. Ackley Bridge – More 4 Recommended 12+ (School drama)
Ackley Bridge is a British drama set in a multicultural academy school. It follows the lives and loves of the students and staff.
43. The Fosters – Disney Plus Recommended 12+ (Family drama)
The Fosters follows the lives of a lesbian couple raising their children together. The show is full of heart and deals with some difficult topics such as drugs, and violence but also has a lot of light-hearted moments too.
44. The Gifted – Disney Plus Recommended 12+ (Superhero Adventure)
The Gifted is a great series for families who enjoy superhero movies and TV shows. The series is set in the X-Men universe and follows a family of mutants who are on the run from the government.
45. The Imagineering story – Disney Plus (The creators of Disney World reveal how they create the magic)
The Imagineering story is a fascinating new series that tells the story of Walt Disney Imagineering. It follows a team of Imagineers as they create some of the most iconic theme park attractions in the world.
46. Malcolm in the Middle – Disney Plus (Family comedy)
Malcolm in the Middle is a great comedy series that the whole family can enjoy. It follows the life of Malcolm, a boy with learning difficulties, and his family.
47. Parallels – Disney Plus Recommended 12+ (Science fiction)
Parallels is a great show to watch with the family, a mysterious event has a group of friends transported to a parallel world. They have to find their way home all whilst trying to save the other world from destruction.
48. Raising Hope – Disney Plus (Comedy-drama)
Raising Hope is a comedy series about a young man who suddenly becomes a single parent to an infant. It follows his attempts to raise his daughter with the help of his dysfunctional family.
49. Ugly Betty – Disney Plus. Recommended 12+ (Comedy-drama)
Ugly Betty is an American comedy-drama television series that revolves around the character Betty Suarez who, despite her lack of style, is hired by a prestigious fashion magazine. It follows Betty as she tries to navigate her way through the fashion industry while maintaining her own sense of self.
50. Queer Eye – Netflix (Feel good life makeover)
Queer Eye is a feel-good show about fashion, culture, and food. It follows the “Fab Five” as they travel to different cities and help people with their styles and lives.
51. Heartstopper – Netflix Recommended 12+ (Coming of age romance)
Heartstopper follows the story of two gay teenagers, Charlie and Nick, as they navigate their relationship at school and home. It is a touching and heartwarming story that the whole family can enjoy.
52. The Dragon Prince – Netflix (Cartoon adventure)
The Dragon Prince is a new fantasy series on Netflix it is set in a world of elves, dragons and humans and follows the story of two human princes who embark on a quest to find a dragon prince.
53. Izzy’s Koala World – Netflix (Animal rescue)
Izzy’s koala world follows the adventures of Izzy and her pet koalas as they try to protect their home from developers.
54. The Great British Bake-off – Channel 4 (Seasons 8-14)
The Great British Bake-off is a fantastic show for all the family it follows a group of amateur bakers as they compete to be crowned the best baker. The show is full of excitement, drama and most importantly delicious baking!
55. New Girl – Disney Plus Recommended 12+ (Comedy-drama)
New Girl is a great option for a family comedy. The show follows Jess (Zooey Deschanel) as she moves in with three single guys after finding her boyfriend cheating on her. The group of friends then help each other through the ups and downs of life together.
56. Stranger Things – Netflix Recommended 14+ (Fantasy mild horror)
Stranger Things is a fantastic series to watch with the family. It is a mix of sci-fi, drama and comedy that has something for everyone. It follows the story of a group of friends in the 80s who are trying to solve the mystery of what happened to their friend.
57. Smallville – ITV X (Fantasy adventure)
Smallville is a great show for the whole family to watch together. It is a Superman origin story that follows Clark Kent as he grows up in the small town of Smallville. The show is full of action, drama, and romance.
58. Bluey – BBC I Player and Disney Plus (Cartoon Adventure)
Bluey is a witty Australian cartoon that follows Bluey Heeler, her younger sister Bingo and her Mum and Dad on their daily adventures. This clever cartoon will captivate young and old alike.
59. Avatar: The Last Airbender – Disney Plus (Fantasy Action Adventure)
This Live-action adaptation of Avatar follows Aang’s quest into the Earth, Water and Fire territories as he learns how to become the Avatar.
60. Young Sheldon – Channel 4 and Netflix (American Sitcom) PG
Young Sheldon follows the childhood of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. It is a heartwarming and funny insight into his unique take on life with his family and being a child genius.
61. Adventure Time – Sky and Now TV ( Cartoon Adventure)
Adventure Time is a great show for all the family. It is set in the land of Ooo and follows the adventures of Finn, a human boy, and his best friend Jake, a dog with magical powers.
62. Little Lunch – Netflix ( Fly on the wall comedy)
This Australian show follows a group of primary school friends during their lunch times at school. This witty fly-on-the-wall style show will entertain parents and kids alike.
63. Percy Jackson and The Olympians – Disney Plus (Fantasy Action Adventure)
Percy Jackson finds out he is a Demi-God. This means his mother is a human and his father who has never been in his life is a God. This series follows Percy’s adventures as he learns about his powers and tries to save the world from the evil god Kronos.