Christmas is almost here, which means many of us are getting a much needed break from work and our everyday routines. Whether you plan on spending the holidays at home or on a winter getaway, you’ll need some entertainment during your down time. And since the kids will undoubtedly be around, screen time must be appropriate for all ages. Don’t worry, it’s still totally possible to enjoy a show with your kids without being driven insane by silly plot lines and obnoxious theme songs. Here are four shows both kids and adults will enjoy watching.
Fuller House (Netflix)
Parents, you’ll love the nostalgia factor of re-visiting the Tanners from “Full House,” while your kids will be entertained by the antics the family encounters. Follow a grown-up DJ Tanner as she balances single motherhood and a career while living with her younger sister, Stephanie, and always zany best friend, Kimmie. Sure, some moments are cheesy and contrived, but overall, the show will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside. The second half of the third season of “Fuller House” begins streaming on Dec. 22, so it’s the perfect time for everyone to catch up.
Best for: All ages, but there are occasional adult themes discussed.
Chopped (Netflix and Amazon)
Spark your child’s culinary side with this popular Food Network competition show. The premise is simple: four chefs must create an appetizer, entree and dessert that has to include four provided ingredients per round. The catch is that the ingredients can range from being totally random to completely disgusting. Part of the fun in watching is guessing which chef will be eliminated next, creating a lot of discussion points for parents and kids.
Best for: Kids of any age that have an interest in cooking.
Just Add Magic (Amazon)
I have a confession. I think I enjoy this preteen supernatural series more than my daughter does. But it’s easy to get sucked into the storyline: three best friends discover a mysterious old book that ends up containing magic recipes. The girls soon notice that the recipes hold more power than they realized. Along the way, they uncover secrets about where the book originated from and how to use it to their advantage, while also learning lessons about family and friendship. You, too, will find yourself resisting the urge to watch the next episode after the kids have gone to bed.
Best for: Older school-aged kids and preteens (and moms, too!).
Planet Earth (Netflix)
The nature docuseries explores the profound beauty of our planet, with episodes covering everything from volcanoes to jungles to creatures of the deep ocean. Parents can engage older kids in discussions about some of the show’s more serious themes, like climate change, while younger children will enjoy learning about members of the animal kingdom.
Best for: All ages, but there are some darker/scarier moments throughout the show.
