7 Feel-Good Family Shows to Watch for Free in December 2023
The holidays are approaching…
…and so is the pressure to find entertainment fit for your uncle, granddaughter, grandfather, baby niece, and everyone in between. Have no fear! Here are 7 delightful and family-friendly shows that will entertain everyone in the family.
1. The Wizard of Paws
Never has reality television been more wholesome than in The Wizard of Paws, which follows Derrick Campana on his quest to provide custom-made prosthetics to animals who have lost a limb. The first season showcases prosthetics for rescue dogs, horses, a six-month old miniature pony named Lightning, Waddles the Duck, Bert the Pig, and I’M NOT CRYING YOU’RE CRYING.
Two seasons are available for free on BYUtv, with a third confirmed to be on its way soon.
Bonus Points: Even the notoriously grumpy raters over at IMDB gave this charming show a 9.3 rating.
2. Malory Towers
Watch it Here, or Here
A charming period drama that’s kid-friendly AND Emmy-nominated? A rare combo indeed!
If you love the costumes and charm of Downton Abbey but need a child-friendly version, look no further than Malory Towers. Set in Britain shortly after WW2, the series follows 12-year-old Darryl Rivers as she attends boarding school in idyllic Cornwall, England.
Bonus Points: The series is based on the books by revered children’s author Enid Blyton.
3. Studio C
If you want to watch sketch comedy with your kids, you’re generally going to be risking a bit of risque or crude content. Luckily, Studio C has you covered with sketch comedy that promises all the laughs with none of the crass.
Bonus Points: Studio C has been on for 18 seasons and more than 200 episodes!
4. Dwight in Shining Armour
When an awkward Gen Z teen falls into an ancient, underground chamber, he inadvertently kisses the slumbering princess lying there. But this is no Sleeping Beauty: Gretta is more of a Xena-type warrior. Unfortunately, she now has to assimilate to modern high school, and Dwight is spellbound to protect her against her enemies, who have also awoken.
Bonus Points: There are four seasons of Dwight in Shining Armor, and the upcoming fifth season is confirmed to be its last. No pesky cliffhanger cancellations here!
5. Granite Flats
Did you grow up loving Nancy Drew or The Hardy Boys? Do your kids roll their eyes at these (let’s face it, kinda dated) books? You might want to curl up in front of Granite Flats.
During the Cold War, a mysterious object falls from the sky and lands in a small Colorado town. Three teenage sleuths decide to investigate, and begin to uncover the secrets of their small town.
Although this was BYUtv’s first scripted drama, fans and critics say that after some low-budget stumbles in the first half of Season 1, things quickly begin to pick up steam.
Bonus Points: Adults will recognize some great stars, including Parker Posey and Christopher Lloyd.
Itch
The magnificently named Ithcingham Lofte is just a normal kid – aside from the fact that he’s obsessed with chemistry. When Itch accidentally stumbles upon a new element, he realizes that it could be used for clean energy… or as a powerful weapon.
Itch is a good clean action-adventure show featuring teen protagonists, but no profanity or sexual content.
Bonus Points: The series is based on a book by Simon Mayo, so it may be a good chance to tie in some family reading!
Making Good
This feel-good reality show follows musician and comedian Kirby Heyborne as he travels around the USA volunteering at as many non-profit organizations as he can. Along the way he develops skills, interviews other volunteers, and writes songs – lots and lots of songs.
Although Heyborne might be too earnest for the older kids in your house, his genuine desire to create change is an inspiring choice for the whole family.
Bonus Points: Although Heyborne is awfully chipper, he’s also pretty self-deprecating about his own lack of skills.