Best Kids TV Shows to Watch as a Family — From Preschoolers to Teens

Finding a kids TV show that doesn’t make you want to leave the room is harder than it sounds. This list is for parents, grandparents, and carers who want to watch something that works for the whole family — shows you’ll actually enjoy as much as the kids.

We’ve sorted everything by age group, from preschoolers through to teens, and included a mix of Australian and international shows. Australian productions are marked with 🇦🇺.

Ratings are included as a guide. Every family is different, so we recommend checking Know Before You Go or watching the first episode yourself before settling in with the kids.

Jump to a section:
Preschoolers |  School-Age Kids (Ages 6–12) | Great for the Whole Family | Tweens & Teens (Ages 12+) | FAQs

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TV Shows for Preschoolers (Ages 2–5)

Short episodes, gentle humour, and shows that won’t drive you completely mad. These are the best picks for your littlest viewers.

Bluey 🇦🇺

If you haven’t watched Bluey yet, stop what you’re doing. This Brisbane-based animated series about six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy Bluey, her sister Bingo, and their parents Bandit and Chilli has become a global phenomenon — and for very good reason. It’s funny, it’s warm, it takes parenting seriously without being preachy, and adults genuinely enjoy watching it. Episodes are only seven minutes long, making it perfect for short attention spans. The most downloaded show in Australian streaming history. Look out for the Bluey Minisodes — short special episodes released between seasons that are well worth seeking out. Rated G.

Ms. Rachel

The YouTube sensation who became the most trusted name in toddler education. Ms. Rachel’s warm, patient, and beautifully paced videos teach babies and toddlers language, songs, and social skills through play. Parents of children with speech delays in particular swear by her. A proper Netflix series launched in 2025, bringing her signature style to a wider audience. Best for ages 1–4. Rated G.

CoComelon

The nursery rhyme juggernaut that has taken over screens worldwide. CoComelon follows toddler JJ and his family through everyday experiences — bath time, bedtime, visits to the doctor — all set to simple, catchy songs. It’s not the most sophisticated viewing for parents, but small children are genuinely soothed and engaged by it. CoComelon Lane, the newer series, expands the world with slightly longer story-based episodes. Best for ages 1–4. Rated G.

Play School 🇦🇺

On Australian screens for over 50 years and still going strong. Play School is a gentle, creative show that introduces preschoolers to music, craft, stories, and imaginative play through its beloved presenters and toy characters Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima, and Humpty. Worth seeking out the special episodes including Play School Story Time: Languages. Rated G.

Kangaroo Beach 🇦🇺

Four young animal friends spend the summer training as junior lifeguard cadets at Kangaroo Beach. A wonderfully Australian show that teaches water safety in a fun and engaging way — genuinely useful given how much time Australian kids spend near the water. The cast of characters are all Australian animals. Rated G.

Little J and Big Cuz 🇦🇺

Indigenous Australian kids Little J and Big Cuz live with their Nanna and Old Dog and get into all sorts of adventures as they learn about culture, community, and country. A beautiful show that highlights First Nations Australian culture with warmth and humour. Also available with in-language audio tracks with English subtitles — a wonderful way for kids to hear Australia’s Indigenous languages. Rated G.

Peppa Pig

The British animated series that has been delighting — and mildly infuriating — parents worldwide for over 20 years. Peppa and her family get into gentle everyday adventures involving muddy puddles, Daddy Pig’s map-reading, and Grandpa Pig’s boat. Short episodes, simple stories, and very easy viewing for small children. Fair warning: your child will develop a faint British accent. Rated G.

Octonauts

A team of underwater explorers led by the polar bear Captain Barnacles go on missions to rescue sea creatures and protect the ocean. Educational without feeling like homework — one of those rare shows where kids genuinely learn something while being entertained. You’ll find yourself getting attached to certain crew members. Kwazii the cat and Peso the penguin are fan favourites. Rated G.

Beat Bugs 🇦🇺

If you love The Beatles, this is the show for you — and your kids will love it too. Created by Newcastle-born Josh Wakely, Beat Bugs features five bug friends whose adventures are set to reimagined Beatles songs performed by artists including Pink, Sia, Eddie Vedder, and Rod Stewart. A genuinely joyful watch for parents and preschoolers alike. Rated G.

Grace’s Amazing Machines

Motorbike rider Grace introduces families to different machines in each episode — emergency vehicles, construction machinery, green machines, and more. Great for kids who love vehicles and mechanical things. Short, well-paced episodes. Rated G.

Dinosaur Train

The Pteranodon family boards the Dinosaur Train to travel through the Mesozoic era and meet different dinosaurs. If your child is going through a dinosaur phase — and they will — this is the show to put on. Educational, fun, and the train concept keeps things moving. Rated G.

Ask the Storybots

Five curious little creatures — Beep, Boop, Bing, Bang, and Bo — go in search of answers to kids’ big questions: how do ears work, why is the sky blue, what happens when you flush the toilet. Entertaining for adults too, with clever celebrity cameos throughout. Rated G.

Mister Maker

Arts and crafts for preschoolers, presented by the endlessly enthusiastic Mister Maker. Each episode features art projects you can recreate at home with basic supplies. If you’re looking for ideas beyond screen time, this one inspires rather than just entertains. Rated G.

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TV Shows for School-Age Kids (Ages 6–12)

Old enough for more complex stories, longer episodes, and shows with genuine narrative arcs. These are the picks for primary school kids.

Little Lunch 🇦🇺

A brilliant mockumentary set during the morning snack break at a primary school. Episodes are only 13 minutes long, but so much happens in that time — social dramas, playground politics, and genuine friendship moments. Funny for adults, relatable for kids. One of the best Australian children’s shows made in the last decade. Rated G.

The Inbestigators 🇦🇺

Four Year Five friends form a detective agency and solve mysteries at their school. Similar in tone to Little Lunch — light, funny, and genuinely enjoyable for parents watching alongside kids. Try to solve each mystery before the team does. Rated G.

Hardball 🇦🇺

After moving from New Zealand to Western Sydney, Mikey discovers handball and joins a team of misfit players. Set in a culturally diverse community, this is one of the most authentic and funny Australian kids’ shows in years. The handball scenes are surprisingly gripping. Rated G.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson discovers that Greek mythology is real — and that his father is Poseidon. He’s sent to Camp Half-Blood, a sanctuary for demigods, and sets off on an epic quest across America to prevent a war between the gods. Created with author Rick Riordan’s involvement, this is the faithful adaptation fans of the books have been waiting for. Season 2 is now in production. Best for ages 8 and up — some scenes may be too intense for younger children. Rated PG.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

One of the greatest animated series ever made. Young Aang, the last remaining Airbender, must master all four elements to bring peace to a war-torn world. Three seasons of exceptional storytelling, complex characters, and genuine emotional depth. If you haven’t watched this as a family, fix that immediately. Watch the original animated series — not the live-action remake. Rated PG.

Win or Lose (2025)

Pixar’s first-ever original series — and it’s a very good one. A middle school co-ed softball team prepares for their championship game, but each episode tells the same story from a completely different character’s perspective, showing how the same events can feel entirely different depending on who you are. Brilliantly creative storytelling, genuine emotional depth, and classic Pixar heart. Best for ages 8 and up. Rated PG.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (2025)

A fresh animated take on Peter Parker’s early days becoming Spider-Man, with a diverse cast and a stylish visual approach unlike any previous Spidey animation. Fun for kids who know the story and newcomers alike. Best for ages 9 and up. Rated PG.

Horrible Histories

History presented in the most entertaining way possible. Based on the bestselling book series, Horrible Histories uses comedy, song, and sketch to bring historical periods and figures to life — from the Ancient Egyptians to the World Wars. Kids absorb an extraordinary amount of history without realising it. Rated G.

Operation Ouch

Identical twin doctors Dr Chris and Dr Xand take children through the human body, medical treatments, and biology in a fun and occasionally stomach-turning way. Fantastic for kids who are curious about how the body works. Rated G.

Izzy’s Koala World 🇦🇺

Set on Magnetic Island in Queensland, thirteen-year-old Izzy rescues and rehabilitates koalas alongside her veterinarian mother. Each episode follows different koalas through their recovery. If your family loves animals, this is a genuinely moving and educational watch. Rated G.

Bushwacked 🇦🇺

Kayne and Kamil race around Australia in search of weird, wacky, and endangered species. Part wildlife documentary, part adventure show — it covers parts of Australia most city kids never see. Great for fostering a love of Australian nature and conservation. Rated G.

Lego Masters 🇦🇺

Teams of enthusiastic Lego builders compete in extraordinary challenges hosted by the hilarious Hamish Blake. Some of the builds will genuinely astound you. Great for inspiring creativity and teamwork — and you’ll find yourself reaching for the Lego after every episode. Rated PG.

Are You Tougher Than Your Ancestors? 🇦🇺

Australian kids take on the daily challenges their ancestors faced — the chores, the hardships, and the realities of life in different historical periods. Perfect to watch with kids who complain they have it hard. Rated G.

BTN (Behind the News) 🇦🇺

Award-winning current affairs for kids that breaks down the week’s biggest news stories in a genuinely accessible and engaging way for primary school children. One of the most valuable shows on Australian television. Great for starting conversations about what’s happening in the world. Rated G.

The Baby-Sitters Club

A modern reboot of the beloved 80s book series, following a group of middle school friends who run a babysitting business. Updated for today with great female role models, themes of friendship and inclusion, and genuinely warm storytelling. Rated PG.

Mythbusters Junior

A team of junior scientists set out to prove or bust popular myths with actual science experiments. Loud, funny, and genuinely educational. Great for sparking an interest in science and critical thinking. Rated G.

The Mysterious Benedict Society

Four gifted children — each with a unique skill — are recruited by the eccentric Mr Benedict to go undercover at a suspicious school and help save the world from the spread of misinformation. A clever, timely show with great young characters. Rated PG.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

The three Baudelaire children are orphaned after a fire and must foil the relentless schemes of the villainous Count Olaf, who is after their family fortune. Dark, witty, and brilliantly cast with Neil Patrick Harris as the gloriously over-the-top villain. All three seasons are available to watch. Best for ages 8 and up. Rated PG.

Brainchild

A documentary series that explores the science behind everyday life — social media, dreams, germs, money, and more — in a way that’s engaging and accessible for older kids and families. Rated PG.

Floor is Lava

Teams navigate across rooms filled with bubbling fake lava by jumping across furniture, cargo nets, and obstacles. Ridiculous, hilarious, and surprisingly stressful to watch. Great fun for the whole family — fair warning, you will want to recreate it in your living room. Rated PG.

Deadly 60

Wildlife presenter Steve Backshall travels the world in search of the 60 most deadly animals on the planet. Encounters with great white sharks, venomous snakes, and predatory big cats make this genuinely exciting viewing for animal-obsessed kids. Rated G.

The World According to Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Goldblum dives deep into the science and culture behind everyday objects and experiences — ice cream, sneakers, bikes, tattoos, and more. His unique enthusiasm and curiosity make this fascinating for older kids and adults. Rated G.

Ghostwriter

A ghost haunting a bookshop releases fictional characters into the real world, and a group of kids must solve literary mysteries to resolve the ghost’s unfinished business. A clever, imaginative show that makes books feel exciting. Rated PG.

Lockie Leonard 🇦🇺

Based on Tim Winton’s beloved books, Lockie Leonard moves to a small West Australian coastal town and has to navigate a new school, no friends, a house slowly sinking into a swamp — and some of the best surf he’s ever seen. Funny and wryly observed. Rated PG.

Mustangs FC 🇦🇺

Marnie and her best friend Liv start their local football club’s first all-female team. A funny, inclusive, and genuinely inspiring Australian show about friendship, sport, and backing yourself. Great for girls who love football. Rated G.

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Great for the Whole Family

These shows genuinely work for every age in the room — from primary school kids to parents to grandparents.

Nailed It!

Amateur bakers attempt to recreate elaborate cakes — and fail spectacularly. Host Nicole Byer’s reactions are pure comedy gold, and resident baker Jacques Torres provides genuine tips while trying to maintain his dignity. One of the most reliably funny shows to watch together. Rated G.

Back in Time for Dinner 🇦🇺

Guided by Annabel Crabb, an Australian family travels through six decades of history — starting in the 1950s — discovering how food, technology, and family roles have changed over time. A clever, warm, and genuinely educational series. If your kids complain about dinner, this is the cure. The follow-up series Further Back in Time for Dinner covers Federation through to the 1940s. Rated PG.

What’s for Dinner? 🇦🇺

A peek inside Australian homes to find out what families are cooking and eating. Covers an extraordinary range of cuisines and cultures from across Australia, including meals using Indigenous ingredients. Celebrates the diversity of Australian food culture beautifully. Rated G.

The Amazing Race

Teams race around the world, completing cultural and physical challenges at each destination to avoid elimination. Educational in the best possible way — your kids will learn more geography from one season of The Amazing Race than from a year of school. Rated PG.

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TV Shows for Tweens & Teens (Ages 12+)

Old enough for more complex themes and longer story arcs. These shows are best for tweens and teens — many also work well as family co-viewing for parents and older kids together.

Anne with an E

A beautifully made adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, following the fiercely imaginative and relentlessly optimistic orphan Anne Shirley who arrives at Green Gables and immediately turns everyone’s lives upside down. More emotionally complex than the original, with deeper themes about belonging and identity. Three complete seasons available. Rated M.

Abbott Elementary

A mockumentary set in an underfunded Philadelphia public school, following a group of dedicated teachers who refuse to give up on their students. In the tradition of The Office but warmer and funnier. A hit with teachers everywhere and genuinely one of the best comedies on television. Best for ages 14 and up. Rated PG.

Heartstopper

Charlie and Nick meet at their British secondary school and slowly fall into friendship and first love. Gentle, sweet, and beautifully made. Heartstopper is the kind of show that reminds you what it felt like to be a teenager experiencing everything for the first time. Great for teens of all backgrounds. Best for ages 13 and up. Rated PG.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Already mentioned in the school-age section — worth flagging here too for older kids and teens who love fantasy. Season 2 is now in production. Rated PG.

Stranger Things

Set in 1980s Indiana, the disappearance of a boy sets off a chain of events involving a mysterious girl with psychokinetic abilities, a secret government facility, and terrifying creatures from an alternate dimension. Brilliantly written, nostalgic for parents, and absolutely gripping for older kids and teens. All five seasons are now complete and available to watch. Best for ages 13 and up. Rated MA15+.

Ted Lasso

An American gridiron coach is recruited — for questionable reasons — to manage a struggling English Premier League football team. Despite knowing nothing about soccer, his relentless optimism, kindness, and belief in his players slowly transforms everyone around him. Genuinely one of the best TV shows of recent years. Contains some coarse language and adult humour. Best for ages 14 and up. Rated M.

The Good Place

Eleanor Shellstrop arrives in a perfect afterlife called The Good Place — and immediately realises she’s been placed there by mistake. What follows is a brilliantly constructed comedy that also happens to be a genuinely interesting exploration of what it means to be a good person. All four seasons are available. Best for ages 14 and up. Rated M.

Wednesday

Wednesday Addams navigates life at Nevermore Academy — a school for supernatural outcasts — while solving a series of murders and discovering the truth about her own supernatural abilities. Jenna Ortega is perfect in the title role. Season 2 is now available and darker than the first. Best for ages 12 and up. Rated M.

Never Have I Ever

Indian-American high schooler Devi navigates the competing pressures of grief, cultural expectations, friendship, and romance — narrated, brilliantly, by tennis great John McEnroe. Funny, honest, and genuinely heartfelt. All four seasons are now available. Best for ages 13 and up. Contains themes of sexuality but no explicit content. Rated M.

The Mandalorian

A lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy finds himself responsible for protecting a very small, very powerful creature you might know as Grogu — or Baby Yoda. The show that proved Star Wars storytelling could work brilliantly on television. Three seasons available. Rated M.

Outer Banks

A group of teenagers on a North Carolina barrier island discover a trail of clues that leads to a legendary treasure — and quickly find themselves in very serious danger. Fast-paced, bingeable, and great for teens who love adventure. Best for ages 14 and up. Rated M.

Shadow and Bone

Based on Leigh Bardugo’s popular fantasy novels, Shadow and Bone follows orphan Alina Starkov who discovers she possesses a rare supernatural power that could save her war-torn country. Two complete seasons are now available. Best for ages 13 and up. Rated MA15+.

Loki

After the events of the Avengers films, the trickster god Loki finds himself in the custody of the Time Variance Authority — an organisation that polices the timeline. A clever, visually inventive Marvel series that stands on its own even without deep MCU knowledge. Two complete seasons available. Rated M.

WandaVision

Wanda Maximoff and Vision find themselves living in an idyllic suburban sitcom — but something is deeply wrong. A genuinely inventive and emotionally resonant Marvel series that works as both a love story and a meditation on grief. One complete season. Rated M.

Marvel’s Agent Carter

Set in 1946, Peggy Carter — a former World War II operative — finds her skills dismissed now that the men have returned from the front. A great female-led action series with a sharp script and a brilliant lead performance from Hayley Atwell. Two seasons available. Rated M.

Derry Girls

Set in 1990s Northern Ireland against the backdrop of the Troubles, Derry Girls follows a group of teenage girls and their one male friend navigating the chaos of high school. One of the funniest shows of the last decade — Sister Michael the nun is an all-time great TV character. Contains strong language and mature themes. Turn on subtitles — the Derry accent is wonderful but thick. Best for ages 14 and up. All three seasons now complete. Rated M.

Only Murders in the Building

Three neighbours in a New York apartment building bond over a shared obsession with true crime — and then a fellow resident turns up dead. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez are a brilliantly unlikely trio. Funny, twisty, and endlessly rewatchable. Best for ages 14 and up. Rated M.

Teenage Boss 🇦🇺

Hosted by maths educator Eddie Woo in the first season and Emma Watkins in the second season, kids are handed control of the family finances for a month. They must budget, prioritise spending, and grapple with real financial decisions. Watch the dawning realisation on their faces that money is actually hard. One of the most practically useful shows for teens on Australian television. Rated G.

Dance Academy 🇦🇺

Country girl Tara Webster wins a place at the National Academy of Dance in Sydney and discovers just how far behind she is — and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to keep up. A brilliant Australian drama series about ambition, friendship, and the cost of chasing your dreams. Three complete seasons available. Rated PG.

The Greenhouse Academy

After losing their astronaut mother, siblings Alex and Haley enrol at the elite Greenhouse Academy and find themselves on opposite sides of the school’s biggest rivalry — before being drawn together by a dangerous mystery. Very bingeable. All four seasons are now complete. Rated PG.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Know a great family show we’ve missed? Drop us an email and we’ll consider adding it to the list. We update this page regularly.

Looking for something to watch together? Check out our 100+ Best Kids Movies to Watch as a Family, our guide to Best Easter Movies, and our Best Christmas Movies for Kids.