Yes, it’s still here. Yes, it’s still the best. While technically a Disney+ heavyweight, its presence on Netflix in various regions (and its influence on every other show) makes it essential. It’s the only show that models realistic parenting—complete with tired parents and kids who don’t always learn the lesson in 11 minutes. It’s the antidote to the "perfect" families of 90s television.

If your kid is in the "Why?" phase, this is your best friend. It tackles complex questions (How do ears hear? Why is the sky blue?) with high-level animation and celebrity cameos that are actually funny. It’s educational without being "educational" in that painful, singing-dinosaur kind of way.

If your kid is prone to overstimulation, Puffin Rock is the "weighted blanket" of television. Narrated by Chris O'Dowd, it’s gentle, beautifully animated, and focuses on nature and ecology. It is the polar opposite of CoComelon, which we generally recommend avoiding if you value your child's attention span (and your own ears).

Learn more about the "CoComelon effect" and overstimulation

This is arguably the best-written animated series on the platform. Based on the graphic novels by Luke Pearson, it follows a blue-haired girl who moves from a magical wilderness to a walled city. It deals with empathy, the fear of the unknown, and the idea that "monsters" are usually just creatures with their own problems. It’s sophisticated enough that you’ll find yourself staying on the couch after the kids go to bed to see how the episode ends.

For families that want to dip their toes into epic fantasy without the "everyone dies" trauma of Game of Thrones, this is it. It’s written by the head writer of Avatar: The Last Airbender and handles complex themes like war, disability, and diverse family structures with incredible grace.

Look, it’s not Shakespeare. But in a world of toxic reality TV, Is It Cake? is pure, wholesome, absurd fun. It’s a great "family dinner" show because everyone can play along. It rewards craftsmanship and creativity, and it’s one of the few reality shows that doesn’t rely on people being mean to each other for ratings.

By 2026, we are finally seeing the conclusion of this saga. It is the definitive cultural touchstone for this generation of tweens and teens. Warning: The later seasons are significantly darker and more violent than Season 1. If your 10-year-old is begging to watch it because "everyone else is," check out our guide on how to navigate Stranger Things scary moments.

Jenna Ortega’s take on the Addams Family is a massive hit for a reason. It hits that "dark academia" vibe perfectly. It deals with being an outsider, navigating high school hierarchies, and—of course—murder mysteries. It’s moody and stylish, making it a great pick for kids who have outgrown "bright" Disney-style sitcoms but aren't ready for Euphoria (which, let's be honest, they shouldn't be watching anyway).

Anime adaptations are usually a disaster, but Netflix actually nailed this one. It’s a story about friendship, following your dreams, and standing up against corruption. It’s colorful, high-energy, and much more "parent-friendly" than the 1,000+ episode One Piece anime.

In the Screenwise community, we talk a lot about "Passive" vs. "Active" consumption.

When you choose a show like The Wild Robot or Hilda, you’re giving your child's brain something to chew on. They aren't just staring at a screen; they are learning how to process a story.

Check out our guide on how to spot "brain rot" content

Netflix is designed to keep you watching. For a kid, the "Next Episode in 5..." countdown is an invitation to lose three hours of their life. Pro-Tip: Go into the "Profile & Parental Controls" settings in a web browser and turn off "Autoplay next episode." This forces a conscious decision to keep watching, which is a vital skill for digital wellness.

A "TV-G" rating doesn't mean a show is good for your kid, and a "TV-14" doesn't always mean it's "bad." For example, Jurassic World: Chaos Theory is rated for older kids but is generally fine for brave 8-year-olds, whereas some "kids" reality shows can be surprisingly mean-spirited.

According to Screenwise community data, approximately 64% of parents with kids in 5th grade allow them to watch Stranger Things, but only 22% feel comfortable with the gore in the later seasons without being in the room. If your community is watching it, you might feel the pressure to say yes. Use our Stranger Things guide to decide for yourself.

Instead of "Turn that off, it's garbage," try these conversation starters:

Netflix in 2026 is a minefield of "content" (which is a word for stuff that fills space) and "stories" (which is a word for stuff that matters).

As an intentional parent, your job isn't to be the Screen Police. It's to be the Curator. By steering them toward shows like Bluey, Hilda, and The Dragon Prince, you’re proving that digital entertainment can be high-quality, thought-provoking, and—most importantly—a way for your family to actually connect.

Ask our chatbot for more Netflix alternatives based on what your kids already like