Entertainment
9 TV Shows on Netflix To Watch with Your Family Over the Holidays & Keep You Merry All Year Round
As I’m sure is common among most households, my family takes holiday traditions very seriously — almost to a religious extent. And one of these traditions just so happens to include binge-watching TV shows on Netflix. (Did I mention that my family was kinda the coolest?) Every year we gather round and decide which Netflix shows to see together as a family throughout the holiday season. Pretty awesome, I know. However, just like anything else, some shows prove to be more PG appropriate than others. So if you’re looking for TV shows to watch on Netflix with your family, here’s the selection I recommend you choose from. You know, just to prevent any awkward nudity moments in front of the 'rents.
There’s no place like Netflix for the holidays. Enjoy!
Image: CBS
‘Parks and Recreation’
There’s no better way to spread Christmas cheer to you and yours than by soaking up as much Leslie Knope as humanly possible. This Pawnee resident is a barrel of laughs as are her equally lovable cohorts. So go ahead and treat yo self to some waffles, whipped cream, and wit that’s guaranteed to leave your family merry all year round.
Image: NBC
‘Friday Night Lights’
Centering around the concept of family and town unity, this show proves to be a heartwarming tale that extends far beyond the reaches of a weekly football game. Every character is complex and memorable, none more so than Eric and Tami Taylor, who strive to make Dillon a better place both on and off the field. Because, at the end of the day, life (like football itself) isn’t about if you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.
Image: NBC
‘How I Met Your Mother’
Haaaave you seen this show? Because if you haven’t, you really should. Not only does it highlight the ups and downs of unforgettable friendships, but it also takes you on a journey of true love. Sure, it’s a little strange that a man takes the equivalent of nine seasons to tell his kids the story of how he met their mother (hook-ups and all). Don’t even get me started on the disappointing series finale, but as a whole, this series proved to be an enlightening tale about family, friendship, and the surprising series of events that pull them all together. I guess what I’m trying to say here is that it’s pretty legen — WAIT FOR IT — dary.
Image: CBS
‘Gilmore Girls’
When it comes to the art of family bonding, no one does it better than Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. These two Stars Hollow residents immediately draw fans into their world of Friday night dinners, epic movie nights, and endless cups of coffee, leaving you with a further appreciation of family after each and every episode. Where they lead, we will happily follow.
Image: Warner Bros.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’
On the outside, this may seem like a show centered around unending drama and medical disasters (which it totally is), but at its core the doctors of Seattle Grace embody the very essence of what it’s like to be a family. Life can be hard and it isn’t always pretty, but when the chips are down your “person” is there for you through thick and thin. It’ll break your heart. It’ll leave you in tears. It’ll make you realize that family can be found even in the most unlikely of places.
Image: ABC
‘That ‘70s Show’
Harkening back to a time when life was simpler and love reigned supreme, this beloved coming of age sitcom will leave your entire family in stitches from start to finish and remind your parents of the good ole days and what it was like to be young. The Wisconsin suburbs never looked more appealing.
Image: FOX
‘Parenthood’
I mean, the title kinda speaks for itself here. Nothing describes the joys and heartaches that come with parenthood better than the Braverman family. Sure, you may find yourself weeping into your Christmas stocking from time to time (OK, fine, all the time), but it’s such an amazing story filled with more love than you can imagine. And your family will be all the closer for it.
Image: NBC
‘Once Upon a Time’
All TV comes with a price, and in the case of Once Upon a Time, that price is a magical adventure unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Shedding light on some of your favorite childhood fairytales, this series encapsulates the importance of love, family, and the hope that good will prevail above all. By the end of the day, your entire household will find themselves believing in fairies, happy endings, and the power of guyliner.
Image: ABC
‘The West Wing’
Allison Janney, Robe Lowe, Martin Sheen, Elisabeth Moss — these are just a few of the incredible cast members who helped bring this political drama to life in the Oval Office. From delivering smart, witty dialogue to introducing the iconic walk-and-talk, this NBC hit made every fan want to serve at the pleasure of the president. And I guarantee your family will be no different. Now what’s next?
Image: NBC
