Let's address the elephant—or should I say, the wrestler—in the room. WWE programming absolutely dominates USA Network's December schedule. WWE Raw airs multiple nights a week, and various WWE-adjacent content fills a huge chunk of prime time.

This is where things get interesting. WWE has a complicated relationship with family viewing. On one hand, it's theatrical, athletic, and many kids ages 8-14 are absolutely obsessed with it. On the other hand, the content has evolved over the years and includes:

The official rating is usually TV-PG, but that PG can be generous depending on the storyline. If your 10-year-old wants to watch because their friends are into it, sitting down for an episode together first is the move. You'll quickly figure out if the current storylines align with your family's boundaries.

What works: The athleticism is genuinely impressive, kids love picking favorites and following rivalries, and there's something to be said for the theater of it all.

What doesn't: The gender dynamics can be questionable, the violence is obviously the whole point, and some storylines venture into soap opera territory that's not great for younger viewers.

This is actually your best bet for family co-viewing on USA Network right now. The Rookie follows John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), the oldest rookie in the LAPD, and it's a surprisingly decent cop procedural that doesn't rely on graphic violence or excessive edge.

Ages: 12+ (though some families with mature 10-11 year olds might be fine)

The show deals with real police work—which means there are crimes, dangerous situations, and moral complexity. But it handles most of this with more thoughtfulness than your average cop show. Episodes typically involve:

Why it works for families: Nathan Fillion brings warmth and humor to the role, the show doesn't glorify violence, and there are genuine teaching moments about ethics, second chances, and doing the right thing even when it's hard. It's also a show where you can drop in and out—you don't need to have watched every episode to follow along.

The caveat: It's still a cop show in 2026, and if your family is having conversations about policing, criminal justice, and systemic issues, this show presents a pretty traditional "good cops doing good work" narrative. That's not necessarily bad, but it's worth noting if you're trying to have more nuanced conversations with teens.

USA Network has a rotating lineup of competition shows in December, though the specific titles vary. These typically include cooking competitions, physical challenge shows, and talent-based contests.

Generally ages 10+, depending on the specific show

The nice thing about competition reality TV is that it's usually pretty safe content-wise. The drama comes from the competition itself rather than from anything particularly objectionable. Watch out for:

If you're looking for something to have on during family time that doesn't require full attention, these shows can work. They're also good for sparking conversations about perseverance, handling disappointment, and what makes a gracious winner or loser.

Here's what USA Network doesn't offer much of in December 2025:

Family sitcoms: If you want actual family-friendly comedies, you're better off with Disney+, Netflix, or even network TV.

Educational content: Not USA Network's thing. Check out PBS Kids or Curiosity Stream instead.

Animated content: Basically nonexistent. You want Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, or streaming platforms.

Holiday specials: USA Network doesn't really do the holiday special thing. For that, you're looking at Hallmark Channel (if that's your jam), Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas, or streaming services.

Let's be honest about something: most families aren't planning their viewing around cable channels anymore. If you even have cable or satellite in 2026, you're in the minority among families with kids. USA Network is available through various streaming services (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, etc.), but the question is whether it's worth seeking out.

The real question isn't "what's on USA Network?"—it's "is there anything on USA Network worth prioritizing over the literally thousands of other options available?"

For most families, the answer is probably no. Unless you have a specific reason (WWE-obsessed kid, you're a The Rookie superfan, or you genuinely enjoy crime procedurals), your time is better spent exploring content on streaming platforms where you have more control, better parental controls, and frankly, more options that align with intentional family viewing.

If you do decide to explore USA Network content this December, here's how to do it thoughtfully:

1. Preview first: Especially with WWE content, watch an episode yourself before letting kids tune in. The content can vary significantly week to week.

2. Co-view initially: Sit down with your kids for the first few episodes of anything new. This lets you gauge their reactions and have real-time conversations about what you're seeing.

3. Set clear boundaries: "We can watch The Rookie together on Friday nights" is different from "USA Network is just on in the background all the time." Be intentional about when and how you're using this content.

4. Use it as conversation fuel: Crime procedurals and competition shows offer tons of opportunities to talk about ethics, decision-making, handling pressure, and treating others with respect. Don't waste those opportunities.

5. Balance it out: If your kid is watching WWE, make sure they're also getting content that shows different ways to resolve conflict and different models of masculinity and femininity. Learn more about media balance.

USA Network in December 2025 is a niche offering. It's not trying to be all things to all people—it's leaning hard into WWE, crime procedurals, and occasional reality competitions. For the right family, at the right moment, there's content here that can work.

The Rookie is your best bet for actual family co-viewing with tweens and teens. WWE Raw will either be a non-starter or a weekly tradition depending on your family's interests and boundaries. The competition shows can work as background viewing or casual family time.

But if we're being completely honest? Unless you have a specific reason to seek out USA Network, your family's viewing time is probably better spent on platforms with more robust parental controls, more diverse content options, and programming specifically designed with family viewing in mind.

Not sure where to look instead? Check out our guides to best family shows on Netflix, Disney+ recommendations by age, or alternatives to mindless TV watching.

The goal isn't to be perfect about screen time—it's to be intentional. And sometimes being intentional means recognizing that a particular channel or platform just isn't the right fit for your family right now. And that's completely okay.