TL;DR: If you’re tired of the Bluey loop and looking for something that won’t make you want to scroll your phone in the dark, here are the heavy hitters for early 2026:
- The Big Hype: Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (Paramount+) — perfect for the "I'm too old for cartoons" middle schoolers.
- The Movie Night Winner: The Twits (Netflix) — gross-out humor that actually has a soul.
- The Hidden Gem: Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld (Netflix) — think Buffy meets Turning Red.
- The "Watch Together" Pick: Star Search (Netflix) — yes, a reboot, but it’s live and actually fun.
We’ve all been there. It’s 6:30 PM on a Tuesday, the kids are vibrating at a frequency that suggests they’ve discovered a hidden stash of Skittles, and you just need forty-five minutes of peace. But you also don’t want to surrender their brains to the high-speed, low-substance "brain rot" that dominates YouTube.
I’m talking about those loud, neon-colored videos where nothing happens but everything is "EXCITING!" and kids end up calling everything "Ohio" or "Sigma" without knowing why.
The good news? Early 2026 is actually a banger for family TV. We’re finally seeing a shift away from "content for the sake of content" toward shows that actually respect a kid’s intelligence (and yours). Here is what should be on your radar right now.
The Twits (Netflix)
Netflix finally dropped their animated take on Roald Dahl’s meanest couple, and honestly? It’s kind of a masterpiece. It’s directed by Phil Johnston (the guy behind Wreck-It Ralph), and it doesn't pull punches.
Why kids love it: It’s disgusting. There are bird pies, glass eyes in beer mugs, and general nastiness. Why you’ll like it: It’s actually funny. The soundtrack features David Byrne and Hayley Williams, which is a massive flex for a "kids' movie." Age Range: 7+. It’s PG, but if your kid is sensitive to "mean" characters, maybe pre-screen. Mr. and Mrs. Twit are genuinely terrible people, which is the point, but some kids might find them a bit much.
Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld (Netflix)
This show is currently sitting at the top of the charts for the 10-14 age bracket. It follows a Chinese-American teen in Texas who discovers she has supernatural powers just as a demon king starts hunting her.
The Vibe: High-energy, stylish animation (from the studio that did The Legend of Vox Machina), and great voice work by Ali Wong. Parent Tip: This is the perfect "bridge" show. If your kid is starting to get into anime but you aren't ready for them to dive into the more mature stuff on Crunchyroll, Jentry Chau is your best friend. It handles themes of identity and family pressure in a way that’s relatable, not preachy. Check out our guide on how to talk to your teen about anime
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (Paramount+)
Release Date: January 15, 2026 Paramount is making a big play for the YA (Young Adult) audience here. It’s Star Trek, but it’s basically a high-stakes boarding school drama in space.
What to expect: It stars Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti, so the acting is actually... good? It’s focused on a new class of cadets. Is it for your family? If you have a 12-year-old who thinks they’re too cool for Disney+, this is the play. It’s smart, it’s about teamwork, and the special effects are top-tier. It’s a great way to introduce them to a franchise that isn't just "superheroes punching each other."
Wonder Man (Disney+)
Release Date: January 27, 2026 Look, I know. MCU fatigue is real. We’ve all seen enough glowing portals to last a lifetime. But Wonder Man is different. It’s a Hollywood satire starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as an actor who gets superpowers.
The Verdict: It’s more of a workplace comedy than a "save the world" epic. It’s quirky, self-aware, and—dare I say—actually fun for adults to watch too. Ages: 10+. There’s some "Hollywood" language and stylized action, but it’s mostly lighthearted.
Star Search (Netflix)
Release Date: January 20, 2026 Netflix is trying the "Live TV" thing again, and they’ve rebooted the 80s talent show Star Search with Anthony Anderson hosting.
Why this matters: In an era of on-demand everything, there’s something weirdly wholesome about the "appointment viewing" of a live show. It’s a great Friday night "pizza and a show" tradition. Kids love the live voting aspect (it feels like TikTok but on the big screen), and you get to explain who Beyoncé was before she was Beyoncé. Learn more about live streaming safety for kids
When we talk about "new family shows," we aren't just looking for a babysitter. We’re looking for intentional screen time.
According to our community data, about 65% of parents feel "guilty" about what their kids watch, but only 20% actually have time to pre-screen everything. That’s why we focus on shows with a high "WISE Score"—content that encourages curiosity, empathy, or at least doesn't turn their attention span into a sieve.
How to spot "Brain Rot" in the wild:
- The 3-Second Rule: If the camera angle changes every 3 seconds, it’s designed to hijack the dopamine system, not tell a story.
- The Volume Test: If the characters are constantly screaming for no reason, it’s probably junk.
- The "So What?" Factor: If your kid can’t tell you one thing that happened in the episode five minutes after it ends, it was likely filler.
The shows listed above—especially Win or Lose (the Pixar series about middle school softball)—actually have story arcs. They have characters who fail and learn. That’s the good stuff.
- Ages 4-7: Stick with Dream Productions (the Inside Out spin-off). It’s clever, short, and helps them understand their own "dream logic."
- Ages 8-12: The Twits and Win or Lose. These shows handle social dynamics and "being a person" in a way that hits home for this age group.
- Ages 13+: Star Trek: Starfleet Academy and Jentry Chau. These have more complex themes and faster-paced action.
A quick word on Roblox: You might notice that many of these shows (like The Twits) already have tie-in "experiences" on Roblox.
If your kid watches the movie and immediately wants to go play "Twitlandia" on their iPad, don't panic. It’s actually a great way to extend the story. Just make sure your parental controls are tight. Check out our updated 2026 guide to Roblox parental controls
You don't have to be the "No Screens" parent to be an intentional parent. The goal is to move from passive consumption to active engagement.
Ask your kids: “Why do you think Mr. Twit is so mean?” or “Which cadet would you want to be friends with in Starfleet?” It sounds simple, but it’s the difference between them being "plugged in" and them actually processing what they see.
Next Steps:
- Pick one night this week to watch something new together. Skip the YouTube shorts for one night.
- Update your streaming profiles. Make sure the "Kids" filter is actually on for Netflix and Disney+ so they don't accidentally wander into Stranger Things territory before they're ready.
- Take our 3-minute survey to see how your family's viewing habits compare to other parents in your school district.
Ask our chatbot for a personalized weekend watchlist based on your kids' ages