Best Heartwarming TV series for Families (Part 1)

With so many TV series out there, it can be hard to find ones that are wholesome and enjoyable for the entire family. Many memories are made gathered around watching a show together. I wanted to share a list of of shows here that are full of heart and humor but also teach important lessons in an exciting way. This list is for children as young as three and all the way through the teen years. They are classic and entertaining for the whole family. Stay tuned for my next list of wholesome shows for older kiddos!

I am including only the ones that I personally have seen over the years. Each of these series, we enjoyed growing up and I would recommend to families. I have not included any animated tv shows in this list for right now. Most of these shows are available streaming online and many are on dvd.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and help me to keep blessing you as I continue to share many of our favorite recommendations at no cost to you.

Little House on the Prairie(1974-1983)

For fans of the Little House on the Prairie books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and telling all about her childhood growing up on the prairie, this tv series is a classic that will forever be at the top of the list.
This series, filmed in the 1970s is the best tv adaptation of the Little House books. Though this series takes a lot of creative liberty, the wholesome content is enjoyable for the entire family. If you haven’t seen it, you will soon fall in love with the Ingalls family and all the happenings in Walnut Grove.
Although it ran for nine seasons, I do have to say that the first four seasons are the best.
All seasons of Little House on the Prairie are currently streaming for free on Prime video. Or you can purchase the complete dvd set here. to add to your movie collection!
My age rating: (3-5 and up)

Road to Avonlea(1990-1996)

Not many talk about this series and honestly, it is truly a hidden gem! My family and I have watched all seven seasons twice since it came out in the early 90s and we have loved it all. Road to Avonlea (or Avonlea) is filled with many lovable characters who are loosely based the ones in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels about the town of Avonlea.
If you loved the original 1980s Anne of Green Gables movies, you will love this series. I can go on and on about how heartwarming and entertaining it is. You get to watch the characters grow up, learn lessons, and draw close to their families. Each episode is full of heart and humor that will keep the kids laughing and you as well.
You can rent all seasons of Road to Avonlea online at Gazebo tv! Click hereto watch episode one of the first season for free!
Or collect the entire set of all seven seasons here!
My age rating: (3-5 and up)

Little Men(1998-1999)

Another classic series for the whole family though this one only ran for two seasons. Very loosely based off the characters in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Men novel, this series is written as a continuation of the book. Full of humor and wit, as well as wisdom and adventure, this show is sure to entertain children of all ages. It offers a delightful combination of touching moments and thrilling escapades that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
Both seasons of Little Men are currently streaming for free on Prime video.
My age rating: (5-8 and up)

Lassie(1997-1999)

The cleverness and intelligence of the most special collie, Lassie, has made her become the star of many tv series. This one made in the late 90s was a favorite of my family’s. Like all the classic 90s tv series above, this one is full of adventure and excitement as well.
Follow young Timmy’s adventures, and watch as Lassie shows her unwavering loyalty through multiple challenging situations. Lassie is a timeless character that has been an inspiration to many throughout generations. This series will captivate children as they will get excited to see what Lassie will do next.
I found the dvd set of this series here.
My age rating: (5-8 and up)

Hetty Feather(2015-2020)

Based off a novel by Jacqueline Wilson, and set in London in the late 1880s, this British children’s drama series focuses on the life of Hetty Feather. After being abandoned as a baby, Hetty lives at the Foundling Hospital for many years, under the strict hand of Matron. Through a series of events, she ends up working as a maid in the home of a rich family. With so many secrets within the family, Hetty learns to be careful about when she involves herself in other people’s business. This series will interest you as well as the children through all the fun escapades and dangerous escapes.
Hetty Feather is currently streaming all seasons on BYUtv.
My age rating: (8 and up)

Ruby and the Well(2022-)

A slower-paced TV show about solving mysteries and granting wishes, Ruby and the Well is enjoyable for the whole family. Ruby and her dad move to the town of Emerald where her dad inherited an apple orchid from his late uncle. In Emerald, Ruby discovers that she is now the keeper of a magical well that reveals other people’s wishes. Each episode teaches Ruby to be caring to others and truly understand their needs. It may be exciting to hear wishes from a magic well, but the real challenge is putting the facts together to solve the mysteries. In doing so, Ruby learns to be careful not to harm those she cares about.
Even though the show is based around a magical well, I believe children can understand the fantasy and learn the important lesson of focusing on others and really listening to what their hearts are truly saying. I also liked that Ruby eventually confides in her dad and together they help others.
All seasons of Ruby and the Well can be found streaming free on BYUtv.
My age rating: (8 and up)

Being able to find good television shows that teach life lessons and are fun can be challenging, so I have been excited to find these series over the years. I love being able to put a show on for kids and hearing them laugh, knowing it has valuable content. I hope you find these series as enjoyable as we have. If you have any more suggestions, feel free to comment down below. I’d love to hear!

*Please note – make sure you preview these series on your own as you only can decide what is best for your children to watch. I do my best to make sure that I only recommend series that I believe are clean and wholesome. But there may be some episodes that do not agree with your family’s standards, so please be aware and discern accordingly.

I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.
Psalm 101:2b-3a ESV