Between work, chores, and life’s daily demands, quality time with our daughter seems to dwindle as she grows up. It’s bittersweet watching her transition from a tiny, sweet child to a teenager, and while we face our share of disagreements over outfits, snacks, and homework, we cherish the moments we can still share together.
As the day winds down and our younger child is settled in bed, our teenager joins us on the couch for our nightly Netflix ritual. This binge-watching time has become a special, judgment-free zone where we can connect, indulge in dessert, discuss our favorite shows, and even sneak in some cuddles when she allows it.
A popular topic among parents in carpool lines is “what shows do your kids watch?” I tend to stay quiet since preferences vary widely. For example, my daughter is a fan of The Amazing Race but can’t stand most reality TV. She loves clever comedies but isn’t interested in shows that focus on relationships. Thankfully, she’s outgrown those Disney and Nickelodeon tween series filled with predictable plots and exaggerated drama. I hope I’m not offending anyone with that opinion, but if you’re reading this, you probably share my sentiments.
Here’s a list of shows that resonate with all of us—our teenage daughter included:
- Doctor Who
As a dedicated sci-fi enthusiast, I adore everything by Douglas Adams and Steven Moffat. Although my daughter hasn’t fully embraced Adams’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (there’s still time!), we’ve successfully hooked her on Doctor Who. She enjoys its quirky humor, clever dialogue, and intriguing literary references, especially since her first Doctor was the charming David Tennant. Plus, there’s minimal romance, which is a win for me. - Gilmore Girls
This delightful series about a witty mother-daughter duo in a small town captivated us from the start. Since we began watching, our conversations have become more lively and entertaining, reflecting their dynamic dialogue. Currently, we’re on season two and are thoroughly enjoying the charming town where everyone—troublemakers included—has a good heart. - 30 Rock
Another fantastic show featuring a strong female lead, 30 Rock offers hilarious plots and a talented cast. It’s the perfect escape, particularly after a tense episode of Doctor Who! - How I Met Your Mother
I was surprised at how quickly our daughter embraced this show about young adults in New York City, but my partner had a hunch it would resonate with her. The sharp writing, intricate storylines, and well-developed characters drew her in, and I love sharing inside jokes about the blue French horn and the infamous pineapple. - The Big Bang Theory
This might raise some eyebrows, but we stand by our choice. While some humor revolves around adult themes, the show smartly weaves in science and geek culture, teaching that being a little awkward can be cool—an important lesson for a teenager. - Parenthood
This emotional family drama addresses significant themes such as race, autism, and parent-child relationships, making it a fantastic conversation starter. While it can get heavy, it’s relatable and often prompts us to reflect on how we’d handle similar situations. Full disclosure: I’ve even found myself asking, “What would Adam Braverman do?” during parenting dilemmas. - Modern Family
This series offers a humorous take on family life with a diverse cast of characters and relatable situations. We often watch this one before our youngest heads to bed, appreciating how it portrays same-sex couples just like any other parents.
We’ve also enjoyed The Neighbors and Better Off Ted, two clever comedies that ended too soon. As we run out of episodes, we’re eager for new recommendations. What do you and your older kids watch together?
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In summary, finding shows that engage both parents and teenagers can strengthen family bonds. From sci-fi adventures to heartfelt dramas, these shared viewing experiences can create lasting memories and foster deeper connections.