Netflix's algorithm thinks 13-year-olds should watch either preschool shows or content with TV-MA ratings. There's shockingly little in between. Meanwhile, your actual 13-year-old is navigating friendship drama, identity questions, and the weird liminal space between childhood and whatever comes next.

They need shows that respect their intelligence without assuming they're ready for graphic violence, explicit sex scenes, or the emotional weight of 13 Reasons Why. They want characters dealing with real problems—but not necessarily all the real problems, all at once, in the most traumatic way possible.

This list focuses on series that:

Why it's perfect: This British series about two boys falling in love at an all-boys school is shockingly wholesome while still feeling emotionally real. It tackles coming out, mental health, and relationship boundaries with genuine care. The show trusts that teen romance doesn't need sex scenes to be compelling—radical concept, apparently.

What parents should know: There's discussion of eating disorders (season 2), some bullying, and LGBTQ+ themes throughout. The show handles all of it with remarkable sensitivity. If your family is cool with queer content, this is genuinely one of the best shows on Netflix for this age.

Ages: 11+

Why it still holds up: Yes, it's a "kids' show" from 2005. It's also one of the most sophisticated pieces of storytelling about war, genocide, imperialism, and moral complexity ever made. Thirteen-year-olds are the perfect age to appreciate both the humor and the deeper themes.

What parents should know: Some intense battle sequences and themes of war/loss, but handled thoughtfully. The Netflix live-action version exists but the original animated series is still superior.

Ages: 8+

Why it works: A single mom and her teenage daughter who are best friends, living in a quirky small town, talking faster than should be humanly possible. It's comfort viewing that also models a genuinely healthy parent-teen relationship. Rory Gilmore's high school and college years provide a roadmap for academic ambition without the toxic achievement culture of shows like Gossip Girl.

What parents should know: Very mild content overall. Some dating drama and references to Rory's mom having her at 16, but handled maturely. The cultural references are dated (it's from the 2000s) but somehow that makes it more charming.

Ages: 10+

Why teens love it: Mindy Kaling's comedy about an Indian-American teen navigating grief, identity, and high school is funny, fast-paced, and emotionally honest. The main character is messy and makes bad decisions—which is refreshing compared to the perfect protagonists in so many teen shows.

What parents should know: Sexual content is discussed frequently (it's literally in the title), though not shown graphically. Some underage drinking, partying, and teen relationship drama. This is one where you might want to watch an episode first to gauge your comfort level, but it's nowhere near Sex Education territory.

Ages: 13+

Why it's better than you think: The Netflix reboot of the classic book series is genuinely well-done, with updated storylines about divorce, diabetes, transgender identity, and racism—all handled with care. It skews slightly younger but works well for 13-year-olds who want something lighter.

What parents should know: Very mild content. Deals with some heavy topics but in an age-appropriate way. Good for family viewing.

Ages: 8+

Why it's a phenomenon: The 80s-set sci-fi horror series about kids fighting supernatural threats is legitimately great television. The friendships feel real, the stakes keep escalating, and the nostalgia works even for kids who weren't alive in the 80s.

What parents should know: This is the most intense show on this list. Genuine horror elements, some gore, monster violence, and increasingly dark themes as the series progresses. Some kids can handle it at 11, others shouldn't watch until 15. You know your kid. Seasons 1-2 are milder than 3-4.

Ages: 13+ (with caveats)

Why it's compelling: Dysfunctional superhero siblings try to prevent the apocalypse while dealing with childhood trauma. It's weird, funny, and surprisingly emotional. The family dynamics are complex and the time-travel plot is actually coherent (mostly).

What parents should know: Violence (comic book style, not realistic), some language, mature themes about abuse and addiction. The violence is the main concern—it's stylized but frequent. Better for older 13-year-olds.

Ages: 13+

Why it resonates: This adaptation of Anne of Green Gables is darker and more feminist than previous versions, tackling gender discrimination, LGBTQ+ identity, racism, and trauma. Anne herself is a wonderfully verbose, imaginative protagonist who refuses to conform.

What parents should know: Deals with serious topics including abuse, bullying, and prejudice, but in a period-drama context. Some intense moments but generally thoughtful handling. Strong female protagonist who models resilience.

Ages: 11+

Why it's fun: A girl grieving her mother's death forms a band with three ghosts from the 90s. It's a musical series that's genuinely entertaining, with catchy songs and a sweet story about processing loss through art.

What parents should know: Very mild content. Themes of grief and loss handled gently. Good for family viewing or younger 13-year-olds who want something lighter.

Ages: 9+

Why it works: Three siblings move to their ancestral home after their father's murder and discover magical keys that unlock various powers. It's part mystery, part horror, part family drama. The magical system is creative and the sibling relationships feel authentic.

What parents should know: Horror elements, some violence, and dark themes including murder and trauma. Not as intense as Stranger Things but definitely in that zone. The protagonist is a teenager, which helps with relatability.

Ages: 13+

Why it's underrated: From one of the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender, this animated fantasy series features complex characters, moral ambiguity, and a genuinely interesting world. It deals with themes of war, prejudice, and breaking cycles of violence.

What parents should know: Animated but deals with mature themes. Some battle violence and character deaths. Strong positive messages about choosing peace over revenge. The animation style takes some getting used to in season 1 but improves.

Ages: 10+

Why it's clever: Neil Patrick Harris chews scenery as the villainous Count Olaf pursuing three orphaned siblings. It's darkly funny, visually inventive, and treats its young audience as intelligent. The books were beloved for a reason, and the show captures their spirit.

What parents should know: Dark themes throughout (it's literally in the title), but handled with a wink. Parental death, peril, and schemes, but in a Roald Dahl-esque way. Good for kids who like their stories a bit twisted.

Ages: 10+

Why it fills a gap: If your kid aged out of Harry Potter but still wants magical boarding school content, this British series about a witch academy is charming and wholesome. It's lighter fare, but well-made.

What parents should know: Very mild content. Friendship drama and magical mishaps. Good for younger 13-year-olds or family viewing. Nothing objectionable.

Ages: 8+

Why it's hilarious: Five teenagers navigate Catholic school in Northern Ireland during The Troubles (1990s). It's genuinely one of the funniest shows on Netflix, with sharp writing and perfect comedic timing. The historical context adds depth without overwhelming the comedy.

What parents should know: Some language (British/Irish swearing, which somehow feels less harsh?), sexual references, and historical violence discussed but not shown graphically. The accents are thick—subtitles help. Better for older 13-year-olds.

Ages: 13+

Why it's compelling: A darker, more feminist take on Sabrina the Teenage Witch. It's campy horror with genuine stakes, featuring a protagonist who questions authority and fights for her autonomy. The production design is gorgeous.

What parents should know: This is the most mature show on this list content-wise. Horror elements, some gore, sexual content, and dark themes involving demons and violence. Definitely for older 13-year-olds only, and even then, watch together first. It's rated TV-14 but pushes that boundary.

Ages: 14+ (honestly)

For younger/sensitive 13-year-olds: The Baby-Sitters Club, Julie and the Phantoms, The Worst Witch, Avatar: The Last Airbender

For kids ready for more complexity: Heartstopper, Never Have I Ever, Anne with an E, The Dragon Prince

For kids who can handle intensity: Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy, Locke & Key

For family viewing: Gilmore Girls, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Avatar: The Last Airbender

Honestly? A lot. Netflix has canceled many of its best teen shows (The Society, I Am Not Okay With This) and hasn't replaced them with equivalent quality.

If you're looking for more options, consider branching out to alternatives to Netflix for teen content—Disney+ has some great options, and so does Apple TV+.

Thirteen-year-olds deserve content that respects their growing maturity without rushing them into adult themes they're not ready for. These 15 shows offer genuine emotional stakes, complex characters, and stories worth caring about—without the gratuitous content that makes Netflix's algorithm think "teen" means "basically adult."

Start with Heartstopper if you want something wholesome, Never Have I Ever if you want comedy with heart, or Avatar: The Last Airbender if you want to introduce them to one of the best series ever made, full stop.

And remember: the "right" show depends entirely on your specific kid. A mature 12-year-old might handle Stranger Things fine, while a sheltered 14-year-old might prefer The Baby-Sitters Club. Trust your gut and watch a few episodes together before giving them free rein.