This Post: 12 Fun Netflix Series to Watch with Your Teen
Written By: Marybeth Bock
Trying to find a show to watch with your teenager can sometimes feel like a mini negotiation. With so many options to choose from, you’d think it would be easy, but after 15 minutes of scrolling, you’re still searching for something you both agree on.
But don’t give up too easily, parents…
12 Fun Netflix Series to Watch with Your Teen
Watching a series with your teen is a great way to connect with them because it creates natural conversation starters – about friendships, relationships, peer pressure, and life decisions teens face today.
The trick is finding something that appeals to both of you – whether that’s adventure, science, humor, drama, or a good coming-of-age story.
The good news is there are plenty of series on Netflix that both you and your teen might enjoy and appreciate. We rounded up 10 fun Netflix series worth checking out. Some you may have heard of; others might be new, but hopefully a few will make it onto your next family watch list. So, grab the popcorn and settle in for a new Netflix binge.
1. XO, Kitty (TV-14)
XO, Kitty is a fun, character-driven teen series about growth, love, and finding your place in the world – with plenty of humor and heart. It’s a spin-off of the popular To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before films, and it has a TV-14 rating. It shows the ups and downs of taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from them. You’ll see a main character who’s sometimes impulsive or awkward but still tries to grow. And because it’s set in a high school environment with relatable teen situations, it offers an easy way for parents and teens to discuss topics like peer pressure, communication challenges, setting boundaries, and emotional self-awareness.
2. ONE PIECE (TV-14)
If your teen is looking for some imaginative and action-packed fantasy adventure, this is the series for you to watch with them. It’s live-action and based on the hugely popular Japanese comic books and anime of the same name. These stories of a pirate crew searching for treasure celebrate friendship and loyalty, and even though it’s an adventure show, One Piece also introduces ethical topics like justice vs. law, loyalty vs. obligation, and standing up for the underdog. The series’ themes may lead to deeper conversations with teens about right and wrong, perseverance, and self-acceptance.
3. The Dinosaurs (TV-PG)
This 4-part documentary series is narrated by Morgan Freeman and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, so you know it’s going to be good! For the science nerds among us, this series charts the story of the rise and fall of the dinosaurs – where they came from, why they mattered, how they evolved, and how they met their ultimate fate. The cutting-edge visual effects and the images developed from the latest fossil research will have you and your teens talking about this show for a long time.
4. The Night Agent (TV-MA)
This highly popular Netflix series, now with three seasons, is a fast-paced, political conspiracy thriller that will keep your teens engaged with a mix of action and suspenseful, intricate plotting. With its TV-MA rating, it’s best for teens over the age of 15, due to some scenes with gun violence. It does have relatable themes, though, and touches on topics like trust, loyalty, and the consequences of actions, which can spark some good discussions.
5. The A List (TV-PG)
This two-season series follows a group of teenagers at a Scottish summer camp, blending mystery, romance, and some supernatural elements. It’s often described as a “less intense” alternative to other teen dramas, and it moves past the simple “mean girl” stereotypes. The show touches on friendship, social dynamics, and personal growth, making it relevant to teenagers. This one will keep you and your teen engaged with a “twisted” plot, making it an entertaining, suspenseful, and sometimes creepy watch.
6. All the Sharks (TV-PG)
A perfect binge-watch show for animal lovers! The series follows teams of experts on a quest to find and photograph sharks, turning oceanography into a thrilling, fast-paced scavenger hunt that appeals to a competitive, modern audience. Instead of fearmongering, the show fosters a “save the ocean” mentality, teaching that sharks are vital to our global ecosystem. The high-quality and visually dazzling underwater cinematography captures the beauty of marine life, making it a truly immersive experience that your whole family will enjoy.
7. My Life with the Walter Boys (TV-14)
This teen drama series follows Jackie, a high school student from New York whose life is shattered because of a tragic car accident. She’s sent to live with her late mother’s friend, on a family ranch in Colorado with twelve lively kids – mostly boys, and a love-triangle ensues. It focuses on themes of grief, resiliency, and teenage romance, making it a good choice for the conversations that you can start while watching with your teens.
8. RIV4LRIES (TV-PG)
An Italian series (set in Pisa) follows a group of middle school students who decide to challenge the popular kids at their school. This one is a good choice for younger teens and highlights issues like teen crushes, dealing with bullies, finding your identity, and the social hierarchy drama of middle school life. It can be watched in dubbed English or with subtitles if your teen is interested in learning some Italian!
9. Formula One: Drive to Survive (TV-MA)
Now in its eighth season, this is a popular docuseries about the FIA Formula One World Championship. Be aware that there is swearing in this series, so you might want to discuss that before watching with a younger teenager. Both the intense race footage and interpersonal drama will appeal to most teens, and watching together with them can also lead to lessons about perseverance, high-stakes engineering, and team dynamics.
10. Blood and Water (TV-MA)
Generally considered more appropriate for older teens (16+) due to the “edgy” nature of the teen drama, this four-season series set in Cape Town, South Africa, unfolds at an exciting pace. The plot revolves around a teen investigating her sister’s abduction at a wealthy boarding school, featuring complex relationships and a lot of mystery. It’s got a soap opera vibe to it and is definitely a show you could binge and discuss with an older teen.
11. Outer Banks (TV-MA)
A fast-paced treasure-hunt adventure about a group of teens chasing a legendary fortune. It’s packed with action, friendship, and cliff-hangers that make it easy to binge together.
12. Geek Girl (TV-PG)
Geek Girl is a 2024 British teen comedy-drama television series streaming on Netflix. Adapted from Geek Girl, it follows socially awkward teenager Harriet Manners, whose life changes after being unexpectedly scouted by a top London modeling agent. The show blends humor, fashion, and coming-of-age themes while exploring neurodiversity and self-acceptance.
Happy viewing!
Marybeth Bock, MPH, is a Mom to two young adults and one delightful hound dog. She has logged time as a military spouse, childbirth educator, college instructor, and freelance writer. She lives in Arizona and thoroughly enjoys research and writing, as long as iced coffee is involved. Her work can be found on numerous websites and in two books. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.