When I grew up, I loved to watch Sesame Street, the Electric Company, Mr. Rogers and Reading Rainbow (LeVar Burton, I miss your voice!!) It got me thinking, what shows will stand the test of time today? Now that we have so many more entertainment options out there, there should be a long list of potentials, right?! If you have watched anything on YouTube Kids, you know that may not be the case! For us, streaming services are your best bet for some quality tv. Below is a list of 7 top shows for girls that my daughters and I love to watch together.

The Criteria for Our Top TV Shows

Now, this list could be longer, but we don’t have cable and only rely on streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime to watch our entertainment. Also, please note that my daughters don’t really like animation, so none of that genre made the cut. Additionally, as a mum I am looking for shows that are educational, offer a positive message, or challenge the gender norms for my girls.

Most importantly, I wanted to include the shows that my girls regularly watch because they are entertaining. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

The Countdown

7. Show: Nailed It! Where: Netflix

Ok, this is perhaps a bit of a stretch, but my kids love this show. And watching it as an adult, I truly believe that it would have been discontinued after one season if it wasn’t for the humour and talent of host Nicole Byer. She makes its mediocre concept a true joy to watch. My kids and I are always laughing, and I think it is inspiring to watch a woman in her element showcase her work as a comedian so effectively she makes it look effortless.

6. Show: Brain Child Where: Netflix

Just a good show that talks about interesting subjects for kids and adults alike in an interesting and entertaining way.

5. Show: We Can Be Heroes Where: Netflix

This movie is about believing in yourself, self-discovery and kids destined to save the world. Funny and good for younger ages too.

4. Show: The Babysitters Club Where: Netflix

Surprise, girls can be smart… and fashionable… and entrepreneurial. I read so many of these books as a kid, but the tv series has done a great job at modernizing it and making it even better. Your daughter will relate to at least one of the characters. Very refreshing.

3. Show: The Kicks Where: Amazon Prime Video

There must be more shows about a girls’ soccer team, but I really can’t think of anything other than Bend it Like Beckham. Created by Alex Morgan, the Kicks deals with self-discovery and what it really means to be a teammate. This series was inspired by her books with the same name. Make sure to grab that too if you enjoy the show!

2. Show: Just Add Magic Where: Amazon Prime Video

We tried this show once and didn’t click with it. But last week we tried it again and both my daughters and I loved it. Why? It’s about magic, friendship, mysteries, is a touch scary and suspenseful for them but not enough to affect them at bedtime :-). It was a fun show to watch on a rainy afternoon. We recommend you give it a try.

1. The InBESTigators Where: Netflix

I just love this series. A group of Australian kids form a detective agency to solve crimes around their neighbourhood and school. The cases are interesting, and difficult to solve. The only downside is that there are only two seasons. We have spent countless hours watching this show. Hope you enjoy it!!!

There we have it, seven quality shows for your junior school aged girls. We hope you like them as much as we do! Please let us know what shows you love and recommend in the comments!