Skip to main content

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

6 amazing shows on Netflix you need to watch with your teen

When kids hit the teen years, it gets harder to connect with them. As teens begin to withdraw into their smartphones and video game chats, it is more important than ever for parents to make it a point to engage. Middle and high school is a difficult time for tweens and teens as they try to fit in with their peers and face academic pressures, all while navigating the awkwardness of adolescence.

Watching TV shows is a great way to spend time with teens and explore some of those difficult subjects through comedies and dramas focused on their age group. There are plenty of Netflix shows for teens that have plotlines dealing with relevant issues like relationship anxiety, friendship problems, college application stresses, and more. Here are six Netflix shows for teens and parents to enjoy together.

Related Videos
Parents watching TV with teen daughter

Dash and Lily

Based on the book by the same name, this eight-episode series is directed by Fred Savage of The Wonder Years and features a diverse cast of eccentric characters set against the backdrop of NYC at Christmastime. Misunderstood loner Lily sets out to experience her first romance by leaving a journal in the famous Strand Bookstore. Dash finds it on a shelf, writes back and the romance begins. You and your teen will laugh, cry, and hope Netflix makes a series of The Twelve Days of Dash and Lily.

Everything Sucks

Don’t let the name scare you off. This fun series set in Boring, Oregon (yes that is the name of the high school and town), focuses on two outcast groups, the drama and the AV clubs, and how the members navigate the nuances of teenage life in the ’90s. It’s a window into the uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing life of a teenager and the ups and downs of trying to fit in.

Anne with an E

Based on the beloved book series Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne with an E is a somewhat darker version of the ’80s miniseries that was a fan favorite. Anne, played by AmyBeth McNulty, is a 13-year-old orphan mistakenly sent to live with a bachelor and a spinster in the 1890s on Prince Edward Island in Canada. Despite her abusive childhood in orphanages and foster homes, Anne’s enthusiasm, intelligence, and creativity inspire everyone she touches. There are three seasons of Anne with an E on Netflix.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

This definitely isn’t a reboot of the ’90s Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Get ready for black magic, witches covens, demons, extreme mean girls, sweet teenage romance, laughs, and creepiness as half-mortal, half-witch Sabrina Spellman turns 16 and must decide whether she wants to succumb to her dark baptism and give up what she knows and loves or try to walk a fine line between the two worlds. The show just began streaming its final season on Netflix, so you and your teen have four to watch.

Julie and the Phantoms

Can a high school student sing in a band with the ghosts of three former boy-band members? Tune into this fun and a little sad comedy/drama and find out. Madison Reyes is Julie who loses her love for music and performing after the death of her mom. That’s when the ghosts show up and the plotline gets interesting.

Gilmore Girls

This ’00s series has a strong fan base. It ran for seven seasons on the CW Network and has lived in reruns ever since. Netflix has all 153 episodes along with a Netflix miniseries Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Set in Stars Hollow, Connecticut, the show features an array of eclectic and eccentric characters as it focuses on the lives of single mom Lorelai and her daughter, Rory. It’s a multigenerational show exploring the wonderful and complicated relationships of mothers and daughters.

Between the eye rolls and the angst, connecting with teens often feels like climbing a mountain. Bonding over a TV show is a way to carve out quality time with teens. Dramas and comedies dealing with some of the same issues teens face can also be a springboard for those difficult and important conversations or just something to enjoy together.

Editors' Recommendations

What are the benefits of sports in child development? We break it down
Sports for 3-year-olds are a must for your child's development
preschool girl having fun playing soccer

Seeing tiny humans play sports is one of the most adorable things ever. Watching your little child run the wrong way in baseball or score for the wrong team in basketball is all part of the process, and it's also extremely good for their individual development. If you can't wait to see your precious peanut in a tiny uniform, you don't have to wait too long. Three is an ideal age to introduce your preschooler to sports.

Preschooler sports aren't about competition, winning, or losing. Three year olds who participate in sports gain a lot of benefits. Let's go over the benefits of sports in child development for your little tyke.

Read more
What you should (and shouldn’t) bring to a playdate
Two little girls playing at a playground

You’ve finally arranged a playgroup with friends for your toddler. It's on the calendar and ready to go! You have gone over best behaviors with your kiddo so things go as smoothly as it can go with toddlers. Now it’s time to figure out what items you’ll need. Whether you’re headed to a playground or the pool, we’ve got a list of essential stuff you won’t want to leave behind, and some you should.

What you should bring
When it comes to the must-haves, here are a couple of items you’ll definitely need, regardless of location.
Water bottles
Staying hydrated is crucial, and you should always opt to bring water. While some places might have access to water - like restaurants or parks - it’s never a bad idea to bring your own. Park water fountains, for instance, can have plenty of bacteria, and they’re not always cold on those scorching summer days.

Read more
What you need to know to choose the best eczema sunscreen for your baby
If your baby has skin issues, we'll help you find the best eczema sunscreen
Baby with sunscreen on their cheeks

Is there anything more adorable than seeing those little baby rolls out, free, and enjoying the fresh air? Not really. But if your tiny tot has eczema, the right sunscreen for their skin type is crucial in keeping those rolls burn-free while keeping itching and irritation to a minimum.

You will want to find a sunscreen that boasts broad-spectrum protection with a sun protection factor (SPF) in the range of 30 to 50. Those with eczema are even more vulnerable in the sun, so it's doubly important to make sure your little cutie pie is safely slathered. We'll help you find an eczema sunscreen that's best for your baby's skin.

Read more