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marycarver.com 25 shows for tweens ( T H A T Y O U M I G H T L I K E T O O ! )
The question I get asked most often is, "What are some good shows for my tweens?" It's hard to find shows that are appropriate but interesting and yet not annoying for the parents in the room. But it's not impossible! Here are 25 shows your tweens (and young teens) will love—and you might too!
Big Shot (Disney+) – A men's college basketball coach is fired and forced to take a job coaching at a girls private high school. As you might guess, he learns as much from them as they do from him. Diverse cast, funny dialogue, moving stories.
Diary of a Future President (Disney+) – Elena will eventually become president of the United States, but for now, she’s navigating family, friends, and homework in her first year of middle school. (This has some themes best for older kids, but it is a sweet, funny show.)
Girl Meets World (Disney+) – Spinoff of Boy Meets World, with Cory and Topanga’s daughter and her friends as they navigate school, friends, and life.
Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street (Netflix) – Middle school friends go on adventures and learn about life in a sweet, timeless show that’s also a little bit magical.
The Healing Powers of Dude (Netflix) – A middle school boy with social anxiety returns to school after being homeschooled, along with his dog (whose thoughts we can hear). He makes friends and adjusts, and it is sweet and funny and lovely.
marycarver.com 25 shows for tweens ( T H A T Y O U M I G H T L I K E T O O ! )
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High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Disney+) – Students attending the school where the HSM movies were filmed put on the HSM musical. Anyone who’s participated in high school or community theater will especially love this.
Holly Hobbie (Hulu) – Middle-schooler Holly lives in a small town but she has big dreams (and big feelings). This is a super sweet but relatable coming-of-age show for tweens. Both my daughters and I loved it.
Julie & the Phantoms (Netflix) – A teen girl lost her ability to sing and play music after her mom died. But then she meets the ghosts of a boy band from the nineties. Their music can only be heard when they play with her, and playing with them gives her confidence. It sounds ridiculous, but it is darling. And the music is outstanding!
Just Add Magic (Amazon Prime) – Three tween girls find a magical cookbook. A little intense for younger viewers, but not scary for tweens. Sweet and timeless show.
Just Roll With It (Disney+) – A newly blended family learns to “roll with” the changes, both in their family and in the show, where the audience gets to rewrite the script and make the actors do crazy things in the middle of the episode.
KC Undercover (Disney+) – Teen learns her parents are spies and becomes a spy, too. The family members are annoying and unrealistic, but they love each other and work together. Plus, Zendaya plays the main character and is truly excellent.
marycarver.com 25 shows for tweens ( T H A T Y O U M I G H T L I K E T O O ! )
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The Kicks (Amazon Prime) – A girl joins a new soccer team after her family moves across the country. Based on books by Olympic soccer player Alex Morgan.
Knight Squad (Amazon Prime) – Teens go to a special school to learn to be knights. The princess who is secretly attending the school and her friends deal with magical challenges and hiding her identity.
Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events (Netflix) – This is a bit creepy and quirky for my kids, but I know lots of families who love this show based on the books!
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (Disney+) – When a middle school boy gets kicked off the now elite Ducks, his mom creates a new team for kids like him who just love the game and want to play. The team of misfits is adorable and the perfect underdog to cheer on.
The Mysterious Benedict Society (Disney+) – Four gifted orphans are recruited for a secret mission by an eccentric benefactor. Based on a book series.
Odd Squad (Amazon Prime) – Diverse group of kids work for government agency to investigate strange happenings, using math to solve problems.
Project MC2 (Netflix) – Diverse group of smart girls love STEM subjects and also work as teen spies. Goofy but fun and sweet.
marycarver.com 25 shows for tweens ( T H A T Y O U M I G H T L I K E T O O ! )
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Raven’s Home (Disney+) – Raven and her kids live with her best friend and her best friend’s son. Raven and her son get visions of the future. Many wacky hijinks ensue for this unconventional and diverse family.
Sydney to the Max (Disney+) – A widowed dad raising his middle school daughter remembers his own middle school years with a single mom. This one’s fun for both generations!
The Who Was? Show (Netflix) – Scripted sketch show with teens teaching funny, memorable lessons about famous figures from history.
And a few reality shows they might like...
American Ninja Warrior (Amazon Prime) – The adult version is fun, but the kids’ version (American Ninja Warrior Junior) might be even more inspiring to young audiences!
Brainchild (Netflix) – Educational but fun (no, really!) show about how the brain works. Similar to the [also fantastic] Brain Games, but made for kids.
LEGO Masters (Hulu) – Teams of two adults compete by making incredible LEGO creations. (It’s so cool!) Hosted by Will Arnett.
World of Dance (Hulu) – This global competition show features dancers from different countries and different styles. Judges are Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough, and Ne-Yo.
marycarver.com