Classic TV Shows
Get Nostalgic With Your Kids While Watching Your Favorite Classic Shows
Crazy to think that all your favorite shows as a kid and young adult are now looked at as classics! Our friends at Common Sense Media have narrowed down the 16 best classics to watch with your kids. Sit back, relax, and reminisce.
It's hard to believe, but the shows you used to race home to watch (way before On Demand, let alone streaming) are now considered classics. Nostalgic faves will always include old-school programs such as The Andy Griffith Show (which remains awesome, by the way), but now you can add '90s gems such as Doug, The X-Files, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to the list of TV greats. Of course, the advent of Amazon Video, Hulu, Netflix, and even YouTube makes it so much easier to share your favorites with your kids.
Remember, even though these shows are old to you, they're new to kids. Take the time to talk about the differences in TV now and then — not only the content but the shows' production and pacing. There may be some cringeworthy moments (and outfits!), but it's worth taking the trip back in time. Check out our recommendations for wonderful, shareable, and easy-to-find classics.
(Streaming availability is subject to change, so if you don't find the show in the listed location, search around, and you might find it elsewhere.)
The Muppet Show, age 4 and older
Inspector Gadget, age 5 and older
Doug, age 6 and older
I Love Lucy, age 6 and older
Animaniacs, age 7 and older
Clarissa Explains It All, age 8 and older
Jem and the Holograms, age 8 and older
Star Trek: The Next Generation, age 8 and older
The Twilight Zone, age 10 and older
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, age 11 and older
MacGyver, age 11 and older
Quantum Leap, age 12 and older
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, age 13 and older
Degrassi Junior High, age 13 and older; Degrassi: The Next Generation, age 14 and older
The X-Files, age 13 and older
Seinfeld, age 14 and older
