The 19 best family shows on Netflix in Sept 2024

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)

An Avatar is a once-in-a-generation figure who can control the four elements: water, earth, fire, and air. 12-year-old Aang is one such anomaly, but upon realizing his responsibilities, he panicked and put himself into suspended animation by freezing himself within an iceberg. After being freed by Katara and Sokka a century later, Aang journeys with them to learn how to use his powers properly.

Delivering the kind of sophisticated serialized storytelling typically reserved for prestige cable dramas, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a buddy coming-of-age story and a mythological epic rolled into one. 

Where to watch Avatar: The Last Airbender: Netflix

Cast: Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena, Dante Basco, Mark Hamill

Related content: Aang: The Last Airbender, the first animated movie in Avatar trilogy, will follow Aang as an adult

The Big Family Cooking Showdown (2017–2018)

In a world where so many reality competition series are decidedly adult in nature, it’s nice to be able to fall back on one that brings the whole family together… or two families, as the case may be. In the initial episodes, two teams of three relatives square off against each other in a cooking contest, eventually leading to the semi-final rounds and, inevitably, the final showdown. 

Whether the families are facing the “Impress the Neighbours” challenge, the “What’s in the Fridge?” challenge, or even the “Perfect Puddings” challenge, it’s always an entertaining — if occasionally anxiety-inducing — watch.

Where to watch The Big Family Cooking Showdown: Netflix

Cast: Zoe Ball, Nadiya Hussain, Angelica Bell, Tommy Banks, Giorgio Locatelli

The Cuphead Show! (2022)

An adaptation of the popular video game, this homage to classic 1930s cartoons is a level of bizarre usually relegated to Adult Swim, and it’s a great deal of fun, especially if you appreciate early animated shorts. (You’d be surprised how many people do.) The series revolves around brothers Cuphead and Mugman, two anthropomorphic cups who live with their grandfather, Elder Kettle, and have fun and crazy adventures. Sometimes things can get a little dark — there’s a recurring plotline involving the Devil trying to take Cuphead’s soul — but as darkness goes, it’s still pretty light.

Where to watch The Cuphead Show!: Netflix

Cast: Tru Valentino, Frank Todaro, Grey DeLisle, Joe Hanna, Wayne Brady

Related content: 9 cool Cuphead collectibles if you’re super excited about the new Netflix show

Fuller House (2016–2020)

ABC’s old-school “TGIF” lineup in the late ’80s and early ’90s was full of the most critic-proof, viewer-adored programming ever, making the long-running sitcom Full House (1987–1995) ripe for a revival. This time around, the original adult characters — played by Bob Saget, John Stamos, Dave Coulier, and Lori Loughlin — were mere guest stars, with D.J., Stephanie, and Kimmy now the stars of the show, along with D.J. and Kimmy’s kids. (Sorry, the Olsen twins didn’t return as Michelle.) 

It’s rare for one generation to be able to translate their pop culture touchstones to the next, but Fuller House makes it a seamless transition, as if picking up right where the golden era of ’90s sitcoms left off. 

Where to watch Fuller House: Netflix

Cast: Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Andrea Barber, Michael Campion, Elias Harger

Related content: Fuller House stars celebrate wrapping series finale with sweet photos, karaoke version of theme song

Geek Girl (2024–present)

In this adaptation of Holly Smale’s acclaimed teen novel, Harriet Manners (Emily Carey) is an awkward girl who — along with her bestie Nat (Rochelle Harrington) — is invited to audition for Infinity Models. To her surprise, Harriet is selected for the top runway spot in fashion designer Yuji Lee’s newest line, and she also catches the eye of fellow model Nick Park (Liam Woodrum)... which would be great if he didn’t already have a girlfriend, fellow model Poppy (Daisy Jelley). 

Geek Girl is a familiar Cinderella riff, but it’s a sharp, zippy, and innocent one that’s anchored by Carey’s great — and suitably offbeat — central performance. 

Where to watch Geek Girl: Netflix

Cast: Emily Carey, Sarah Parish, Emmanuel Imani, Liam Woodrum, Zac Looker

Goosebumps (1995–1998)

R.L. Stine created a cottage industry of striking fear into the hearts of pre-teens, teens, and occasionally even adults with his long-running Goosebumps book series, so it was only a matter of time before they got a television adaptation. 

Although there’s nowhere to stream all of the episodes, Netflix has at least curated a collection, which includes appearances from the Terror Tower, the Werewolf of Fever Swamp, and the Living Dummy, that’ll keep nostalgic fans happy. The show truly captured the vibes of Stine’s books — just spooky and weird enough to scratch that itch for a young, burgeoning horror fan, but without anything scary enough to send a kid to therapy.

Where to watch Goosebumps: Netflix

Cast: Cory Sevier, Brendan Fletcher, Hayden Christensen

Related content: Goosebumps writer R.L. Stine on fear: ‘I’ve never experienced it’

iCarly (2007–2012)

Who would’ve expected this series to become such a phenomenon when it first launched back in 2007? At the time, video streaming was arguably still a novelty, so the idea of building a TV show around two teens — Carly Shay (Miranda Cosgrove) and her bestie, Sam Puckett (Jennette McCurdy) — and their web series iCarly was remarkably forward-thinking of Nickelodeon.

The show channels a certain energetic, zany sense of humor viewers could recognize from their own adolescent friendships and antics, culminating in a five-season run and a 2021 revival on Paramount+.

Where to watch iCarly: Netflix

Cast: Miranda Cosgrove, Jennette McCurdy, Nathan Kress, Jerry Trainor

Related content: Emily Ratajkowski shares sweet iCarly throwback video: “Proud to be Tasha forever’

Julie and the Phantoms (2020)

This creative Netflix series from executive producer Kenny Ortega (High School Musical) never got a chance to stretch its wings during its single-season run, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the nine episodes. While trying to make music after her mother’s death, Julie (Madison Reyes) summons the spirits of a band that died in 1995 and ends up behind their new lead singer. How? Well, they can somehow be seen when they’re performing, so concertgoers think they’re holograms. Don’t ask too many questions… just enjoy the music. (Yes, there is a soundtrack!)

Where to watch Julie and the Phantoms: Netflix

Cast: Madison Reyes, Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, Jeremy Shada

Related content: How Kenny Ortega assembled a real band for Julie and the Phantoms

Justice League Unlimited (2004–2006)

There have been many Justice League animated series over the years, including every incarnation of Super Friends, but none have delved deep into the DC Comics catalog the way this one did. In addition to the usual suspects like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and the Flash, we got everyone from B'wana Beast to Zatanna and Brainiac 5 to Bat Lash. If you’re not familiar with the last four heroes we cited, it’s time you tuned in, because Justice League Unlimited is here to help fill in the gaps.

Where to watch Justice League Unlimited: Netflix

Cast: George Newbern, Kevin Conroy, Phil LaMarr, Carl Lumbly, Susan Eisenberg

Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017–2019)

The 2004 film Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, starring Jim Carrey as Count Olaf, failed to secure enough box office success to warrant adaptations of further books in the long-running series. Fortunately, that didn’t stop Netflix from taking a chance on a TV version, which follows orphans Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire as they avoid Count Olaf, now played by Neil Patrick Harris, as he tries to wrest control of their inheritance.

This is a practically perfect translation, capturing the books’ madness, eccentric humor, and darkly inventive imagination — and Harris, of course, nails it. 

Where to watch Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events: Netflix

EW grade: A- (read the review)

Cast: Neil Patrick Harris, Patrick Warburton, Malina Weissman, Louis Hynes, K. Todd Freeman

Related content: Here’s why Lemony Snicket cast Neil Patrick Harris

Lost in Space (2018–2021)

Since the original 1960s series wrapped, producers have been trying to get a reboot of Lost in Space — a sci-fi adventure inspired by Swiss Family Robinson — off the ground (no pun intended), but it took the power of Netflix to finally make it happen. 

The Robinson family, along with Don West and criminal stowaway June Harris, a.k.a. Zoe Smith, leaves Earth to assist in the colonization of the Alpha Centauri system, only to crash on an alien planet before reaching their destination. It’s a sci-fi adventure, yes, but it’s first and foremost a story of family bonding. That sets it apart from the myriad space operas populating big-budget TV in recent years; the relationships are the real substance of the show, the interstellar adventures are the dessert.

Where to watch Lost in Space: Netflix

Cast: Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins, Taylor Russell, Parker Posey

Related content: Netflix’s Lost in Space to end with season 3

My Wife and Kids (2001–2005)

Sometimes all you need is the simplest of titles to sum up the premise of a series, and that’s exactly the case here, with Damon Wayans starring as Michael Kyle Sr., who — along with his wife Janet (Tisha Campbell-Martin) — raises his son Michael Jr., his eldest daughter Claire, and his youngest daughter Kady. 

Wayans here shows why he was one of the most unique comedic performers of his generation, while giving him a platform to blend those comic chops with his natural, authentic dad-ness.  

Where to watch My Wife and Kids: Netflix

Cast: Damon Wayans, Tisha Campbell-Martin, George O. Gore II, Jazz Raycole

One Day at a Time (2017–2020)

If there was any uncertainty when Norman Lear announced in the mid-2010s that he wanted to remake his ‘70s sitcom One Day at a Time with a Latino family, it dissipated when the new version debuted. In this new incarnation, Justina Machado plays a veteran of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps who’s raising two kids with the help of her mom (Rita Moreno) in an apartment owned by Pat Schneider (Todd Grinnell), who also doubles as the handyman. 

Critics adored the camaraderie between the cast as well as the realistic, relatable storylines — and for good reason. Even in his 90s, Lear proves why he’s a small-screen legend, and it’s his uncanny ability to find modern wisdom in a timeworn prototype.

Where to watch One Day at a Time: Netflix

Cast: Justina Machado, Todd Grinnell, Isabella Gomez, Marcel Ruiz, Stephen Tobolowsky, Rita Moreno

Related content: One Day at a Time executive producers reveal the stories you never got to see

The Powerpuff Girls (1998–2005)

If you’re looking for powerful female role models for your daughters, you could do a lot worse than Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, the titular supergroup in this classic Cartoon Network series. It’s colorful and comedic while also delivering a super-heroic punch for genre fans and novices alike. The Powerpuff Girls live in the city of Townsville with their father/creator, Professor Utonium, saving the citizens from danger.

If you want an episode that highlights the fantastic writing, check out the legendary “Meet the Beat-Alls,” a superhero adventure that also doubles as a sharp Beatles parody.

Where to watch The Powerpuff Girls: Netflix

Cast: Cathy Cavadini, Tara Strong, E.G. Daily, Tom Kane, Tom Kenny, Jennifer Martin

Related content: Powerpuff Girls and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends are getting animated reboots

Rugrats (1991–2007)

Given that kids are the main audience for most animated series, it should come as no surprise that one of the most popular cartoon programs on Nickelodeon has been one about kids. The adventures of Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, and Angelica have kept viewers laughing for years, spawning not only a feature film but also spinoffs, most notably All Grown Up, wherein the kids are now preteens and teenagers. Rugrats remains a multigenerational must-watch brought to life by its idiosyncratic voice performances and a distinct, instantly recognizable animation style.

Where to watch Rugrats: Netflix

Cast: E.G. Daily, Christine Cavanaugh, Cheryl Chase, Kath Soucie, Cree Summer

Related content: Nicktoons 25th anniversary oral history of Rugrats, Doug, Ren & Stimpy

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010–2013)

Fact: This is the single best Scooby-Doo series to arrive since the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! debuted in 1969, and while we realize those might be fighting words, we’re standing by our position. 

Aimed squarely at an audience that grew up watching the Mystery Inc. gang bust bad guys in monster suits, the series takes a different approach with season-long arcs. It also includes classic characters from other Hanna-Barbera cartoons, callbacks to previous Scooby-Doo series, and even a Twin Peaks gag. That it only lasted two seasons is a crime, but it’s well worth investigating.

Where to watch Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated: Netflix

Cast: Frank Welker, Mindy Cohn, Grey DeLisle, Matthew Lillard, Lewis Black, Linda Cardellini

Star Trek: Prodigy (2021–present)

Like the original Star Trek: The Animated Series from 1973, Star Trek: Prodigy is ostensibly aimed at younger viewers, but it’s still creative and entertaining enough to keep viewers of any age engaged. The first season revolves around a ragtag group of young aliens discovering an abandoned Starfleet ship, the USS Protostar, and working with a hologram of Admiral Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew), to get it back to the Alpha Quadrant, while the superior season 2 is filled with several other classic Trek characters, the identity of which we wouldn’t dare spoil.

Where to watch Star Trek: Prodigy: Netflix

Cast: Brett Gray, Ella Purnell, Jason Mantzoukas, Angus Imrie, Rylee Alazraqui

Related content: The best Star Trek series, ranked

The Wonder Years (2021–2023)

The original incarnation of The Wonder Years was a nostalgic, poignant look back at the late 1960s, during the most turbulent portion of the decade. So is this version, but with a twist: This time, the focus is on an African-American family in Alabama. Of course, many of the stories are broadly relatable, but by providing a different vantage point to the era, it also expands viewers’ knowledge of what was going on at the time.

Don Cheadle’s narration lends each episode a sense of earned wisdom, and Dulé Hill makes for one of the best TV dads in recent memory. Oh, and it’s also set in the same universe as the original series (check out the season 1 episode “Love & War”). 

Where to watch The Wonder Years: Netflix

Cast: Elisha “EJ” Williams, Dulé Hill, Saycon Sengbloh, Laura Kariuki, Amari O’Neil

Related content: Dule Hill on being the cool dad for The Wonder Years and why the role means so much to him

Young Sheldon (2017–2024)

What started as a semi-novelty — a prequel series to The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019) exploring how the ingenious (and often insufferable) Sheldon Cooper (Iain Armitage, with the original Sheldon, Jim Parsons, serving as narrator) became the man he is today — quickly turned into one of the most popular cable comedies in recent memory, thanks in no small part to its strong ensemble. 

Cute, quippy, and clean, many families will be able to enjoy Young Sheldon even if they didn’t watch the original series.

Where to watch Young Sheldon: Netflix

Cast: Iain Armitage, Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Montana Jordan, Raegan Revord, Annie Potts

Related content: Young Sheldon showrunner breaks down series finale ending and that Easter egg you definitely missed