You’d rather run your nervous system through a wood chipper than listen to that balloon-headed Caillou whine another word—but it’s not like you can cuddle up with your 6-year-old for the Red Wedding. Luckily, these (mostly) all-ages programs let you enjoy TV en famille—without any psychological scarring.

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

https://youtu.be/KisuGP2lcPs

This modern adaptation of *Pride and Prejudice *intertwines several parallel series of YouTube videos with sprawling social media accounts that add to the story. Diaries isn’t just a way to introduce children to a literary classic—it’s a way to teach them (and, maybe, you) how to navigate the web.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

https://youtu.be/WAGGEw4TcFY

The ceaseless, cerebral optimism of the *Star Trek *franchise makes it perfect for children and worn-out parents alike. Is there a better role model than Jean-Luc Picard?

Freaks and Geeks

https://youtu.be/GyK8kVEhXZ0

As an old, it might be easy for you to forget that life is hard for teens. Watch *Freaks and Geeks *with them as a reminder. At least they’ll never be embarrassed as badly as Sam Weir.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

https://youtu.be/d1EnW4kn1kg

Legend of Korra

https://youtu.be/E7pZvihpgyA

These Nickelodeon series constitute one of the most accomplished animated ventures out there: an exciting, diverse world drawing on Eastern cultures, thrilling action sequences, even a high-profile lesbian couple. But their real gem is the redemptive character arc of Zuko, who provides a look at the process of human change and maturation beyond most HBO dramas.

Steven Universe

https://youtu.be/_5skBeP6CS8

This animated series teaches emotional lessons in a way that puts other all-ages shows to shame—addressing everything from gender equality to grieving, along with surprisingly mature insights like debunking the canard of “love at first sight.”

Black-ish

https://youtu.be/Fr4hDgaDxYE

Have Norman Lear–style Big Issue conversations around the dinner table, assisted by Black-ish’s thoughtful, funny approach to race, gender, and politics in America. (Better still, it’s the rare sitcom that takes its younger characters seriously.)

Switched at Birth

https://youtu.be/jnVAKWK1L2s

This family drama’s loving exploration of deaf culture is a reminder that communication between different groups of people can be hard. Added bonus: You’ll pick up some sign language.

Little Miss Sunshine

https://youtu.be/wvwVkllXT80

If you’re looking for some adult fare to challenge tweens, try this R-rated sleeper hit. Sure, it’s full of profanity and there’s an offscreen death—but there’s no violence, it champions individuality, and, hey, the family sticks together.

Planet Earth

Just because stoners gawk at the jaw-dropping scenery doesn’t mean STEM-minded preteens—or wide-eyed toddlers—can’t appreciate it.