Best Tween TV Series to Watch in 2024
Tween television series have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a wide range of entertainment options for young audiences. These shows are specifically designed for children between the ages of 8 and 14, offering relatable storylines and characters that resonate with this age group. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which series is the best fit for your child.
When it comes to selecting the best tween TV series, it is important to consider several factors. The first is the age appropriateness of the content. While these shows are designed for tweens, not all content may be suitable for all children within this age range. Additionally, it is important to look for shows that offer positive role models and promote healthy values and behaviors.
Another critical factor to consider is the overall quality of the series. While some shows may be entertaining, they may not offer much educational value or promote critical thinking skills. Therefore, it is essential to look for shows that offer both entertainment and educational value.
When selecting a tween TV series, it is also important to consider the overall production quality, including the acting, writing, and cinematography. A well-produced show can make all the difference in capturing and maintaining a child’s interest.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various tween TV series to identify the best options for young audiences. In the following sections, we will highlight some of the top series available today and discuss what makes them stand out from the crowd.
Best Tween TV Series
We know that finding the perfect TV series for your tween can be a daunting task. With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best tween TV series that your kids are sure to love. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming comedies, there’s something for everyone on this list. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover your tween’s next favorite show!
Cadfael: The Complete Collection
If you’re looking for a captivating and well-acted medieval drama series, Cadfael: The Complete Collection is worth your consideration.
Pros
- The series is based on the bestselling books by Ellis Peters, and the stories are intriguing and well-written.
- Sir Derek Jacobi gives an outstanding performance as the crime-solving monk Brother Cadfael.
- The supporting cast, including guest stars like Jonny Lee Miller, Anna Friel, and Stephen Moyer, is impressive.
Cons
- Some viewers may find the pace of the series to be slow at times.
- The series is set in medieval England, so the language and costumes may be difficult to understand for some viewers.
- The series is rated NR (Not Rated), but some episodes contain violence and mature themes that may not be suitable for all audiences.
In Cadfael: The Complete Collection, Sir Derek Jacobi plays the role of Brother Cadfael, a former Crusader who is now a man of the cloth. Cadfael uses his keen intuition to protect the innocent and bring the guilty to account in war-torn medieval England. The series is based on the bestselling books by Ellis Peters, and each of the 13 dramas offers a riveting glimpse into the past.
One of the highlights of the series is Jacobi’s captivating performance as Brother Cadfael. He brings a depth and complexity to the character that makes him both relatable and fascinating to watch. The supporting cast is also impressive, with guest stars like Jonny Lee Miller, Anna Friel, and Stephen Moyer adding their own unique talents to the mix.
While the series is well-written and engaging, some viewers may find the pace to be slow at times. Additionally, the language and costumes may be difficult to understand for some viewers, as the series is set in medieval England. Finally, while the series is rated NR (Not Rated), some episodes contain violence and mature themes that may not be suitable for all audiences.
Overall, Cadfael: The Complete Collection is a well-acted and intriguing series that is worth a watch for fans of historical dramas and mysteries.
Double Dare (2018)
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging TV series for your tween, Double Dare (2018) is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The show is full of exciting physical challenges and trivia questions that will keep your tween entertained and engaged.
- The host, Liza Koshy, is charismatic and funny, making the show enjoyable for both kids and adults.
- The show promotes teamwork and sportsmanship, which are great values for tweens to learn.
Cons
- Some of the challenges can be messy, which may not be ideal for parents who don’t want to deal with the clean-up.
- The show can be a bit repetitive at times, with many of the challenges following a similar format.
- The trivia questions can be a bit easy for older tweens, but still enjoyable for younger ones.
Overall, we would recommend Double Dare (2018) for parents looking for a fun and entertaining TV series for their tween. The show is full of energy and excitement, and promotes important values like teamwork and sportsmanship. While some of the challenges can be messy, the show is sure to keep your tween engaged and entertained.
Mother Knows Best-Villains, Book 5
If you’re a fan of Disney’s Villains series, then you definitely won’t want to miss out on “Mother Knows Best,” the fifth book in the series.
Pros
- Provides a darker, more complex backstory to the character of Mother Gothel
- Offers a unique perspective on the classic tale of Rapunzel
- Well-written and engaging
Cons
- May not be suitable for younger readers due to darker themes
- Some readers may not appreciate the sympathetic portrayal of a villain
- Not a standalone book – readers will need to have read previous books in the series to fully appreciate the story
In “Mother Knows Best,” author Serena Valentino delves into the backstory of Mother Gothel, the villain from Disney’s “Tangled.” The book offers a much darker and more nuanced portrayal of the character, exploring her motivations and backstory in a way that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the character.
One of the strengths of “Mother Knows Best” is the way it weaves together elements of the classic “Rapunzel” story with new, original elements to create a compelling and engaging narrative. Valentino’s writing is top-notch throughout, making the book a pleasure to read from start to finish.
However, it’s worth noting that “Mother Knows Best” is not a book for younger readers. The story deals with some fairly heavy themes, including abuse and manipulation, and may not be suitable for all audiences. Additionally, some readers may not appreciate the sympathetic portrayal of a character who is essentially a villain in the original story.
Overall, “Mother Knows Best” is a must-read for fans of the Villains series, and a great addition to any Disney fan’s bookshelf. Just be sure to read the previous books in the series first to fully appreciate the story.
Handmaid’s Tale, The: Fourth Season (DVD)
If you’re a fan of the previous seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale, then the fourth season is a must-watch. With June’s character taking a more rebellious role, this season is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Pros
- The storyline is engaging and will keep you hooked from start to finish.
- The acting is top-notch, with Elizabeth Moss delivering a standout performance as June.
- The DVD set includes bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast.
Cons
- The subject matter can be heavy and may not be suitable for all viewers.
- Some viewers may find the violence and graphic scenes disturbing.
- The DVD set only includes the English language option, which may be a drawback for non-English speaking viewers.
The Handmaid’s Tale: Fourth Season (DVD) is a great addition to any fan’s collection. The storyline is well-written and will keep you engaged throughout the entire season. The acting is superb, with Elizabeth Moss delivering a standout performance as June. However, the subject matter can be heavy, and the violence may not be suitable for all viewers.
In terms of the DVD set itself, it includes bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast, which is a nice bonus for fans. However, the DVD set only includes the English language option, which may be a drawback for non-English speaking viewers.
Overall, if you’re a fan of The Handmaid’s Tale, then the fourth season is a must-watch. It’s a well-crafted season that will leave you wanting more.
The Middle
If you’re looking for a relatable and heartwarming family sitcom, then The Middle is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The show has a talented cast, including Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn, who bring their characters to life with humor and heart.
- The Middle’s writing is consistently strong, with clever storylines that balance humor and heart.
- The show’s themes of family, love, and perseverance will resonate with viewers of all ages.
Cons
- Some viewers may find the show’s humor to be too “middle of the road” and not edgy enough.
- The Middle can sometimes feel formulaic, with certain plot points and character arcs repeating themselves over the course of the show’s nine seasons.
- The show’s pacing can be slow at times, with some episodes feeling like they drag on longer than necessary.
Overall, we highly recommend The Middle for anyone in the market for a charming and relatable family sitcom. With its talented cast, strong writing, and heartwarming themes, it’s a show that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Just Add Magic (1)
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging book series for your tween, Just Add Magic (1) might be worth considering.
Pros
- The story is well-written and engaging, making it perfect for 5th- and 6th-grade students.
- The magic cookbook theme is unique and will keep your tween interested.
- The book is a great way to get your tween interested in reading.
Cons
- The book is quite different from the Amazon Prime series, so if your tween is a fan of the show, they may be disappointed.
- The book is relatively short at only 240 pages.
- The book may be too easy for more advanced readers.
Just Add Magic (1) is a well-written and engaging story about three seventh-grade girls who find a magic cookbook. The story is perfect for fifth- and sixth-grade students and is a great way to get your tween interested in reading. The magic cookbook theme is unique and will keep your tween interested throughout the book.
However, if your tween is a fan of the Amazon Prime series, they may be disappointed as the book is quite different from the show. Additionally, the book is relatively short at only 240 pages, and it may be too easy for more advanced readers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and engaging book series for your tween, Just Add Magic (1) is definitely worth considering.
Forbidden City (City Spies)
If you’re looking for an exciting and engaging tween book, then Forbidden City (City Spies) is a great choice.
Pros
- The characters are relatable and well-developed.
- The plot is fast-paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
- The book is perfect for both younger and older readers.
Cons
- The story can be a bit predictable at times.
- Some parts of the book may be too intense for younger readers.
- The book is part of a series, so you may want to read the previous books first.
Forbidden City (City Spies) is an action-packed adventure that takes you on a journey through China’s Forbidden City. The story follows a group of young spies as they work to stop a dangerous enemy from stealing valuable artifacts.
The characters in the book are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to get invested in their story. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
While the story can be a bit predictable at times, it’s still an enjoyable read that will keep you entertained. However, some parts of the book may be too intense for younger readers.
Overall, Forbidden City (City Spies) is a great book for both younger and older readers who enjoy action and adventure. If you’re a fan of the series, then this book is a must-read.
Suits
If you’re looking for a TV series that combines legal drama with a touch of humor, Suits is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- The show features a talented cast, including Gabriel Macht and Meghan Markle, who deliver strong performances throughout the series.
- The writing is sharp and witty, with clever dialogue and engaging storylines that keep you hooked from episode to episode.
- The show’s production values are high, with slick visuals and a polished look that adds to the overall viewing experience.
Cons
- The show’s content advisory warns of violence, substance use, alcohol use, foul language, and sexual content, which may not be suitable for all viewers.
- Some viewers may find the legal jargon and technical aspects of the show difficult to follow at times.
- The later seasons of the show have been criticized for losing some of the magic that made the earlier seasons so compelling.
Overall, if you’re a fan of legal dramas or just looking for a well-written and entertaining TV series to binge-watch, Suits is definitely worth a look. The talented cast, clever writing, and high production values make it a standout show that is sure to keep you engaged from start to finish.