Nothing beats the collective joy and laughter, which you experience with your family while watching a television series together. This ‘quality’ Family TV Shows time has a flavor of its own and a traditionally important place in the American way of life.
After you’re done with the day’s work and sit down as a close unit in a comfortable space, riding the emotional high, you not only learn about the characters in the show but you also learn to appreciate each other a bit more. Now, there are many TV shows, which portray the essence of ‘family’, and mirror your everyday household stories.
However, the following entries are well-renowned and critically-acclaimed for their friendly-centric narratives. Check out the top 5 family TV shows of all time below.
The Simpsons (1989 – Present)
One of the longest-running animated shows of all time, The Simpsons is equally entertaining for kids and adults alike. On the outside, it paints the family life of the Simpson clan in a small fictional town of America.
Whereas, if you look beyond the flippant dialogue and the carefree storyline, you will find a satire of the tangiest nature on working-class conditions in the U.S., along with a rib-cracking parody of the American society, culture, traditions, and general beliefs.
The Simpsons are even rumored to predict future events, which makes it an interesting show to watch along with family and friends. You can either wait for the new season to arrive in late September of this year on Fox or catch the entire list of episodes in the meantime by ordering them on demand from TWC. TWC TV packages will give you both options at minimal rates, which will surely suit you and your family.
The Cosby Show (1984 – 1992)
The Cosby Show was a star series of the 80s and focused on the day-to-day life of a certain Huxtable family in Brooklyn Heights, New York. Its predominant African-American cast and depiction of the upper-middle class really set a standard for other shows to follow in the entertainment industry, such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
If you happen to watch The Cosby Show today, you will definitely roll around with laughter at the comedic scenes, based on Cosby’s personal family life. Despite the show’s light-hearted tone, you will also come across certain serious themes, like teen pregnancy and coping with dyslexia, in addition to some key parenting lessons that mix discipline with open-hearted communication.
The Cosby Show won multiple Emmys, Golden Globes, Peabody, People’s Choice, NAACP Image, and other awards, making it the perfect candidate for a good family TV time.
Full House (1987 – 1995)
Tragedy befalls just about anyone. Some people give in to the worst possible circumstances, while others break through the hold of events and come out looking stronger than ever before. It is precisely this type of struggle, which underlines the plot of Full House.
Danny Tanner loses his young wife to a heart-rending car accident. Instead of handing himself over to depression, he enlists the help of his brother-in-law, Jesse, and his best friend, Joey, in raising the three Tanner girls, who are left without a mother.
Over time, the bond between the three men and the children deepens, and life finally takes a turn towards the better. The reason why this show is great for family time is that it teaches valuable morals, besides offering a comic relief here and there.
Friday Night Lights (2006 – 2011)
Taking the viewer to a small fictional town in Texas, this show simultaneously exhibits the support efforts of coach Eric, and his wife, Tami, in a high school setting, where they mentor the ‘broken’ football team, and in a home setting, where they try to do right by their kids.
Friday Night Lights also manages to address many issues that small-town America faces, such as lack of economic opportunities, drug infestation, racism, abortion, and the core family values. It’s totally worth a watch!
Queen Sugar (2016 – Present)
Set in Louisiana, this show uses a powerful visual storytelling technique that is atmospheric and grounded in multiple themes, including active/passive racism, generational conflict, climate change, government regulations, class conflict, inadequacies of the justice system, and more.
It is essentially realistic and focuses on the lives of three siblings, who are uprooted and brought together on a legacy sugarcane farm, after the death of their father.
Queen Sugaris produced by Ava DuVernay, along with Oprah Winfrey, and currently has a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is saying much! Due to its mature themes, this show is not particularly cut out for kids (less than 17 years of age) but addresses raw family issues, which are relatable and informative.
Other Family TV Shows of Note
The Andy Griffith Show (1960 – 1968), Family Matters (1989 – 1998), Malcolm in the Middle (2000 – 2006), Home Improvement (1991 – 1999), SpongeBob SquarePants (1999 – Present), Jane the Virgin (2014 – 2019), The Brady Bunch (1969 – 1974), Good Luck Charlie (2010 – 2014), Bob’s Burgers (2011 – Present), Modern Family (2009 – 2020), Little House on the Prairie (1974 – 1983), Everybody Loves Raymond (1996 – 2005), and Golden Girls (1985 – 1992) are some other family TV shows which you can watch along with your loved ones at home.
