Bonding and creating lasting memories – that’s what TV watching can do for your family. But with so many options out there, it can be a real mission to find a show that everyone from the youngest viewer to the oldest can agree on. That’s why we’ve hand-picked the best family TV series that are genuinely worth binging together.
This ultimate source for the top 10 series that are captivating audiences right now includes everything! It spans enchanting animated series and relatable sitcoms. It even includes thrilling adventure dramas. Wondering how we ranked them? It’s based on what’s trending and what the public loves. So stop researching! Start streaming your next family favourite featured in this list.
What are the best family TV series to watch together?
From the opinion of the public to the top trends in family TV series (as indicated by streaming services), we used a few factors when crafting a definitive list of TV series. Why this approach? We know it gives a transparent and accurate view of what audiences are genuinely enjoying and discussing right now.
As well as the ranking we include a synopsis of the series and mention its key cast. And you will also learn who directed it, and its total runtime, and the streaming service where you can watch each show. We leave no stone unturned in terms of the important details you need to make a choice, so you can get started with your next family binge.
The Chosen
Drama •Action •Adventure •History •Family •Kids
Overview
The life of Christ through the eyes of those who encountered him called The Chosen.
Cast
Elizabeth Tabish
Once Upon a Time
Drama •Fantasy •Adventure •Romance •Sci-fi •Comedy •Family •Kids •Animation •Action
Overview
There is a town in Maine where every story book character you’ve ever known is trapped between two worlds, victims of a powerful curse. Only one knows the truth and only one can break the spell. Emma Swan is a 28-year-old bail bonds collector who has been supporting herself since she was abandoned as a baby. Things change for her when her son Henry, whom she abandoned years ago, finds her and asks for her help explaining that she is from a different world where she is Snow White’s missing daughter.
Director
Marco Turco
Cast
Fabrizio Gifuni, Vittoria Puccini, Branko Đurić, Michela Cescon, Thomas Trabacchi
Pokémon
Animation •Action •Adventure •Comedy •Family •Fantasy •Sci-fi •Kids
Overview
Join Ash accompanied by his partner Pikachu, as he travels through many regions, meets new friends and faces new challenges on his quest to become a Pokémon Master.
Cast
Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, Daiki Yamashita, Kenyu Horiuchi
Duration
22 minutes
Young Sheldon
Comedy •Drama •Family •Kids
Overview
The early life of child genius Sheldon Cooper, later seen in The Big Bang Theory.
Cast
Iain Armitage, Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Montana Jordan, Raegan Revord
The Simpsons
Animation •Comedy •Family •Kids
Overview
Set in Springfield, the average American town, the show focuses on the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family; Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, as well as a virtual cast of thousands. Since the beginning, the series has been a pop culture icon, attracting hundreds of celebrities to guest star. The show has also made name for itself in its fearless satirical take on politics, media and American life in general.
Cast
Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria
SpongeBob SquarePants
Animation •Kids •Comedy •Fantasy •Family
Overview
Deep down in the Pacific Ocean in the subterranean city of Bikini Bottom lives a square yellow sponge named SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob lives in a pineapple with his pet snail, Gary, loves his job as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab, and has a knack for getting into all kinds of trouble without really trying. When he’s not getting on the nerves of his cranky next door neighbor Squidward, SpongeBob can usually be found smack in the middle of all sorts of strange situations with his best buddy, the simple yet lovable starfish, Patrick, or his thrill-seeking surfer-girl squirrel pal, Sandy Cheeks.
Cast
Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Clancy Brown, Carolyn Lawrence
Adventure Time
Animation •Kids •Adventure •Fantasy •Action •Comedy •Family •Sci-fi
Overview
Fionna and Cake – with the help of the former Ice King, Simon Petrikov – embark on a multiverse-hopping adventure and journey of self-discovery. All the while a powerful new antagonist determined to track them down and erase them from existence, lurks in the shadows.
Cast
Pendleton Ward, Olivia Olson, Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Tom Kenny
PAW Patrol
Animation •Kids •Comedy •Family
Overview
Marshall, Rocky, Rubble, Zuma and Skye are doing their best to protect the people of their town. Led by Ryder, a tech-savvy 10-year-old boy, each of them is equipped with special equipment and together they help anyone who finds themselves in trouble. No task is too big for them and no puppy is too small.
Cast
Justin Paul Kelly, Ron Pardo, Kingsley Marshall, Shayle Simons, Beckett Hipkiss
Bunheads
Comedy •Drama •Family •Romance •Kids
Overview
Michelle, a Las Vegas showgirl, impulsively marries a man, moves to his sleepy coastal town, and takes an uneasy role at her new mother-in-law’s dance school.
Cast
Sutton Foster, Kelly Bishop, Julia Goldani Telles, Bailey De Young, Emma Dumont
Duration
47 minutes
The Amazing World of Gumball
Animation •Kids •Comedy •Family •Fantasy •Sci-fi •Music •Musical
Overview
The life of Gumball Watterson, a 12-year old cat who attends middle school in Elmore. Accompanied by his pet, adoptive brother, and best friend Darwin Watterson, he frequently finds himself involved in various shenanigans around the city, during which he interacts with various family members: Anais, Richard, and Nicole Watterson, and other various citizens.
Director
Mic Graves
Cast
Sandra Dickinson, Kerry Shale, Dan Russell, Teresa Gallagher, Kyla Rae Kowalewski
Frequently asked questions
So many best family TV series are suited to all ages can be found in this genre, so to decide if the show’s right for your family, we really suggest reading the synopsis for each series. Does something with a gentle storyline and bright visuals appeal to your little ones? You’ll find these, and plenty more fantastic animated series to start with.
Of course, there’s not a single show listed that isn’t currently available to stream on a major service in Australia. We understand how frustrating it is to find a great show, only to discover you can’t watch it. You can confidently pick any series from our guide and start your family binge right away.
A perfect fit for families, animated shows can tell incredible stories. They create entire worlds with their unique style, and the best ones appeal to all ages, with humour that the whole family can appreciate. Since they’re a fantastic choice for a shared viewing experience, they are popular with viewers.
A mix of genres, from light-hearted sitcoms to more thrilling adventure dramas, this list helps you find a series here that everyone can enjoy. Our goal, in offering a variety of content, is to to help you find the perfect show. And we are confident you will discover the perfect option here.
The runtime for each series can vary – where can you find their length? We included that detail in our guide to help you plan your viewing time. Prefer short and sweet family TV series? Or looking for those that have multiple seasons? We cover those here to help you find a series that fits your family’s schedule.
With our website, you can search for other shows and movies that are perfect for family viewing. Finding content across multiple streaming platforms is effortless with our universal guide.
We totally understand – your favourite show can be personal. But this genre is packed with amazing series, and it’s not possible to include them all. We instead put the spotlight on what’s currently popular and trending, and we think viewers find many new shows that they love with this list.
Of course – we never stop updating our list, because this reflects new series that are capturing public attention. Even when what’s trending and what’s popular changes, we focus on adjusting our guide. Want to know what’s current? Be sure to check back to see our latest recommendations.
Best internet streaming plan
Best internet streaming plan
Benefits
