Art & Culture

The 20 Best Family Shows on Netflix to Watch

BYMeriem Belhiba

January 28, 2026

Family screen time doesn’t have to be a big, sentimental affair. It’s often just everyone ending up on the same couch, half-watching, half-commenting, laughing at the same moments, or pausing (mid-text) to ask wait, what just happened? From animated series that actually hold adults’ attention to documentaries and dramas that spark real conversation, these shows are meant to be watched together. Consider this a lineup of feel-good, genuinely engaging stories that work across ages. So, pop the popcorn, get comfortable, and queue up these 20 family-friendly shows on Netflix made for watching together.

Gabby’s Dollhouse (ALL)

Gabby's Dollhouse Season 10. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2024

Gabby’s Dollhouse is an animated preschool series that invites young viewers into a magical dollhouse where curiosity and creativity lead the way. In each episode, Gabby opens a surprise dollhouse delivery before shrinking down to explore its whimsical rooms, each hosted by a playful cat character. Joined by her cuddly sidekick Pandy Paws, Gabby embarks on small adventures filled with baking, crafts, music, and problem-solving. Blending animation with live-action moments, the series gently teaches lessons about kindness, teamwork, resilience, and imagination, making it a joyful and comforting watch for the youngest family members.

Emily’s Wonder Lab (ALL)

Emily’s Wonder Lab is a science-based family series hosted by space expert and science communicator Emily Calandrelli, who turns everyday questions into exciting, hands-on experiments. In each episode, Emily explores how the world works by tackling big ideas—from physics and chemistry to space and engineering—using simple materials, playful demonstrations, and kid-friendly explanations. Designed for shared viewing, the series speaks to children and adults alike, making science fun and accessible for the whole family. By encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and at-home experimentation, the show invites parents and kids to learn, laugh, and discover together.

Izzy’s Koala World (ALL)

Izzy’s Koala World is a family documentary series that follows big-hearted Izzy Bee as she works alongside her veterinarian parents to rescue, rehabilitate, and release koalas back into the wild. Set against the stunning landscape of Australia’s Magnetic Island, each episode offers a close, behind-the-scenes look at wildlife care and conservation. Through Izzy’s hands-on involvement and genuine compassion, the series introduces young viewers to empathy, responsibility, and respect for nature. At the same time, its real-life storytelling and environmental themes make it engaging for adults, inviting families to watch together and reflect on the importance of caring for animals and protecting our planet.

Julie’s Greenroom (ALL)

Julie’s Greenroom is a musical children’s series hosted by Julie Andrews, set in a theatre-inspired space where creativity takes center stage. Joined by a group of friendly puppets, Julie introduces young viewers to the basics of the performing arts through music, movement, and imaginative play. Each episode encourages confidence, cooperation, and self-expression, while its gentle tone and focus on creativity make it enjoyable for families to watch together.

Horizon (ALL)

Horizon is a nature documentary family series that explores the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Saudi Arabia, capturing the country’s deserts, mountains, and natural habitats through rich, cinematic visuals. Each episode focuses on the animals that inhabit these environments, offering a calm, observational look at how they survive and adapt. With its gentle pacing and striking imagery, the series is designed for family viewing, making it an engaging and accessible documentary experience for audiences of all ages.

Life in Colour with David Attenborough (7+)

Life in Colour with David Attenborough is a nature documentary family show that explores the animal world through the science and significance of color. Using cutting-edge technology, the series reveals hues and patterns invisible to the human eye, showing how animals use color to communicate, attract mates, camouflage, and survive. Guided by Sir David Attenborough’s calm and engaging narration, each episode combines scientific insight with breathtaking visuals. Designed for family viewing and suitable for ages 7 and up, the series offers an accessible and fascinating way for children and adults to discover nature together.

Unknown: The Lost Pyramid (7+)

This archaeology documentary family series follows real-life archaeologists as they explore Egypt’s ancient past in search of a long-lost pyramid. Across each episode, viewers are taken behind the scenes of ongoing excavations, uncovering clues buried beneath the desert and piecing together the history of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. Blending mystery, historical insight, and real scientific discovery, the series captures the thrill of an archaeological treasure hunt. Designed for family viewing, it offers an engaging way for children and adults to learn about ancient history together through exploration and curiosity.

Our Universe (7+)

Our Universe is a science family documentary series that takes viewers on a journey from the birth of the cosmos to the emergence of life on Earth. Through stunning visuals and clear scientific storytelling, the series connects stars, planets, and people, showing how everything in the universe is linked. Exploring big ideas in an accessible way, it encourages curiosity and wonder about where we come from and our place in the cosmos. Designed for family viewing and suitable for ages 7 and up, the series invites children and adults to explore the universe together.

The Cuphead Show (7+)

The Cuphead Show! is an animated family show inspired by the popular video game, bringing its retro cartoon style to life. The show follows the mischievous Cuphead and his cautious brother Mugman as they stumble through chaotic adventures filled with slapstick humor, wild mishaps, and unexpected heart. Each short episode delivers fast-paced comedy while highlighting the bond between the two brothers. Designed for family viewing and suitable for ages 7 and up, the series appeals to kids with its energetic antics and to parents with its nostalgic, classic-cartoon feel.

Floor Is Lava (7+)

Floor Is Lava is a family competition series that turns everyday rooms into oversized obstacle courses filled with bubbling “lava.” In each episode, teams leap, swing, and scramble across furniture and props, trying to reach safety without touching the floor. Blending physical challenges with playful humor and suspense, the show delivers fast-paced fun and lighthearted rivalry. Designed for family viewing and suitable for ages 7 and up, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing watch for families who love cheering, laughing, and playing along together.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (13+)

Avatar: The Last Airbender is an animated family adventure series set in a world divided into four nations, each defined by the power to control an element. The story follows Aang, the last surviving Airbender, as he embarks on a journey to restore balance to a world ravaged by war. Alongside his friends, Aang confronts moral dilemmas, personal responsibility, and the cost of power while learning what it truly means to grow up. Designed for family viewing and suitable for ages 13 and up, the family show blends epic action with emotional depth, resonating with teens and parents alike.

Million Dollar Secret (13+)

Million Dollar Secret is a family reality competition series built around deception, strategy, and social gameplay. In each season, contestants compete while secretly trying to identify the one hidden millionaire, who must avoid suspicion to stay in the game. Alliances shift, trust is tested, and every decision carries consequences as the tension builds. Designed for family viewing and suitable for ages 13 and up, the series combines suspense and psychological strategy in a way that keeps teens and parents engaged and guessing until the final reveal.

Mr. Iglesias (13+)

Mr. Iglesias is a comedy family series starring comedian Gabriel Iglesias as a kind-hearted high school teacher who goes out of his way to support a group of misfit and underperforming students. Through everyday classroom challenges, humor, and personal setbacks, the show highlights the importance of mentorship, perseverance, and self-belief. Balancing lighthearted comedy with positive messages about education and guidance, the series is designed for family viewing and suitable for ages 13 and up, appealing to teens and parents alike.

Finding Ola (13+)

Finding Ola is a comedy-drama family series that follows Ola as she navigates a sudden life shift and begins a journey of self-discovery. While balancing motherhood, work, and personal aspirations, Ola learns to redefine her identity beyond the roles she has long carried. Through honest storytelling, humor, and emotional growth, the series explores themes of resilience, independence, and second chances. Designed for family viewing and suitable for ages 13 and up, it offers a relatable and uplifting story for teens and parents alike.

Catalog (13+)

Catalog is a comedy-drama family series that follows a widowed father as he navigates parenthood and daily life with the help of online advice left behind by his late wife. As he tries to honor her memory while raising their children, the series gently explores grief, love, and the challenges of rebuilding a family after loss. Balancing moments of humor with heartfelt emotion, Catalog captures the messy, tender realities of family life. Designed for family viewing and suitable for ages 13 and up, it offers a moving and relatable experience for teens and parents alike.

Al Rawabi School for Girls (16+)

Al Rawabi School for Girls S2. (L to R) Tara Attallah as Nadeen, Sarah Abdelrahman as Tasneem, Raneem Rawashdeh as Farah, Kira Yaghnam as Hiba in Al Rawabi School for Girls S2. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2024

Al Rawabi School for Girls is a drama family series centered on a group of students at an elite girls’ school who decide to confront the bullying and abuse they have endured. As the story unfolds, friendships are tested and power dynamics shift, revealing the emotional and moral consequences of revenge, silence, and solidarity. The series explores themes of justice, accountability, and identity with honesty and intensity. Designed for family viewing with older teens and suitable for ages 16 and up, it resonates with mature audiences through its raw portrayal of adolescence and social pressure.

From the Ashes (16+)

From the Ashes is a drama family series set at a strict girls’ school, where a mysterious fire triggers a chain of revelations and long-buried secrets. As investigators search for answers, tensions rise and relationships are put to the test, exposing hidden truths about power, loyalty, and responsibility. Blending mystery with emotional drama, the series steadily builds suspense with each episode. Designed for family viewing with older teens and suitable for ages 16 and up, it invites mature audiences to piece together the truth and reflect on the consequences of silence and secrecy.

Echoes of the Past (16+)

Echoes of the Past is a mystery drama family series that follows a man determined to prove his innocence after being accused of killing his sister. As he revisits painful memories and uncovers long-buried truths, the story unfolds through themes of family bonds, loss, and the pursuit of justice. Each revelation brings new emotional and moral questions, deepening the mystery. Designed for family viewing with older teens and suitable for ages 16 and up, the series offers a gripping and emotionally charged experience for mature audiences.

The Exchange (16+)

The Exchange is a drama family series set in 1980s Kuwait, following two ambitious women as they enter the male-dominated world of the stock market. As they navigate workplace resistance, social expectations, and personal ambition, the series explores themes of courage, resilience, and breaking barriers in a rapidly changing society. Grounded in historical context and character-driven storytelling, the show highlights the cost and power of challenging the status quo. Designed for family viewing with older teens and suitable for ages 16 and up, it offers an inspiring and thoughtful watch for mature audiences.

All the Light We Cannot See (16+)

All the Light We Cannot See netflix family shows

All the Light We Cannot See is a historical drama family series set during World War II, following the intertwined lives of a blind French girl and a young German soldier as their paths cross amid the turmoil of war. As the story unfolds across occupied France and the battle-scarred landscape of Europe, the series explores themes of humanity, moral choice, and quiet resistance. Adapted from the bestselling novel, it blends intimate storytelling with sweeping historical context. Designed for family viewing with older teens and suitable for ages 16 and up, the series offers a moving reflection on hope, compassion, and human connection in the darkest of times.

All these shows are available on Netflix

The 20 Best Family Shows on Netflix to Watch

Gabby’s Dollhouse (ALL)

Emily’s Wonder Lab (ALL)

Izzy’s Koala World (ALL)

Julie’s Greenroom (ALL)

Horizon (ALL)

Life in Colour with David Attenborough (7+)

Unknown: The Lost Pyramid (7+)

Our Universe (7+)

The Cuphead Show (7+)

Floor Is Lava (7+)

Avatar: The Last Airbender (13+)

Million Dollar Secret (13+)

Mr. Iglesias (13+)

Finding Ola (13+)

Catalog (13+)

Al Rawabi School for Girls (16+)

From the Ashes (16+)

Echoes of the Past (16+)

The Exchange (16+)

All the Light We Cannot See (16+)

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Articles

Topics

The 20 Best Family Shows on Netflix to Watch

Gabby’s Dollhouse (ALL)

Emily’s Wonder Lab (ALL)

Izzy’s Koala World (ALL)

Julie’s Greenroom (ALL)

Horizon (ALL)

Life in Colour with David Attenborough (7+)

Unknown: The Lost Pyramid (7+)

Our Universe (7+)

The Cuphead Show (7+)

Floor Is Lava (7+)

Avatar: The Last Airbender (13+)

Million Dollar Secret (13+)

Mr. Iglesias (13+)

Finding Ola (13+)

Catalog (13+)

Al Rawabi School for Girls (16+)

From the Ashes (16+)

Echoes of the Past (16+)

The Exchange (16+)

All the Light We Cannot See (16+)

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