7 Shows My Partner and I Binge-Watch with Our Teenager

home insemination Kit

Updated: Feb. 23, 2023
Originally Published: Sep. 9, 2015

The days can feel endless, packed with responsibilities and things we want to do, leaving us with less quality time than we had before our daughter arrived in our lives. As she matures, it feels like she’s drifting further from us. We navigate through the challenges of growing up—wardrobe choices, homework, and chores—but we cherish the moments we have with our teenager. It’s bittersweet, knowing these moments will eventually be reduced to phone calls and holiday gatherings.

For now, we have our nightly ritual before bed. Once little brother is tucked in, our teenage daughter joins us on the couch for our Netflix hour. This is our special time—no judgments, just laughter, dessert, and the occasional cuddle.

One hot topic among parents is what their kids are watching. I tend to keep my thoughts to myself because it can be so subjective. My daughter, for instance, enjoys The Amazing Race but isn’t a fan of most reality shows. She loves clever comedies but steers clear of relationship dramas. Thankfully, she’s outgrown the Disney and Nickelodeon phase, which often revolves around clichéd plots and family feuds. If you’re reading this, I’m sure you can relate!

Here’s our lineup of shows that we all look forward to watching together:

1. Doctor Who
   As a huge sci-fi enthusiast, I adore everything related to Douglas Adams and Steven Moffat. Although my daughter hasn’t quite made it through Adams’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (there’s still time!), we did manage to get her hooked on Doctor Who—a series that both of them were once head writers for. She loves the quirky storylines, witty dialogue, and the mind-bending concepts of time travel. Plus, her first Doctor was the charming David Tennant, and there’s hardly any romance to navigate. A win for the nerdy mom!
2. Gilmore Girls
   This fast-paced mother-daughter duo is a perfect fit for us. Watching their witty banter has made our own conversations more lively and fun. We’re only on season two, but we’re already enchanted by the quirky town where everyone seems to have a good heart, even the troublemakers.
3. 30 Rock
   With its strong female lead and clever writing, 30 Rock is a delightful escape. It’s the ideal follow-up to a spooky Doctor Who episode—perfect for lightening the mood!
4. How I Met Your Mother
   I was surprised by our daughter’s quick affection for this show about young professionals in New York City, but my partner’s instincts were spot on. She loves the sharp writing and complex plots. Plus, we share inside jokes about the blue French horn and random pineapple references!
5. The Big Bang Theory
   This might raise some eyebrows, but we stand by our choice. While some themes revolve around relationships, the conversations about science and nerd culture are both educational and entertaining. It also sends a positive message about being quirky and embracing your uniqueness—a valuable lesson for any teenager!
6. Parenthood
   This family drama tackles important issues like race, autism, and parenting challenges. It opens up discussions about how people react in tough situations and how to treat one another. I have to admit, in moments of parenting doubt, I sometimes ask myself, “What would Adam Braverman do?”
7. Modern Family
   Offering a fresh perspective on family life, Modern Family is both humorous and heartfelt. We love how it portrays a variety of family structures in a relatable way, making it a regular watch before the little one heads to bed.

We’re nearing the end of our binge-watching list and are on the lookout for new recommendations. What shows do you enjoy watching with your older kids?

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In summary, finding shows that the whole family can enjoy together can be a real treasure. As our kids grow, these shared moments become even more precious.