Family-Friendly OTT TV Shows: Stream Together with Kids

Family-Friendly OTT TV Shows: Stream Together with Kids

Choosing the right Over-The-Top (OTT) TV shows for family viewing can be a delightful bonding experience, but it also requires careful consideration. Navigating the vast landscape of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu to find content that is entertaining, age-appropriate, and promotes positive values can be a challenge. This article provides a curated guide to family-friendly OTT TV shows, categorized by age group and genre, to help parents make informed decisions and create memorable streaming moments with their children.

Understanding Age Ratings and Content Descriptors

Before diving into specific show recommendations, it’s crucial to understand the rating systems used by various streaming platforms. While not foolproof, these ratings offer a general guideline for content suitability. Common ratings include:

• TV-Y: Designed for all children, typically ages 2-6. These shows often feature simple storylines, bright colors, and educational themes.
• TV-Y7: Suitable for children aged 7 and older. May contain mild fantasy violence or comedic mischief.
• TV-G: General audiences. Appropriate for all ages, but may contain themes that are more appealing to older children.
• TV-PG: Parental Guidance suggested. May contain some material that is not suitable for younger children, such as mild violence, suggestive themes, or infrequent coarse language.
• G: General audiences (movie rating, often used for animated films).
• PG: Parental Guidance suggested (movie rating).
• PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned (movie rating).

Beyond age ratings, pay attention to content descriptors. These provide more specific information about the types of content present in a show, such as violence, language, suggestive themes, and frightening scenes. Streaming services often provide these descriptors alongside the age rating. Parental control features on streaming platforms can also be used to restrict access to specific ratings or content types.

OTT Shows for Preschoolers (Ages 2-5): Learning and Playfulness

This age group benefits from shows that are educational, engaging, and visually stimulating. Look for shows that promote literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, and creativity.

• Bluey (Disney+): This Australian animated series follows a family of Blue Heelers, with a focus on the imaginative games played by Bluey and her sister Bingo. It promotes creativity, problem-solving, and the importance of family relationships. The show’s humor appeals to both children and adults, making it a perfect choice for family viewing. Its positive portrayal of parenting and sibling dynamics is a standout feature.

• Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (PBS Kids/Amazon Prime Video): Inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, this animated series features Daniel Tiger, a shy but brave four-year-old tiger, and his friends. Each episode focuses on a specific social-emotional skill, such as managing emotions, sharing, and resolving conflicts. The show incorporates catchy songs and simple lessons that are easily understood by young children.

• Sesame Street (HBO Max/PBS Kids): A classic for a reason, Sesame Street continues to be a valuable educational resource for preschoolers. Featuring a diverse cast of human and Muppet characters, the show teaches literacy, numeracy, and social skills through songs, skits, and animations. It’s a great way to introduce children to a variety of cultures and perspectives.

• Puffin Rock (Netflix): Narrated by Chris O’Dowd, this Irish animated series follows the adventures of Oona, a puffin chick, and her little brother Baba. Set on a beautiful island, the show celebrates nature, friendship, and problem-solving. The gentle pace and calming visuals make it a relaxing and enjoyable viewing experience for young children.

• StoryBots (Netflix): This series uses a combination of animation and live-action to answer children’s questions about the world. The StoryBots are a group of quirky robots who embark on adventures to find the answers. The show is both educational and entertaining, covering topics ranging from dinosaurs to the human body.

OTT Shows for Elementary School Kids (Ages 6-10): Adventure and Discovery

As children enter elementary school, their interests expand, and they are ready for more complex storylines and characters. Look for shows that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy.

• Hilda (Netflix): Based on the graphic novels by Luke Pearson, Hilda follows a fearless blue-haired girl who lives in a magical world filled with mythical creatures. The show explores themes of friendship, adventure, and environmentalism. Its stunning animation and engaging storylines make it a captivating watch for children and adults alike.

• The Who Was? Show (Netflix): Based on the popular book series, this sketch comedy show brings history to life in a fun and engaging way. Each episode features skits about famous historical figures, such as Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and Joan of Arc. The show is both educational and entertaining, making it a great way to introduce children to history.

• Avatar: The Last Airbender (Netflix/Paramount+): Set in a world inspired by Asian cultures, this animated series follows Aang, the last Airbender, as he embarks on a journey to restore balance to the world. The show explores themes of friendship, courage, and responsibility. Its complex characters, compelling storylines, and stunning animation make it a classic for a reason.

• The Magic School Bus Rides Again (Netflix): A reboot of the classic 90s series, The Magic School Bus Rides Again follows Ms. Frizzle’s younger sister, Fiona, as she takes her students on exciting field trips in the magic school bus. The show teaches science concepts in a fun and engaging way.

• Odd Squad (PBS Kids/Amazon Prime Video): This live-action series follows a team of young agents who use math to solve odd problems. The show is both educational and entertaining, making it a great way to encourage children’s interest in math.

OTT Shows for Tweens (Ages 11-13): Identity and Belonging

As children enter their tween years, they begin to grapple with issues of identity, belonging, and social relationships. Look for shows that explore these themes in a positive and relatable way.

• The Baby-Sitters Club (Netflix): Based on the popular book series, this series follows a group of middle school friends who start a babysitting business. The show explores themes of friendship, entrepreneurship, and growing up. Its diverse cast of characters and relatable storylines make it a hit with tweens.

• Anne with an E (Netflix): Based on the classic novel Anne of Green Gables, this series follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and resilient orphan, as she finds a home with a family in Prince Edward Island. The show explores themes of identity, belonging, and social justice.

• A Series of Unfortunate Events (Netflix): Based on the book series by Lemony Snicket, this series follows the Baudelaire orphans as they try to uncover the truth about their parents’ death and escape the clutches of the villainous Count Olaf. The show is dark and quirky, but it also explores themes of resilience, intelligence, and the importance of family.

• Just Add Magic (Amazon Prime Video): This series follows three best friends who discover a magical cookbook that unlocks a world of culinary adventures. The show explores themes of friendship, family, and the power of believing in yourself.

• Gravity Falls (Disney+): This animated series follows twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they spend the summer with their great-uncle Stan in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. The show is full of humor, mystery, and adventure, and it explores themes of family, friendship, and growing up.

Tips for Family Viewing

• Preview Content: Before watching a show with your children, take the time to preview it yourself or read reviews from trusted sources. This will help you ensure that the content is age-appropriate and aligns with your family’s values.

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules about screen time and the types of shows that are allowed. This will help prevent conflicts and ensure that your children are using technology responsibly.

• Engage in Conversation: Watch shows with your children and use them as opportunities to discuss important topics, such as friendship, bullying, and social justice.

• Choose Shows Together: Involve your children in the decision-making process when choosing shows to watch. This will help them feel more invested in the viewing experience and encourage them to try new things.

• Be Mindful of Commercials: If the streaming service has commercials, be aware of the advertising content and discuss it with your children. Help them understand the purpose of commercials and how to be critical consumers.

• Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Make family viewing a special occasion by creating a cozy atmosphere. Dim the lights, grab some snacks, and snuggle up together on the couch.

• Balance Screen Time with Other Activities: Encourage your children to engage in a variety of activities, such as playing outside, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

By carefully selecting family-friendly OTT TV shows and engaging in meaningful conversations with your children, you can create memorable streaming moments that foster connection and promote positive values. Remember to prioritize age-appropriateness, content quality, and the opportunity for shared experiences.