Your Guide to Family-Friendly Shows

Finding a show the whole family can agree on isn’t always easy, but when you do, it’s the perfect excuse to spend quality time together. It can be even harder to find a show appropriate for your kids depending on their ages. Luckily, whether your little one loves cartoons or your older kids are ready for something a bit more exciting, there are plenty of family-friendly shows everyone can enjoy.

To help you find your next watch, we’ve rounded up some of the best family shows, making it easy to find something the whole family can watch together.

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Best Shows for Preschoolers (Ages 2–5)

These picks are perfect for little ones, featuring simple stories, colorful characters and positive messages:

‘PAW Patrol’

Kids & Family | Nick Jr. | Ages 2–5

When there’s trouble in Adventure Bay, Ryder and his team of rescue pups are always ready to help! From daring rescues to everyday challenges, each adventure teaches teamwork, kindness and problem-solving in a fun, age-appropriate way.

Season 15 premieres August 7, 2026, with new episodes streaming every Friday at 10:30 a.m. ET on Nick Jr.

‘Mickey Mouse Funhouse’

Animation | Disney Jr. | Ages 2–5

Mickey Mouse, Minnie and their friends are invited on magical adventures by Funny, an enchanted talking playhouse that can transport them to incredible new worlds. With beloved Disney characters and imaginative new storylines, it’s an entertaining choice for young kids.

‘Peppa Pig’

Kids & Family | Nick Jr. | Ages 2–5

Everyday life is full of fun for Peppa Pig, her little brother George and their family. Whether they’re jumping in muddy puddles or spending time with friends, the series celebrates the fun found in everyday life.

‘SuperKitties’

Adventure & Comedy | Disney Jr. / Disney+ | Ages 2–5

Ginny, Sparks, Buddy and Bitsy may look like ordinary kittens, but they transform into the SuperKitties whenever someone needs their help. Together, they solve problems with kindness, teamwork and plenty of superhero fun, making it a great choice for preschoolers.

Season 3 is wrapping up soon, and all available episodes are streaming now on Disney+.

‘Bluey’

Kids & Family | Disney+ | Ages 2–6

Bluey follows an energetic Blue Heeler puppy and her family as they transform everyday life into imaginative play. It’s just as entertaining for parents as it is for kids, thanks to its heartfelt stories and clever humor.

New Bluey content is now available on Disney+, including Bluey’s Big Play. Another batch of Bluey Minisodes arrives this December.

‘Spidey and His Amazing Friends’

Superhero | Disney Jr. / Disney+ | Ages 3–6

Marvel’s youngest heroes swing into action to stop villains, protect their neighborhood and prove that teamwork is the ultimate superpower. Featuring favorite characters like Hulk, Black Panther and Iron Man, it’s a fun introduction to the Marvel Universe for young kids.

Season 5 is now streaming, with new episodes premiering every Friday on Disney Jr. and Disney+.

Great Shows for Kids (Ages 5–8)

From magical adventures to hilarious comedies, these shows are perfect for growing imaginations:

‘Transformers: Rescue Bots’

Action & Adventure | Discovery Family | Ages 5–9

A team of Autobots is sent to Griffin Rock, where they partner with local first responders to protect the community from unexpected dangers. Every rescue is packed with action while reinforcing the importance of teamwork and helping others.

‘My Little Pony’

Animation | Discovery Family | Ages 5–10

Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends explore the magical world of Equestria, discovering valuable lessons about friendship along the way. The colorful fantasy world and iconic characters have made it a favorite for generations of fans.

‘SpongeBob SquarePants’

Comedy | Nickelodeon | Ages 6+

Life under the sea is never boring with SpongeBob around! Whether he’s flipping Krabby Patties, jelly-fishing with Patrick or accidentally annoying Squidward, one thing’s for sure: there’s never a dull moment in Bikini Bottom.

New episodes premiere every Friday at 5:00 p.m. ET on Nickelodeon.

‘Phineas and Ferb’

Comedy | Disney Channel / Disney+ | Ages 6+

Stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb make every day of summer vacation unforgettable with their wild inventions and ideas. At the same time, their pet platypus Perry secretly lives a double life as Agent P, taking on the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz in hilarious undercover missions.

Season 5 is now available for streaming on Disney+, and Season 6 premieres in 2027.

‘Big City Greens’

Comedy | Disney Channel / Disney+ | Ages 6+

Country boy Cricket Green and his family leave rural life behind for the big city, where every new experience comes with plenty of laughs. Their hilarious fish-out-of-water moments make this comedy fun for the whole family.

Season 5 premieres August 21, 2026, and will be available to stream on Disney+.

‘The Fairly OddParents’

Fantasy Comedy | Nickelodeon | Ages 6+

Timmy Turner thinks life is unfair until he discovers his fairy godparents, Cosmo and Wanda, can grant almost any wish. But of course, every magical wish comes with hilarious consequences!

‘Teen Titans Go!’

Comedy | Cartoon Network | Ages 6–10

When they’re not saving the world, Robin, Raven, Beast Boy, Cyborg and Starfire are just trying to survive everyday life together. Forget epic battles, Teen Titans Go! focuses on what happens when the Teen Titans are off duty, tackling everything from chores and pizza cravings to the occasional supervillain.

‘Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir’

Action & Adventure | Disney+ | Ages 6–10

By day, Marinette and Adrien are ordinary Parisian teenagers. By night, they become Ladybug and Cat Noir, a superhero duo protecting Paris from mysterious villains while keeping their identities secret.

Season 7 is set to premiere soon, with all previous seasons available to stream on Disney+.

Great Shows for Older Kids (Ages 8–12)

Looking for something with a little more action? These fan-favorite series feature exciting stories, memorable heroes and plenty of thrills:

‘The Loud House’

Comedy | Nickelodeon | Ages 7–11

As the only boy in a family with ten sisters, 11-year-old Lincoln Loud is always looking for creative ways to navigate life at home. Luckily, he has his best friend Clyde by his side to help him tackle the chaos that comes with living in such a big family.

Season 11 is now airing, with new episodes premiering every Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET on Nickelodeon.

‘Craig of the Creek’

Adventure | Cartoon Network | Ages 7–11

For Craig and his friends, the neighborhood creek isn’t just a place to play. It’s an entire world filled with forts, hidden kingdoms and endless places to explore. Their imaginations know no bounds, turning ordinary afternoons into epic quests.

‘Gravity Falls’

Mystery & Adventure | Disney+ | Ages 8+

Twins Dipper and Mabel spend the summer uncovering strange mysteries in the quirky town of Gravity Falls. Clever storytelling and memorable characters make it a favorite for older kids and adults.

‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’

Adventure | Disney+ | Ages 8+

Set between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, this animated series follows Jedi Knights, clone troopers and fan favorites like Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka Tano as they fight to protect the galaxy during the Clone Wars.

‘The Amazing World of Gumball’

Comedy | Cartoon Network | Boomerang | Ages 8+

Gumball Watterson has a knack for turning even the simplest situations into hilarious chaos. Alongside his family and friends, he navigates life in the quirky town of Elmore, where he’s learned to expect the unexpected.

A new continuation series, The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball is available for streaming, with Season 3 is currently in production.

‘Vampirina: Teenage Vampire’

Comedy & Fantasy | Disney+ | Ages 8+

When teenage vampire Vee Hauntley leaves Transylvania to attend a performing arts boarding school, she must balance fitting in with humans while keeping her supernatural identity a secret. Filled with music, comedy and magic, it’s a fun pick for kids who love a spooky twist without the scares.

The first season is available to stream on Disney+ and Season 2 premieres October 2026.

‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’

Comedy & Fantasy | Disney+ | Ages 8+

Justin Russo has traded magic for a normal life until his sister, Alex Russo, asks him to mentor a powerful young wizard named Billie. As magical threats return, the Russo siblings reunite for a new chapter that blends nostalgia with a new generation of wizards.

The third and final season premiered in August 2026 and is available to stream on Disney+.

‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’

Fantasy Adventure | Disney+ | Ages 10+

Percy Jackson’s life changes forever when he learns he’s a demigod and finds a new home at Camp Half-Blood. There, he trains with other young heroes before setting off on thrilling quests filled with mythical creatures, monsters and feuding Greek gods.

Season 2 is now streaming on Disney+, and Season 3 premieres November 20, 2026, on Disney+. This series is also based on the beloved book series by Rick Riordan, making it a perfect watch for kids who love to see their favorite stories come to life on the screen.

‘Goosebumps’

Mystery & Adventure | Disney+ | Ages 10+

Inspired by R.L. Stine’s iconic Goosebumps books, this spooky series follows young friends as they uncover supernatural mysteries and face creepy creatures. It’s a great choice for older kids who enjoy a few light scares.

Family Favorites Everyone Can Enjoy

No matter your age, these iconic shows are always a great choice for family TV time:

‘Tom and Jerry’

Animation & Comedy | Boomerang | All Ages

The iconic rivalry between Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse has entertained families for generations. Their nonstop game of cat and mouse leads to hilarious chases, clever tricks and timeless slapstick comedy that’s just as funny today as it was decades ago.

‘Looney Tunes Cartoons’

Comedy | Boomerang | All Ages

Looney Tunes Cartoons brings Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and the rest of the iconic gang back for a new collection of short, laugh-out-loud adventures inspired by the classic theatrical cartoons. It’s a fun way for parents to introduce their kids to the timeless cartoons they grew up watching.

‘DuckTales’ (2017)

Adventure | Disney XD / Disney+ | All Ages

Join Scrooge McDuck, Huey, Dewey and Louie as they travel the globe in search of legendary treasures and ancient mysteries. This modern reboot captures everything fans loved about the original DuckTales.

‘The Muppet Show’

Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and the rest of the Muppets put on a hilarious variety show filled with comedy sketches, musical performances and guest stars. This timeless classic is a fun throwback for parents and a great way to introduce kids to some of television’s most beloved characters.

Find Your Family’s Next Favorite Show

From timeless classics to some of today’s biggest hits, there’s no shortage of family TV shows to enjoy together.

Whether you’re introducing your kids to favorite characters from your own childhood or discovering a brand-new series, these picks offer something for every age and every kind of family TV night.

If you’re looking for even more family-friendly entertainment, be sure to check out all of the kids movies coming in 2026.

No matter what your family loves to watch, the DIRECTV MyKids® Genre Pack® has something for everyone. You’ll find plenty to watch with Disney+ and family-favorite channels all in one package.