Family Series You Are Sleeping On (but Shouldn’t)

Looking for family-friendly viewing that actually has depth and a strong sense of place? This list spotlights series—live-action and animated—that revolve around families, found families, and the challenges they navigate together. You’ll find concise details on premise, key creatives, notable cast, and how many seasons each show ran, so you can quickly decide what fits your crew.

‘Everwood’ (2002–2006)

Created by Greg Berlanti, ‘Everwood’ follows a widowed neurosurgeon who relocates his children to a Colorado mountain town after a personal tragedy. It stars Treat Williams, Gregory Smith, Emily VanCamp, and Chris Pratt. The show ran for 4 seasons and is known for storylines about grief, small-town dynamics, and adolescence.

‘The Fosters’ (2013–2018)

‘The Fosters’ centers on a multiethnic household led by two moms raising biological, adopted, and foster children. Developed by Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg, it features Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, and Maia Mitchell. The series spans 5 seasons and explores social work, the foster system, and teen life.

‘Heartland’ (2007– )

Based on Lauren Brooke’s novels, ‘Heartland’ follows a Canadian family running a horse ranch and a therapy program for troubled animals. Amber Marshall and Graham Wardle lead the ensemble. With many seasons, the show emphasizes rural family business challenges, veterinary issues, and intergenerational ties.

‘Bluey’ (2018– )

‘Bluey’ is an animated series about a Blue Heeler pup whose imaginative play turns everyday moments into big adventures. Created by Joe Brumm, it features short episodes designed for co-viewing by kids and adults. The series offers parent-child dynamics, social-emotional learning, and playful problem-solving across multiple seasons.

‘Anne with an E’ (2017–2019)

‘Anne with an E’ adapts Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel into a character-driven coming-of-age drama set in rural Prince Edward Island. Developed by Moira Walley-Beckett, it stars Amybeth McNulty and Geraldine James. The show ran for 3 seasons and addresses identity, community, and education.

‘One Day at a Time’ (2017–2020)

This reimagining of Norman Lear’s sitcom follows a Cuban-American family led by a military veteran mom and her outspoken mother. Developed by Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce, it stars Justina Machado and Rita Moreno. Across 4 seasons, the series explores mental health, cultural heritage, and multigenerational living.

‘The Middle’ (2009–2018)

‘The Middle’ tracks the Heck family, a working-class household in the American Midwest balancing school, work, and community. Created by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline, it stars Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, and Eden Sher. The comedy ran 9 seasons, offering slice-of-life stories about budgets, school events, and parenting logistics.

‘Speechless’ (2016–2019)

‘Speechless’ centers on the DiMeo family and their eldest son, who has cerebral palsy and communicates with a letter board. Created by Scott Silveri, it stars Minnie Driver and Micah Fowler. The series spans 3 seasons and covers accessibility, inclusive education, and family advocacy.

‘Good Witch’ (2015–2021)

Set in the town of Middleton, ‘Good Witch’ follows Cassie Nightingale, her daughter, and their neighbors as gentle mysteries and community events unfold. Starring Catherine Bell and James Denton, the series grew from a string of TV movies. It lasted 7 seasons and blends family, light fantasy, and small-town civic life.

‘Just Add Magic’ (2015–2019)

In ‘Just Add Magic’, three friends discover a mysterious cookbook whose recipes cause magical side effects. Based on Cindy Callaghan’s novel, it stars Olivia Sanabia, Abby Donnelly, and Aubrey K. Miller. The show runs 3 seasons plus a follow-up series, focusing on friendship, ethics of power, and family recipes.

‘Hilda’ (2018– )

‘Hilda’ adapts Luke Pearson’s graphic novels into an animated fantasy about a curious girl exploring a city bordering wilderness full of trolls and spirits. Bella Ramsey voices the title role. Across multiple seasons and specials, the series emphasizes urban–nature coexistence, folklore, and community.

‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020–2021)

‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ modernizes Ann M. Martin’s books about entrepreneurial middle-schoolers running a babysitting business. The ensemble includes Sophie Grace, Momona Tamada, and Shay Rudolph. It spans 2 seasons, highlighting small-business problem-solving, friendship, and family responsibilities.

‘Raising Dion’ (2019–2022)

‘Raising Dion’ follows a widowed mother whose young son begins exhibiting superhuman abilities. Based on Dennis Liu’s comic, it stars Alisha Wainwright and Ja’Siah Young, with Michael B. Jordan in a supporting role. The show ran 2 seasons and examines secrecy, science, and parenting a gifted child.

‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ (2017–2019)

This adaptation of Daniel Handler’s novels chronicles the Baudelaire orphans as they outwit Count Olaf while uncovering a secret organization. Neil Patrick Harris, Malina Weissman, and Louis Hynes lead the cast. It tells the complete book saga across 3 seasons with a stylized approach to mystery and guardianship.

‘Andi Mack’ (2017–2019)

‘Andi Mack’ focuses on a tween who learns a life-changing family secret and navigates school, friendships, and identity. Created by Terri Minsky, it stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Joshua Rush, and Sofia Wylie. The series spans 3 seasons and addresses family history, mentorship, and peer relationships.

‘Switched at Birth’ (2011–2017)

‘Switched at Birth’ follows two teenagers who discover they were swapped and must bridge two households with different cultures and resources. Created by Lizzy Weiss, it stars Vanessa Marano, Katie Leclerc, and Constance Marie. Over 5 seasons, it incorporates American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and cross-family dynamics.

‘The Durrells in Corfu’ (2016–2019)

Based on Gerald Durrell’s memoirs, ‘The Durrells in Corfu’ follows a British family relocating to a Greek island to rebuild their lives. The ensemble includes Keeley Hawes, Josh O’Connor, and Callum Woodhouse. It ran 4 seasons and explores expatriate life, natural history, and sibling independence.

‘Doc Martin’ (2004–2022)

‘Doc Martin’ centers on a brilliant but blunt GP who sets up practice in a Cornish fishing village, forming bonds with locals and starting a family. Martin Clunes leads the cast, with Caroline Catz as a key co-star. The show spans 10 seasons plus specials and features rural medicine, school settings, and community councils.

‘Little House on the Prairie’ (1974–1983)

‘Little House on the Prairie’ dramatizes life for the Ingalls family on the American frontier, adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books. Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert star. Across 9 seasons and additional movies, it depicts homesteading, schooling, and town governance.

‘Alexa & Katie’ (2018–2020)

‘Alexa & Katie’ follows two best friends starting high school while one undergoes cancer treatment. Paris Berelc and Isabel May headline the cast. The multi-season story covers hospital routines, academics, and family support systems.

‘Life in Pieces’ (2015–2019)

Told in interconnected vignettes, ‘Life in Pieces’ chronicles one extended family through short stories each episode. Created by Justin Adler, it features Colin Hanks, Betsy Brandt, and James Brolin. The series runs 4 seasons and examines parenting, aging, and milestones across generations.

‘Kim’s Convenience’ (2016–2021)

‘Kim’s Convenience’ portrays a Korean-Canadian family running a neighborhood shop and balancing tradition with modern life. Created by Ins Choi and Kevin White, it stars Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Simu Liu, and Andrea Bang. Over 5 seasons, it explores small-business operations, college decisions, and community relations.

‘Offspring’ (2010–2017)

‘Offspring’ is an Australian dramedy about obstetrician Nina Proudman and her close-knit family navigating careers and relationships. Created by Debra Oswald, it stars Asher Keddie, Kat Stewart, and Richard Davies. Spanning 7 seasons, the series blends hospital cases with family gatherings and inner-monologue humor.

‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’ (2008–2013)

‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’ follows high-schoolers dealing with an unexpected pregnancy and the ripple effects on two households. Created by Brenda Hampton, it stars Shailene Woodley, Ken Baumann, and Megan Park. The show runs 5 seasons and addresses health classes, counseling, and co-parenting.

‘Ever After High’ (2013–2016)

‘Ever After High’ is an animated series set at a boarding school for the children of fairy-tale characters, where students choose destinies or forge new paths. Based on a Mattel franchise, it features an ensemble of princesses, rebels, and teachers. The series includes multiple seasons and specials focused on classes, clubs, and magical rules.

‘Parenthood’ (2010–2015)

‘Parenthood’ follows the Braverman clan across multiple generations as they juggle careers, health challenges, and school milestones. Developed by Jason Katims, it features Lauren Graham, Peter Krause, Dax Shepard, and Mae Whitman. The drama ran for 6 seasons and uses a mosaic of intersecting storylines about parenting, siblings, and extended family.

‘Queen Sugar’ (2016–2022)

Set in rural Louisiana, ‘Queen Sugar’ traces the Bordelon siblings as they revive their late father’s sugarcane farm while navigating legal, financial, and community pressures. Created by Ava DuVernay with Oprah Winfrey as an executive producer, it stars Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Kofi Siriboe. The series spans 7 seasons and places a strong focus on land stewardship, small-business operations, and civic engagement.

‘Atypical’ (2017–2021)

‘Atypical’ centers on a teen on the autism spectrum pursuing independence, while his parents and sister adjust to shifting roles at home and school. Created by Robia Rashid, it stars Keir Gilchrist, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brigette Lundy-Paine, and Michael Rapaport. Across 4 seasons, it covers accommodations, college readiness, and family counseling.

‘Life with Derek’ (2005–2009)

‘Life with Derek’ follows a newly blended Canadian household where step-siblings clash over chores, rules, and personal space. Starring Michael Seater and Ashley Leggat, the sitcom uses school events and everyday mishaps to drive plots. It ran for multiple seasons and highlights negotiation, sibling rivalry, and co-parenting logistics.

‘The Thundermans’ (2013–2018)

‘The Thundermans’ features a suburban family with secret superpowers trying to keep a low profile while kids attend school and train for hero work. Created by Jed Spingarn, it stars Kira Kosarin, Jack Griffo, and Addison Riecke. The show spans 4 seasons and explores code names, lairs, sidekicks, and community service.

‘Reply 1988’ (2015–2016)

Set in a Seoul neighborhood, ‘Reply 1988’ follows five friends and their families as they share meals, study sessions, and everyday neighborhood routines. Directed by Shin Won-ho and written by Lee Woo-jung, it stars Hyeri, Ryu Jun-yeol, Park Bo-gum, and Go Kyung-pyo. The single-season story emphasizes multigenerational households, exam culture, and community gatherings.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

After losing their fortune, the Rose family rebuilds their lives while running a small motel and getting involved in town events. Created by Dan Levy and Eugene Levy, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ stars Catherine O’Hara and Annie Murphy alongside the creators. The series runs 6 seasons and charts business ownership, local government, and community initiatives.

‘The Casagrandes’ (2019–2022)

A spin-off of ‘The Loud House’, ‘The Casagrandes’ follows Ronnie Anne and her multigenerational Mexican-American family in a bustling city apartment building. The animated series features Izabella Alvarez, Carlos PenaVega, and Sumalee Montano. It ran for 3 seasons and focuses on family shops, city festivals, and bilingual life.

‘The Wonder Years’ (2021–2023)

This reimagining of the classic series centers on a middle-class Black family in Montgomery, Alabama, as seen through the eyes of 12-year-old Dean. Developed by Saladin K. Patterson, it stars Elisha “EJ” Williams, Dulé Hill, and Saycon Sengbloh, with narration by Don Cheadle. The show spans 2 seasons and covers school clubs, church life, and neighborhood friendships.

‘Northern Rescue’ (2019)

‘Northern Rescue’ follows a search-and-rescue commander who relocates his three children to a lakeside town after a family loss, taking a new post with the local unit. Starring William Baldwin and Kathleen Robertson, the series blends emergency calls with domestic adjustments. It delivers 1 season focused on training, resource constraints, and small-town services.

‘Wolfblood’ (2012–2017)

‘Wolfblood’ tracks teens with heightened abilities balancing secrecy, pack bonds, and school responsibilities. Created by Debbie Moon for CBBC, it stars Aimee Kelly, Bobby Lockwood, and Louisa Connolly-Burnham. Across 5 seasons, it explores identity, lab research, and wildlife conservation themes.

‘Motherland’ (2016–2022)

‘Motherland’ is a British comedy about parents coordinating childcare, school fundraisers, and work commitments while navigating clique politics. Created by Sharon Horgan, Graham Linehan, Helen Linehan, and Holly Walsh, it stars Anna Maxwell Martin, Lucy Punch, and Diane Morgan. The series runs 3 seasons plus specials, focusing on PTA strategy, playdates, and logistical problem-solving.

‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022)

‘Black-ish’ follows the Johnson family as they balance career goals, cultural traditions, and parenting milestones in a suburban setting. Created by Kenya Barris, it stars Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, and Marcus Scribner. The comedy spans 8 seasons and examines workplace dynamics, school policies, and household budgeting.

‘Jane the Virgin’ (2014–2019)

‘Jane the Virgin’ centers on a young writer whose life pivots after an accidental clinic procedure, bringing two families into a complicated co-parenting arrangement. Developed by Jennie Snyder Urman, it stars Gina Rodriguez, Justin Baldoni, and Andrea Navedo. Over 5 seasons, the series covers hospital bureaucracy, publishing schedules, and custody planning.

‘The Loud House’ (2016– )

‘The Loud House’ spotlights Lincoln and his ten sisters as they manage chores, hobbies, and sibling alliances in a busy household. Created by Chris Savino for Nickelodeon, the animated ensemble features rotating character-led stories. It spans many seasons with episodes focused on room assignments, neighborhood rules, and school activities.

Share your favorite under-the-radar family series in the comments so everyone can discover something new!