5 TV Shows to Watch with Your Teens

By Sophie Lim

As your teens become more peer-oriented than parent-oriented, you may find opportunities to spend time with them are fleeting. That’s why picking a show that you can sit down and watch together is a great way to get in some quality time without the pressure of those one-on-one conversations. This doesn’t mean you can’t talk, of course! Picking a topic you see on screen is a great way to segway into some eye-opening conversations. Looking for some suggestions? We’ve got 5 TV shows that you and your teen will love. 

Never Have I Ever(Netflix)- RomCom

 

If you and your teens are fans of teen romantic comedies, “Never Have I Ever” can fulfill your taste. It is a story of a first-generation Indian-American teen girl, Devi, who’s dealing with the recent loss of her father and tries to look cool at school. Co-creator Mindy Kaling’s childhood inspired Devi’s character(Maitreyi Ramakrishnan). The episodes focus on how Devi navigates her issues about identity, friendship, school and romance entering her sophomore year. It would be better to watch with mature teens who can handle a little bit of sex talk as the show includes some.

 

Stranger things(Netflix)- SF

 

“Stranger Things” is a sci-fi drama that happens in ‘80s Indiana. If you are craving 80s nostalgia, the show will take you back to the 80s. The story is about a group of pre-teen friends who find an upside-down world, supernatural creatures and a secret government agency while trying to find one of their dear friends. It is interesting to see its authentic multi-genre style combined with grown-up, thriller, horror, and adventure tale genres. Better suited if you and your teen like scary and gory vibes a la Stephen King. 

 

His Dark Materials(Apple TV, Crave)- Fantasy

 

HBO created an adaptation of a 20th popular fantasy trilogy, “His Dark Materials.” It is a fantasy story that follows the life of Lyra, an orphan in a parallel universe world, and is based on the imagination of a parallel world where all humans’ souls manifest as animal companions called daemons. Searching for a kidnapped friend, Lyra(Dafne Keen) discovers an alternative universe beyond the Northern lights and a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. Though some critics argue some significant pieces of the book plot are missing, it will offer outstanding visual elements and magical stories for fantasy lovers.

 

Kim’s Convenience(Netflix, Amazon prime)- Comedy

 

Sometimes you just want to have a good laugh with your teens, not stressing about complicated storylines or too much emotion. Kim’s Convenience, the funny, heartfelt story of a Korean-Canadian family and their downtown convenience store, can be one of the best TV shows to watch with your teens. It focuses on developing each family member’s story of doing their best in their situation and role. A good sense of humour encompasses the whole series, and the show can help you and your teens understand each family member’s perspective.

 

Bel-Air(Amazon prime)- Drama

 

If you remember young Will Smith from the ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” a recreated drama, BEL-AIR will be a good choice for you and your teens. Respecting the original material, BEL-AIR dives deeper into dramatic settings with a one-hour analog. The story starts with Will’s aggressive behaviour with a gun, leading him to stay with his aunt. It takes on Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to live with his relatives in one of LA’s wealthiest suburbs. It will suit teen boys who are interested in basketball and street cultures.

 

Watching these shows together will keep you and your teens connected during your busy lives. Setting up a weekly date to sit down together and watch your favourite show will have you both looking forward to time spent together. Don’t forget the snacks!