7 Shows My Partner and I Enjoy Binge-Watching with Our Teenager

home insemination Kit

Updated: Feb. 23, 2016
Originally Published: Sep. 9, 2015

Between juggling daily chores, work commitments, and our teenager’s ever-evolving interests, it feels like we barely have time together. As our daughter, Chloe, grows, it seems she’s drifting away from us, leaving us nostalgic for the days when she was just a tiny raspberry-sized embryo. While we navigate the challenges of teenage life—like fashion choices, homework, and chores—we cherish our time with her and know it won’t always be this way.

Fortunately, we share a cozy bedtime routine where, after tucking her little brother into bed, Chloe joins us on the couch for our Netflix hour. This is our sacred binge-watching time—a no-judgment zone where we indulge in dessert, catch up on shows, and occasionally share some snuggles.

A popular topic among parents is what their kids are watching. I often remain silent on this subject because everyone has different tastes. For instance, Chloe loves “The Amazing Race” but has no interest in most reality TV. She enjoys clever comedies but isn’t fond of relationship dramas. Thankfully, she’s moved past the Disney and Nickelodeon phase, which often revolves around over-the-top storylines and annoying antics. If you’re reading this, I’m sure you can relate!

Here’s a list of our family’s favorite shows that we all enjoy—Chloe included:

1. Doctor Who
   As a sci-fi enthusiast, I adore all things Douglas Adams and Steven Moffat. While Chloe didn’t quite get into Adams’s “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” (yet!), we managed to get her hooked on “Doctor Who,” which is a fantastic blend of quirky storytelling, witty dialogue, and clever references. Plus, her first Doctor was the charming David Tennant, and the show keeps romantic moments to a minimum—score!
2. Gilmore Girls
   This delightful series about a fast-talking mother-daughter duo has been a hit for us. Our conversations have become just as witty and fun as Lorelai and Rory’s, and we’re only on season two! The small-town charm and relatable characters keep us coming back for more.
3. 30 Rock
   With its brilliant humor and strong female lead, “30 Rock” is a perfect escape for us. The clever plots and hilarious characters are especially enjoyable after a particularly intense episode of “Doctor Who.”
4. How I Met Your Mother
   I was pleasantly surprised when Chloe fell in love with this series about twentysomethings in New York City. The tight writing, intricate storylines, and memorable characters kept her engaged, and it’s fun to share inside jokes about the blue French horn and other quirky references.
5. Big Bang Theory
   This might raise some eyebrows, but we stand by our choice! While it does touch on adult themes, the show’s smart take on science and pop culture is refreshing. Plus, it’s a great reminder that being nerdy and awkward can be pretty cool—an important lesson for Chloe as she enters high school.
6. Parenthood
   This heartfelt family drama addresses various real-life issues like race, autism, and parenting challenges. It sparks meaningful discussions about how we’d react in similar situations, all without the pressure of real-life consequences. Sometimes, during parenting dilemmas, I find myself asking, “What would Adam Braverman do?”
7. Modern Family
   Offering a humorous yet insightful look at family dynamics, “Modern Family” is our go-to before putting the little one to bed. We appreciate how it portrays diverse family structures with humor and warmth.

Honorable mentions go to “The Neighbors” and “Better Off Ted,” both of which were clever and ended too soon!

As we finish up our current watchlist, we’d love to hear your recommendations. What do you and your older kids enjoy? For more tips on navigating parenting, check out our other blog posts, like this one on home insemination and resources from Women’s Health that are excellent for pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary:

Finding quality time with a teenager can be a challenge, but binge-watching together provides a fun way to connect. From sci-fi adventures in “Doctor Who” to the heartwarming stories of “Parenthood,” these shows foster laughter and spark important conversations while bridging the gap between parents and teens.