Top 10 Netflix Original Shows for Kids
Carolina
Argentinian Carolina has an extensive movie background in the cinematic universe. She is our resident TV analyst and a seasoned expert in global streaming platforms. She showcases her comprehensive knowledge through her love for Netflix 'Originals', Frozen, The Good Place, and The Dragon Prince.
If you have a kid, you probably know how hard it is to find good content on TV that’s suitable for children.
Besides animated series that populate air and cable networks, and streaming services, there are several live-action shows aimed for the youngest in the family.
Although this type of series has been a tradition in Disney and Nickelodeon catalogues, Netflix has joined the club offering great options for kids that can be enjoyed by adults as well.
Here, I’ve made a selection of 10 of the best shows that are worth checking out for your kids, or why not enjoy them by yourself?
Don’t worry if you can’t find these in your Netflix catalogue, at the bottom of the article I’ll let you know how to unlock other region’s content, but more on that later.
1. The Worst Witch
Based on the children’s book series written and illustrated by British artist Jill Murphy, comes this renewed fifth adaptation.
The series is an international co-production between CBBC, ZDF and Netflix.
CBBC aired it first in the UK, and ZDF did the same in Germany. Netflix holds the rights to international distribution, and it’s available on the streaming platform since July 2017.
Established in the boarding school and fantasy genres, the story follows Mildred Hubble (Bella Ramsey from Game of Thrones), who attends Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches, a school of magic. As a young witch, Mildred is clumsy, and she always sees herself involved in disastrous situations. Hence, she’s considered the worst student in the academy.
Each season mostly adapts one book, and in the same fashion as Harry Potter, each book covers one term year at the school.
2. A Series of Unfortunate Events
Another series based on a children’s book saga. A Series of Unfortunate Events are originally 13 books written by author Daniel Handler under the pen name Lemony Snicket.
Netflix co-produced this adaptation with Paramount Pictures. Daniel Handler is the writer and producer. Neil Patrick Harris heads the cast as Count Olaf.
The three seasons which are available on Netflix worldwide, adapt all 13 books.
When the Baudelaire children lose their parents in a mysterious fire, they’re put under the custody of an abusive distant relative: Count Olaf. He would try to get the children’s family fortune at all cost.
The children will unveil a mystery surrounding their parents, and they will be placed under the custody of different guardians.
3. Anne with an E
Based on the classic novel from 1908, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy M. Montgomery, this series is a Canadian production which is aired on CBC Television in Canada, and Netflix streams it in the rest of the world
Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to a couple of middle-aged siblings instead of a boy to help them on their farm in the fictional town of Avonlea.
In the beginning, they want to send her back to the orphanage, but Anne’s enthusiastic character ends up winning over the siblings and the whole town.
4. The InBESTigators
Filmed as a mockumentary comedy-drama, The Inbestigators is an Australian production originally aired on ABC Me and on Netflix outside Australia and New Zealand.
The series follows Ezra, Maudie, Ava, and Kyle, four kids who start a detective agency, and they vlog their adventures around the neighbourhood.
With one season and a total of 20 episodes of 15 minutes, each, The Inbestigators is a great option for kids who love adventure and comedy.
5. Free Rein
A British television drama produced in the UK by Lime Pictures and distributed worldwide by Netflix since June 2017, Free Rein is about Zoe, a girl from Los Angeles who befriends a horse while she’s spending her summer vacations in England.
The bond she shares with Raven, the horse, will help her to cope with certain issues in her life and make her meet new people and friends.
One of the highlights of this series is the great role model Zoe is for kids, being a confident and independent teen.
There are so far three seasons available and some special episodes.
6. No Good Nick
An American sitcom created by David H. Steinberg and Keetgi Kogan for Netflix. The series is starred by Siena Agudong, Lauren Lindsey Donzis, Kalama Epstein, Melissa Joan Hart and Sean Astin.
It was released in two parts during 2019. The first part premiered on April 15, 2019, and the second part on August 5, 2019. There are a total of 20 episodes.
The story is about Nick, a 13-year-old girl who appears at the Thompson family’s door claiming to be an orphan and that they’re her closest relatives alive.
Nick has a hidden agenda, and while she gets to know more of the family, the more she struggles to keep to her plan.
7. The New Legends of Monkey
Inspired by the Japanese series Monkey from the 1970s and 1980s which is based on the Chinese novel from the 16th century, A Journey to the West, The New Legends of Monkey is a fresh retake on this old story.
A joint production between ABC Me, TVNZ, and Netflix, the first season premiered on Netflix on 28 April 2018, with a second season in the works right now.
The story follows a young monk and his escorting group of gods in a journey full of adventure through a land inhabited by demons. Their mission is to reunite lost ancient scrolls of wisdom.
8. Reboot: The Guardian Code
Reboot: The Guardian Code is a live-action remake of the original computer-animated Canadian series Reboot from the 1990s.
This new version is a mix between live-action and CGI, and the first season comprising ten episodes was released on Netflix worldwide except in Canada on March 30, 2018, and later it was aired on YTV. A second season was premiered on September 2018 only on Netflix.
The series follows the adventures of four gamer teenagers members of an online community, who meet in person on their first day at Alan Turing High School.
Later, they find out that the meeting was arranged by Vera, an artificial intelligence who recruited them to protect cyberspace physically.
9. Alexa and Katie
An American sitcom created as a Netflix Original with Matthew Carlson as showrunner. Carlson is known by two successful series: Malcolm in the Middle and The Wonder Years.
Alexa and Katie have been best friends for their whole life. They’re eagerly awaiting to start their fresh year in high school when Alexa is diagnosed with cancer and starts undergoing treatment for the illness.
The two friends try to endure all the odds that highschool throws at them at the same time they remain together dealing with Alexa’s illness.
10. Prince of Peoria
An American web comedy series produced exclusively for Netflix, it was premiered on November 16, 2018, on the streaming platform.
For now, there is only one season split into two parts with eight episodes each.
The series follows the story of Emil, a 13-year-old prince from a wealthy island kingdom who travels to America as incognito as an exchange student. There, he meets Teddy, a bookworm boy who is opposite to him.
How to unlock these in my region?
You may have noticed some of these titles aren’t available in your region.
This is because Netflix varies its content by country. However, by traveling to another country, you can use your regular account to gain access to that countries movies and TV show catalogue.
By using a VPN app you can virtually travel to another country unlocking all their content.
We recommend using ExpressVPN. Sign up for their service, download their app and then connect to another country like the USA, Canada, UK, Japan or elsewhere.
Then enjoy streaming all the titles above and more. They’ve got a 30-day money back guarantee too so you can test it risk-free.
A few other good VPN app options include Surfshark VPN and CyberGhost VPN, so you’re free to pick the one you like best.
Conclusion
Netflix has emerged as a strong competitor in the field of live-action series aimed for kids and teens. A genre mostly explored by Disney and Nickelodeon.
Among their Netflix Original series, these ten shows cover a wide range of genres, from comedy, drama, sci-fi, adventure, and romance.
These series are the perfect option to share with the family since they can be enjoyed equally by both adults and children.
So, next time you want to spend some quality time with your kids, or you’re in the mood for something harmless and innocent, don’t doubt to keep this list in mind, you’ll while away many hours!
