The tween years — roughly ages 9 to 12 — are in “in between” time. Your kids aren’t quite teens, but they definitely aren’t little kids anymore. In terms of media entertainment, tweens are not old enough for content with excessive violence, horror or sex. But they will cringe if you suggest anything they consider childish.
That’s why it can be challenging to find TV shows for tweens that they will actually watch, but which are age-appropriate. No fear — we’ve curated a balanced list for you of the best TV show for tweens that are both parent and kid-approved.
Ready for more? Here are the 12 best shows for teens, streaming now.
The best TV shows for tweens
1. ‘The Baby-Sitter’s Club’
Based on the hugely popular book series from the 1980s and ‘90s, this 2020 live-action show revolves around a group of girls running a babysitting service in suburban Connecticut. Though the setting is updated to the 21st century, the show is faithful to the spirit of the original books that many of us parents know and love. Besides the ins and outs of running a babysitting business, serious issues are explored, like one character’s diabetes or another character’s struggles growing up with a single mom.
Rating: TV-G
Watch: “The Baby-Sitters Club” on Netflix
2. ‘Hilda’
“Hilda” is an animated series based on a series of graphic novels by Luke Pearson. The show is about the adventures of a tween girl named Hilda who moves to the city of Trolberg when her home is mysteriously destroyed. Hilda goes on to interact with elves, trolls, giants and other supernatural creatures drawn from Nordic folklore. The show has an odd but charming tone that many tweens adore.
Rating: TV-Y7
Watch: “Hilda” on Netflix
3. ‘Phineas and Ferb’
This animated musical comedy series follows the wacky adventures of its title characters, a pair of brothers who are determined to make the most of their summer. In each episode, the brothers unveil a new fantastic invention (roller coaster, spaceship, time machine, etc.). Their sister Candace is determined to “bust” them for breaking the rules — meanwhile, the family’s pet platypus is busy battling local villain Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz. Most episodes feature a super catchy and fun original song.
Rating: TV-G
Watch: “Phineas and Ferb” on Disney+
4. ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’
Based on the bestselling book series by Rick Riordan, this live-action show is about a modern-day boy who discovers that Greek mythology is real, and (spoiler) he himself is the son of an Olympian god. Like the ancient demigods of myth and legend, Percy ends up on a hero journey that involves fighting monsters and even contending with gods.
Rating: TV-PG
Watch: “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” on Disney+
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5. ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’
This darkly funny live-action show is based on the bestselling book series by Lemony Snicket. Over the course of its thirteen episodes, a trio of orphans escape various dangers. Their obstacle is the villainous Count Olaf. Though the stories tend to be gloomy and a bit sinister, they are also funny, endearing and show the love and resilience of the siblings.
Rating: TV-PG
Watch: “A Series of Unfortunate Events” on Netflix
6. ‘SciGirls’
“SciGirls” is a mix of live action and animation, and is focused on middle-school aged girls doing STEM-related activities. Each episode features a different group of real-life girls engaged in illuminating projects that include researching dolphin behavior, developing light-up costumes for a dance show and engineering a better ice cream machine.
Rating: TV-G
Watch: “SciGirls” on PBS
7. ‘Gravity Falls’
In this Disney animated series, twins Dipper and Mabel Pines are spending the summer in the fictional town of Gravity Falls with their great-uncle (or “Grunkle”) Stan. As they delve into the mysteries of the strange town, they encounter gnomes, a lake monster, a haunted convenience store — and then things start getting weird. This show is as clever and well-plotted as it is wacky and hilarious.
Rating: TV-Y7
Watch: “Gravity Falls” on Disney+
8. ‘Brainchild’
“Brainchild” is a live-action educational series on Netflix that explores the scientific basis behind fun topics like dreams, superheroes and outer space. This show was developed by the same producers who created National Geographic’s “Brain Games,” but aimed at a younger audience. This lasted only one season but is a must-see for kids who are interested in science.
Rating: TV-G
Watch: “Brainchild” on Netflix
9. ‘Steven Universe’
In this high-concept animated series, a small group of otherworldly Gems (women with god-like powers) are living on earth and raising a boy named Steven who is half-gem and half-human. Over the course of the five-season saga, Steven learns about his identity and his own special powers — and saves the world a couple of times too. The series is unique with a positive and relaxed vibe, and has been praised for its LGBTQ+ representation.
Rating: TV-PG
Watch: “Steven Universe” on Hulu
10. ‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’
Yes, this is a reboot of the old “He-Man” spin-off from the 80s, but make no mistake: This newer animated series is totally 21st century. As in the original series, Adora is working for Hordak’s Evil Horde, until she discovers her true destiny and becomes She-Ra. But there is plenty of new backstory and new lore. The show also explores what happens to Adora’s friendship with Catra when they find themselves on opposite sides of the battle for Etheria.
Rating: TV-Y7
Watch: “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” on Netflix
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11. ‘The Owl House’
“The Owl House” is an animated fantasy series in which teen Luz Noceda is accidentally whisked to the Demon Realm, where she pursues her lifelong dream to become a witch. Living with mentor and guardian Edalyn Clawthorne, Luz makes new friends, fights various monsters and eventually discovers a secret that threatens the stability of the entire Realm. One of the most charming elements of this show is the characters’ little pet/friend, a young demon named King.
Rating: TV-Y7-FV (fantasy violence)
Watch: “The Owl House” on Disney+
12. ‘Diary of a Future President’
This live-action series follows the story of Elena Cañero-Reed, a Cuban-American girl with big dreams. Elena’s diary entries, centering on her life as a kid in middle school, are interspersed with flashes of the future Elena serving as President of the United States. The show also deals with real-life coming-of-age stuff like menstruation, bra shopping and sexual orientation.
Rating: TV-PG
Watch: “Diary of a Future President” on Disney+
