Now that viewing has moved away from the traditional cable setup, there are also plenty of new titles coming to streaming services in addition to cable channels. Fall TV is no longer reserved for cable—everyone shows up now. Though it can be tempting to let children stare at their screens constantly to keep them busy, it is important to limit screen time. Using screens—whether it’s a computer, phone, tablet, or TV—too long each day can lead to sleep problems, mood swings, and even weight gain. For children age 2 to 5 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that screen time should be limited to no more than an hour a day. For older children, the organization recommends using discretion to limit screen time and encourage healthy viewing habits. With that being said, watching television in the evenings as a family can provide time to bond, laugh, and learn from the shows. These are some of the shows airing this fall that the whole family can enjoy together.
Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.
Why It Is a Winning Pick
This Disney+ series is a fun new take on the original Doogie Howser, M.D., which ran for four years, starting in 1989. It stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Lahela “Doogie” Kameāloha, a medical school graduate who is trying to figure out how to manage being a doctor and a teenager at the same time. She earns the nickname “Doogie” in the show as a reference to the original Doogie Howser, played by Neil Patrick Harris. However, this show isn’t a spinoff or a sequel, per se. Instead, it is a fresh story about growing up and finding your place in the world.
Where to Stream It
Stream the series on Disney+.
Star Wars: Visions
Why It Is a Winning Pick
This Disney+ series is an anthology of independent episodes. That means viewers don’t need to watch anything in order. You can simply watch each episode as you please without feeling like you have missed something that happened in a previous episode. The animated shorts were created as anime by artists from all over the world and bring new artistry to the Star Wars universe.
Where to Stream It
Stream the series on Disney+.
The Baby-Sitters Club
Why It Is a Winning Pick
The Netflix Original series returns for its second season on October 11, bringing the teen babysitters back to screens where the first season left off. The show, based on the popular book series by Ann M. Martin, features episodes that are based on the original stories. The new season will see the Baby-Sitters Club continue to grow their babysitting business and tackle the hardships that come with being a teenager.
Where to Stream It
Stream the series on Netflix.
Legends of the Hidden Temple
Why It Is a Winning Pick
The whole family can enjoy the reboot of this show that originally aired in the 1990s. Though the new game show is aimed at adults, kids will also enjoy watching teams take on challenges to try to find the treasure within the ancient temple. Some of the challenges can be startling for younger children, so this is perhaps best enjoyed by families with older kids.
Where to Stream It
Stream episodes the next day on The CW.
Scaredy Cats
Why It Is a Winning Pick
This new Netflix Original is a fun show about a young girl named Willa who gets to delve into magic once she turns 12. She and her friends get up to some trouble as witches—and cats! They even use their magic to transform each other’s appearances, like giving each other silly facial hair.
Where to Stream It
Stream the show on Netflix.
A Tale Dark & Grimm
Why It Is a Winning Pick
The new animated Netflix Original series is an imagined continuation of Hansel and Gretel’s story. The fun cartoon is both light and spooky and perfect for families with kids of all ages. There is plenty of humor to go around in this fantasy show, so be prepared to laugh between all the little scares!
Where to Stream It
Stream the show on Netflix.
The Wonder Years
Why It Is a Winning Pick
Yet another reboot, this show is a retelling of the original show from the 1980s. This show, however, features a Black family in Alabama in the 1960s. It follows a similar format, with the main character’s older self playing the narrator (Don Cheadle, in this case). It gets into what life was like during the ’60s. The show is a lighthearted coming-of-age comedy the whole family can enjoy and learn from.
Where to Stream It
Watch episodes the next day on Hulu.
Young Sheldon
Why It Is a Winning Pick
The popular spinoff of The Big Bang Theory returns for its fifth season this year. The show features Sheldon Cooper (played by Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory) as a young boy navigating life as a prodigy. The show is both humorous and painfully relatable at times as Sheldon and his family and friends stumble through the challenges of being smart and socially awkward.
Where to Stream It
Stream the first four seasons on HBO Max. Stream new episodes on Paramount+.
Disney’s Magic Bake-Off
Why It Is a Winning Pick
This fun reality competition sends kid bakers into the kitchen to make epic cakes and treats based on Disney movies and characters. Each episode has a new theme and new bakers competing to be named the Disney Baking Champion. It is a thrilling show from beginning to end and might just inspire families to get into their own kitchens to create something.
Where to Stream It
Stream on DisneyNow.
World’s Funniest Animals
Why It Is a Winning Pick
This fun show is a laugh from beginning to end. It is based on America’s Funniest Home Videos but features nothing but cute animals doing funny things. The second season airs on The CW this fall and features even more hilarious videos than last season. The whole family can get in on the laughs with this show.
Where to Stream It
Stream Season 1 on The CW now and new episodes the day after airing. While screen time limits are important to keep in mind for children, choosing a couple shows each week to watch together can ultimately give your family something to do together. Some shows may make you laugh, while others can provide learning experiences for everyone.
