60 Clean Family Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2023
If your family is searching for the best clean family shows on Netflix we’ve got some suggestions for you! These family-friendly series are just what you’re looking for. (updated January 2023)
There’s nothing worse than sitting down to watch a show with your family, only to be mortified by what you are seeing on the screen. While it may seem like high quality family programs are hard to come by, we have managed to find a ton online that we really like.
Clean Netflix Shows for Families
A few years ago we gave up cable when we began our journey to simplify our lives.
Giving up cable allowed us to save money and also have more input on what programs our children had access to.
That being said:
We only have one television in our house, so when we do watch a tv show we are usually all watching it together. With two kids under 10 we are careful about what we choose to watch.
Over the past few years, we have found a number of programs that we all enjoy watching that are entertaining for the adults while still being appropriate for younger viewers.
Before we get into the list, I just want to mention that these are TV shows that I have deemed “family-friendly” for my own household.
Depending on your beliefs or the ages of your children you may have a different opinion.
As an elementary school teacher, I think I have a pretty good idea of what is generally acceptable though. The list below includes my family’s favorites as well as suggestions from my friends.
I have tried to include the ratings for each program when they are available for you to use as a guide.
I also know that some families have older children, so I have included programs that are more appropriate for tweens and teens too.
Note: These programs can all be found on Netflix, however some of the images and the links provided are from Amazon.
More Kid-Friendly Movies, Shows and Programs
The Best Family Series on Netflix
The list below includes ideas for
- Toddlers
- Young Children
- Big Kids
- Tweens and Teens
Scan through the list to see suggestions that you think your family would enjoy.
You might also want to take a look at our recommendations for Good, Clean Family Movies and our Favorite Educational Kids Shows.
The Best Family TV Shows on Netflix
When an 11-year-old Noah has to start middle school with social anxiety disorder, he finds strength in a lovable comfort mutt named Dude. This family-friendly sitcom includes themes and topics like empathy, diversity, and mental health, which are refreshing to see. The entire family will love this Netflix original series.
Recommended for ages 7+
My kiddos LOVE this one! Full of fun STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) facts and lessons. You can even download copies of the Brainchild curriculum to go along with the series on Netflix. Perfect if you homeschool!
Recommended for ages 7+
When 13-year-olds Emilio and Sophia are sent by their single parents to live with their estranged grandparents, they unexpectedly embark on one wild adventure after another. You'll be laughing along as these kids discover that life is better when you're part of a family.
Recommended for ages 8+
Our whole family is loving this new show where kids share their ideas for amazing creations, and an expert maker actually builds them. Perfect to inspire creativity and imagination!
Rated TV-PG
A fantastic modern clean family sitcom. A professional football player decides to move his family back to his hometown to raise them around his family in a rural southern town. Parents will recognize many of the characters including Tia Mowry from Sister Sister.
Recommended for ages 9+
You'll enjoy watching 11-year-old Izzy and her veterinarian mother, who rescue koalas and form unforgettable connections with animals on their Australian island, in this amazing documentary.
Recommended for ages 3+
We just discovered this new series on Netflix and it is now one of our favorite shows to watch together.
Even my husband who typically doesn't get too excited about "family-friendly tv shows" loves this one.
The premise is that a young girl contacts and moves in with "distant relatives" after her parents are killed in a car accident....in reality she is a con artist. Sean Astin and Melissa Joan Hart play the parents who take her in and try to support her, along with their two teenage children.
I have to admit that the show has twists and turns that keep you interested and super intrigued to see how the story ends.
Rated TV-PG
***Update - Season 2 was just released and the themes of this season are much more mature than Season 1. I still think this is a great family-friendly show to watch, but not for super young kids. There has been some mild violence and mild sexuality. Please watch at your own discretion***
Recommended for ages 11+
Our entire family is OBSESSED with this show! I truly think the premise is revolutionary and is a creative and positive use of technology.
The show is hosted by Bear Grylls the survival expert, and IT'S INTERACTIVE!!!! That's right - as he goes through a survival situation you use your regular remote to make choices about what he does next.
For example, you get to choose if he takes the route through the river or through the forest - then the outcome of the show changes based on your decisions. I love that this is something that we can watch together again and again and it's different each time. We have taken turns choosing, done boys then girls, or even played rock, paper, scissors to see who gets to make the next choice. So fun!
Recommended for ages 6+
While it was recently pulled from Netflix, a social media movement to bring it back has been successful and new seasons will return in 2020.This show is a modern-take on the classic version of the show by the same name from the 1970's.
In this version, a Cuban-American single mom is raising her family in So Cal, while dealing with PTSD as a result of her service in the Army. (TV-PG)
Recommended for ages 12+
Famous "Friends" actor Matt LeBlanc (Joey) is back in this family-friendly sitcom that is relatable and hilarious. After years of being the breadwinner, Adam switches roles with his wife and takes over as the homemaker as she returns to work...it's really funny! (TV-PG)
Recommended for ages 10+
No, that's not a type-o.....that is the actual name of the show.
This is a new spin-off of Little Lunch (included below).
A hilarious kid-friendly sitcom created to mimic a docu-series that follows four schoolmates as they solve mysteries.
Recommended for ages 6+
A cute show about two teenage girls who are best friends and neighbors. The episodes are funny and while covering real life topics like what it means to support your friends through the ups and downs of life, including Alexa's cancer diagnosis.
Recommended for ages 10+
Starring real-life husband and wife Russell and Justine Simmons, All About the Washingtons is very similar to the reality show "Running Russell".
The series begins "after Joey decides to retire from a long career as legendary hip-hop royalty, his wife Justine, takes advantage of the opportunity to pursue a career of her own now that Joey is available to focus on raising the kids and keeping the house in order. (TV-PG)
Recommended for ages 9+
Twins Tia and Tamera were separated at birth but ran into each other at the mall as teenagers. Eventually, their adoptive parents move in together and raise the girls as a family. Funny and family-friendly for sure.
Recommended for ages 9+
Such a fun and positive family-friendly show. If features cuisine from all over the world and is a great way to learn about other cultures. This would be a great series to include in a geography unit if you homeschool.
Recommended for ages 6+
This reminds me of a show that I used to watch as a kid called "Hey Dude" on Nickelodeon. Set in rural Maine at Camp KiKiWaka your kids will love the humor and fun at this kids summer camp. I have to admit that I have laughed out loud a few times watching this one.
Recommended for ages 6+
You will be amazed and entertained watching three home-bakers compete to win $10,000. The contestants are specifically chosen for not being very talented in the kitchen and the end results are hilarious.
Recommended for ages 10+
I would best describe this as a mini-soap opera for older kids and tweens. The storyline follows a 15 year old girl as she travels to her mom's hometown near England and falls in love with horses. Great for anyone who loves horses and drama.
Recommended for ages 6+
Hands-down, one of our all time favorites. We really appreciate the laid-back contestants who show that you can be kind and competitive at the same time.
Recommended for ages 8+
Follow the antics of "identical twins" who are complete opposites as they navigate high school as the star athlete and Hollywood actress.
My son loves this one too due to the brothers on the show who are hilarious.
The earlier seasons are more appropriate for the whole family, while the newer seasons include dating topics more appropriate for tweens and teens.
Recommended for ages 7+
This is a new favorite in our family that the kids are really in to.
The best way to describe it is a super kid-friendly sitcom that is similar to The Brady Bunch in that it stars a mom and her daughters that move in with a father and his sons...only in this case the father's family are ghosts! Set in New Orleans and orginially aired on Nickelodeon this series is full of silliness, with just a touch of spooky.
Recommended for ages 6+
Teenage friends plan an epic trip to Comic-Con to meet their idol, only to get caught in one hilariously awkward predicament after another. (TV-PG)
Recommended for ages 12+
Parents will love this spin off of what was probably one of your favorite family sitcoms growing up as a child of the 90's; Full House.
There are plenty of cameos and "inside jokes" from the original cast that make it familiar and fun.
There is a heavy focus on romance and relationships so I would recommend this for older kids.
Recommended for ages 10+
Four super smart girls use science and technology to save the day in this series. Definitely a little dark and scary in my opinion - but I love that it includes strong and smart female characters.
Recommended for ages 7+
Another Netflix series based on the best selling books brings important historical figures to life. From Amelia Earhart to Walt Disney - highly entertaining and funny.
Recommended for ages 7+
Follow the antics of Mildred as she attends a prestigious academy to become a witch. Unfortunately, she struggles to be successful with the basics of being a witch.
Recommended for ages 6+
I spent hours playing this computer game in elementary school. Now they have brought Carmen to life in this animated series for kids. Full of geography lessons to boot!
Recommended for ages 7+
Based on the brand new book series, they updated the version of The Magic School Bus that we grew up with, and it's just as good as the original. Perfect for watching with younger kids to spark conversations and curiosity on a variety of subjects.
Recommended for age 6+
Follow the adventures of teen celebrity Kaylie Konrad as she attends middle school wilderness club leader.
Recommended for ages 10+
Watch a comedy legend lead a panel of little kids who offer unscripted advice to celebrities and average people about everyday issues in front of a live audience.
Recommended for ages 6+
A feel-good family sitcom with real-life former WWE super star The Big Show as he raises his three teenage daughters with his wife in Florida.
Recommended for ages 10+
A child prodigy, Ashley Garcia graduated from MIT with a PhD and works as a teenage astrophysicist. She lives with her uncle, and gets to experience being a teenager for the first time in her life.
Recommended for ages 10+
A family comedy sitcom mash-up that includes casts from Family Reunion, The Big Show, Ashley Garcia and more. Plenty of laughs and good clean family fun.
Recommended for ages 12+
An entertaining and educational comedy special created by Kevin Hart to highlight key figures in black history in terms that are appealing to kids. (TV-PG)
Recommended for ages 10+
If your family enjoys camping, hiking, backpacking and survival skills you will love this series. Follow 6 couples as they compete to survive in the Alaskan outback in order to win a homestead from the couple who built it with their own hands.
Watch as the creators of Battle Box (a survivalist gift box subscription brand) test out products to see if they make the cut for their customers. If your family is into outdoor tools, equipment and gear then this will be a hit. (TV-PG)
Recommended for ages 10+
A docu-series program that follows what takes place in the week leading up to large events like the Kentucky Derby, Westminster Dog Show and a fashion show. Due to the topics this family-friendly series will most likely be enjoyed by older kids (TV-PG)
An inspiring and feel-good documentary that shows that our planet is absolutely amazing. The cinematography and information is presented that it will most likely captivate your attention and leave you in awe. (TV-PG)
Recommended for ages 10+
A sentimental and heartfelt docu-series that explores the bond between humans and our best furry friends. Adults and kids will both enjoy the stories shared in each episode.
Recommended for ages 9+
Based on the books that were written by Ann M. Martin, the new series follows the adventures of Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Stacey and Dawn who form a babysitting club. The girls show what it means to count on each other through thick and thin, even if their parents can't always understand them. A refreshing take on friendship and growing up.
Recommended for ages 10+
An aspiring country star finds new life as a nanny for a handsome widower and his five lovely children after hitting the skids in her profession. This contemporary family comedy with music features Katharine McPhee ("American Idol") and Eddie Cibrian.
Recommended for ages 7+
Junior Bake Off has been a hit in our house! 40 bakers aged 9-12 go through the familiar series of challenges each week (signature, technical, and showstopper). Kids will be inspired to challenge themselves in the kitchen after seeing what their peers are capable of. This spinoff of The Great British Baking Show is fun and inspiring.
Rated TV-G
Recommended for ages 5+
If you're a fan of Mr. Bean, you will love this show! You will laugh in disbelief as you watch the main character, who has a very hard time dealing with a bee as he works as a housesitter. Adults will enjoy this series as much as the younger audience does.
This documentary series highlights the beautiful scenery and natural wonders that exist in national parks all over the world. From Patagonia to Monterey Bay you will be amazed by what you see.
Now in its second season, Bake Squad is a fun baking competition-style show put together by Christina Tosi, owner of Milk Bar. Each member of her professional team creates a confectionary masterpiece to the specifications set my a potential client, but only one will win.
Rated TV-PG
Recommended for ages 7+
Based on the widely successful Lemony Snicket book series, this story follows the Baudelaire siblings - Violet, Klaus and Sunny - as they attempt to uncover what happened to their parents. But it isn’t easy; Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris) will do whatever he can to snatch up the Baudelaires' inheritance for himself.
***I personally feel that this series is too dark and scary for young children. Please see my age recommendation below***
Rated TV-PG
Recommended for ages 10+
Hosted by Antoni Prorowski from Queer Eye and drawing inspiration from Hasbro's celebrated Easy-Bake Oven, this competition pits talented home cooks against each other to demonstrate the fastest and tastiest meals they can make using their most ingenious kitchen hacks. The cook who creates the easiest dish will be deemed victorious!
Rated TV-G
Recommended for ages 8+
This series will capture your attention from the get-go with its gorgeous scenery, vibrant music, and superb surf scenes. The bittersweet coming-of-age story revolves around some of the most good-natured surfers ever seen on screen who encounter a rebellious city slicker eager to cause as much chaos as possible - a charmingly familiar yet fresh storyline!
This show will be a hit amongst pre-teens who are ready for an entertaining and safe thrill. Parents can rest easy with the knowledge that there is no questionable content, such as sex, drugs, or alcohol, featured in this program.
Rated TV-PG
Recommended for ages 12+
The underdogs of the motocross world come together in MAVERIX to form a team with only one goal: winning a national title. This rag-tag group of riders has wildly different personalities and are fiercely competitive, all striving for greatness as they take on their toughest opponents yet.
This good, clean show offers a captivating plot for young viewers, plus the motocross team works to challenge gender stereotypes and defy expectations. The thrilling nature of this series is carefully balanced by age-appropriate drama that will keep kids and parents hooked!
Rated TV-PG
Recommended for ages 10+
Your whole family will enjoy this fun series that is part baking competition and part game show. Contestants create everyday items out of cake; then celebrity judges have to choose which one is the real deal. Will you be fooled?
Rated TV-PG
Recommended for ages 7+
I love this show because it reminds me of Guitar Hero.
It's quite entertaining to watch the contestants try to sing iconic songs as they try to hit as many of the notes correctly as possible - measured by a vocal analyzer. The closer they get to replicating the original version, the higher the score - and contestants are eliminated along the way.
Rated TV-PG
Recommended for ages 8+
Watch as this popular childhood game you played in your living room comes to life. Adult contestants try to make it through a series of rooms, navigating obstacles and trying to avoid falling into the lava floor.
Rated TV-PG
Recommended for ages 8+
I have spent hours creating this list of clean tv shows, and I update it everytime I find a new non-trashy show that I think other families would enjoy.
Feel free to share this post with friends and family on Facebook or Pinterest!
Any of your favorite television shows missing from the list? Please include them in the comments below!
The Best Family Series on Netflix in 2023
The great British bake Off ?? Thanks for a great list I hate trying to find something to watch! Xx
You’re welcome Holly! I am glad you found this list of TV shows that my family loves helpful. I am always surprised by how many tv shows are recommended for young kids – that I would never allow them to watch until they are older. These are some of the best Netflix series for kids I have found!
I have to add all of the DC comics! Super Girl and The Flash! They are great!!!
Thank I for this list!! I really am terrible at searching for new shows! I get bored and frustrated then end up back on YouTube lol. This is a big help thank you!
Hi Allie – glad you are liking my recommendations. I actually created this list out of necessity when I started telling my kids “No More YouTube”. I feel like I have more control on Netflix than with YouTube.
Oh, I was just wondering what to watch! Thank you, Lauren! Excellent picks!
My kids love some of these shows!!! Thanks for the new ideas ?
Hi Kristin – Glad I could help you come up with some new tv shows for your family to watch!
Motown magic is also really cute.
Be careful of Zumbo’s desserts. It has people dropping the F-bomb. ????
Thanks for catching that. We must not have watched those episodes!
dawn of the croods is a pretty good kids series with 20 min episodes
dawn of the croods is a pretty good kids series with 20 min episodes
“Friends” & “Gilmore Girls” clean family fun?? There is lots of sexual themed episodes in those two. More so with “Friends”. Gilmore Girls (13+) Friends (16+) But I guess we all have different standards for what we let our under 10 crowd watch.
Agreed, I included those because I know some families have older kids. I wanted this list to include something for everyone 🙂
Pretty surprised about those as well. As an adult I had some issues with Gilmore and mostly put it on as background noise when I was by myself at night. I COULD see it as a show where you could use it as an example of consequences with near-adult children or children who need/ready for a more complex understanding of how life works, especially the follow-up season after the original series was over. (Like “you get to choose your actions, you don’t get to choose the outcome.” Or “what happened that this could have been prevented” or “how could someone in this situation use help?”)
I totally agree with you. I was shocked at the amount of shows that are on here that I don’t believe are good for kids to watch at all. Maybe, maybe when they are 16 and older.
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir is so cute. Totally one I don’t mind watching on repeat.
I will have to check those out!
My 9 and 17 year old both love this one! It’s rare to find something they both enjoy.
Heart of Dixie has a lot of sleeping around in it
For preschoolers I’d add “True and the Rainbow Kingdom” and “Puffin Rock”. Both cute buddy and problem solving shows that are not obnoxious.
My boys (3-11) all like Carmen Santiago.
Thanks so much for the tips on family friendly shows! Some of these are already favorites of my fam. Definitely skip Gilmore girls for young people. Deffenitely an adult themed show.
You are welcome! Glad you found the list helpful. I try to update it frequently. I agree that Gilmore Girls is for families with older kids for sure – that is why I added the ratings for most of the shows – so each family could make their own decisions based on what they think is appropriate. I haven’t watched it with my kids, but I know a lot of parents with teenagers have approved of it.
Just Add Magic is a favorite of my six year old granddaughter.
Thank you for the list! I highly highly recommend Anne With an E. This is based on the classic book however they add some suggestive topics. I recommend for tweens-teens
Anne with an E may not be good for kids (even though the main character is a kid). Subject matter gets quite a bit beyond child level.
Anne with an E is highly inappropriate for children including tweens.
A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017)! Based on gothic style books, this series got us through some quarantine time together, my 8 and 10 year old love it! It could be scary for younger viewers, but I know many of my upper elementary students LOVE it. Neil Patrick Harris is amazing!
Hey – Sorry to say, but Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is not a family friendly show. It has many sexual themes and other inappropriate things for children.
Who put this list together? Fuller House is totally inappropriate for children. It’s nothing like the original show. Full of crude humor.
Mhm, good picks, but could u add harry potter, all of the movies are amazing! But the 4th has a dance and maybe 2 kisses but yeah! Its stilll AMAZING, The movie Matilda is great too!