Best Heartwarming TV series for Families (Part 2)
I had so many shows on my list of family TV series that I had to split it into two parts. If you missed part one, read it here. I have many on that list for you and your younger children to enjoy together. This list of shows is for your older children to enjoy with you, and you can feel comfortable watching them even if the little ones are around. We have enjoyed all of these and love the time we’ve spent together watching the stories unfold.
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.
We have really enjoyed this television series set in the early 1900s and based on the Canadian West novels by Janette Oke. Elizabeth Thatcher is a schoolteacher who is used to a higher societal lifestyle when she comes to live in a coal-mining town in Western Canada. She soon learns that life is not as easy there as she had thought, and it challenges her faith. But in just a short time, Elizabeth becomes a major part of the town and the people who live there. Her heart, as a teacher, is full of kindness, and she pours her love out to each of the children.
Every new season brings in even more characters that will capture your interest. Through heartbreak and healing, Elizabeth’s story continues, as do the stories of each of the other town folks she has come to love. This series is very enjoyable and entertaining with a full cast of likable characters. I know all moms will love this one, and it is clean for the whole family.
All 11 seasons of When Calls the Heart are currently streaming on Hallmark Movies Now, available with a subscription. Or you can purchase the DVDs for each season on Christianbook to keep on your shelf for years to come.
My age rating: (8-10 and up)
Every new season brings in even more characters that will capture your interest. Through heartbreak and healing, Elizabeth’s story continues, as do the stories of each of the other town folks she has come to love. This series is very enjoyable and entertaining with a full cast of likable characters. I know all moms will love this one, and it is clean for the whole family.
All 11 seasons of When Calls the Heart are currently streaming on Hallmark Movies Now, available with a subscription. Or you can purchase the DVDs for each season on Christianbook to keep on your shelf for years to come.
My age rating: (8-10 and up)
This is a spin-off series of When Calls the Heart, telling the story of two sisters who run a small orphanage in the nearby town of Brookfield. The sisters work together and pour out love and kindness to each of the children under their care. They show the children that they are valued and loved despite the pain of their past.
I listened to the audiobook series of this show and loved the story. From what I have seen of the show, it goes into more detail about the characters and setting, making it more enjoyable. Many times, you will see familiar faces from When Calls the Heart appear!
Chronologically, the first season of When Hope Calls can be watched after the sixth season of When Calls the Heart. Then, the second season currently only has two special Christmas episodes, and they come after season 8 of When Calls the Heart. Season one of When Hope Calls is available to stream on Hallmark Movies Now. Or you can purchase it on DVD at Christianbook.
My age rating: (8-10 and up)
I listened to the audiobook series of this show and loved the story. From what I have seen of the show, it goes into more detail about the characters and setting, making it more enjoyable. Many times, you will see familiar faces from When Calls the Heart appear!
Chronologically, the first season of When Hope Calls can be watched after the sixth season of When Calls the Heart. Then, the second season currently only has two special Christmas episodes, and they come after season 8 of When Calls the Heart. Season one of When Hope Calls is available to stream on Hallmark Movies Now. Or you can purchase it on DVD at Christianbook.
My age rating: (8-10 and up)
This series is one of the most creative and touching TV series I have watched. Though simple, the mission is profound. Every letter or package that has been mailed has a special meaning, and to those in the DLO (dead letter office) of the postal system, they are determined to bring it to where it was meant to go. From reuniting loved ones to returning things of deep value, The Postables – Oliver, Shane, Rita, and Norman – are determined to see that the letter or package is given to whom it belongs. They learn many valuable lessons in faith along the way.
This series started with a pilot movie that was loved so much that a series followed. Then 12 more movies were added! I still hope there are more movies to come as this is one of my family’s absolute favorites! I am sure you will love it and love sharing it with the kids! You can collect all of the amazing Signed Sealed Delivered episodes and movies on DVD at Christianbook or watch them streaming on Hallmark Movies Now.
My age rating: (10 and up)
This series started with a pilot movie that was loved so much that a series followed. Then 12 more movies were added! I still hope there are more movies to come as this is one of my family’s absolute favorites! I am sure you will love it and love sharing it with the kids! You can collect all of the amazing Signed Sealed Delivered episodes and movies on DVD at Christianbook or watch them streaming on Hallmark Movies Now.
My age rating: (10 and up)
Heartland, the longest-running Canadian television series, is widely popular and full of adventure. Though young children may not understand many things going on, they will enjoy seeing Amy work with the horses. There is a lot of teenage drama in the beginning of the series and even some hard subjects to hear, but throughout the story, family loyalty is strong. Watch for yourself and determine if your children should watch it.
Heartland is considered a heartwarming family series that I am sure you and your teens will love to watch together – if you haven’t already! The first 15 enjoyable seasons of Heartland are currently available on Prime video. This wonderful DVD collection features the first 13 seasons along with a delightful Christmas special movie!
My age rating: (14 and up)
Heartland is considered a heartwarming family series that I am sure you and your teens will love to watch together – if you haven’t already! The first 15 enjoyable seasons of Heartland are currently available on Prime video. This wonderful DVD collection features the first 13 seasons along with a delightful Christmas special movie!
My age rating: (14 and up)
This series ran for a good long time in the mid-90s and has a wonderful historical western setting. It tells the story of Dr. Michaela Quinn as she moves to the Colorado Territory to bring medical help to the people there. Met with tension because she is a woman doctor, she works to win over the people of the town, soon adopting three orphans. She becomes an integral part of the town and the people soon come to trust her a bit more, including the Native Americans that she helps along the way.
I remember watching the first four seasons of this series back when I was about 14 and loving it. I haven’t ever finished them through, though I am looking forward to someday. From what I remember they are entertaining and realistic, though there may be some themes to be careful about with younger teens around.
All six seasons of Dr. Quinn are streaming on Hallmark Movies Now and on Prime Video. The entire 6 seasons collection DVDs including the special movies are available here in a huge bundle!
My age rating: (14 and up)
I remember watching the first four seasons of this series back when I was about 14 and loving it. I haven’t ever finished them through, though I am looking forward to someday. From what I remember they are entertaining and realistic, though there may be some themes to be careful about with younger teens around.
All six seasons of Dr. Quinn are streaming on Hallmark Movies Now and on Prime Video. The entire 6 seasons collection DVDs including the special movies are available here in a huge bundle!
My age rating: (14 and up)
Based off the 1967 novel by the same name and written by Catherine Marshall, this series only ran for twenty episodes. Christy comes into the fictionalized village of Cutter Gap, TN, as a new teacher. She wants to help all of the children in the village despite the tension she receives from various parents. Each of the stories are real and raw portraying the old-fashioned ways the villagers lived and believed.
The series did end on a cliffhanger and was followed up by two more movies. Young children will not understand or enjoy the series as much, so I would say this would be for older children if they have a desire to watch.
The complete Christy DVD set is available here for you to add to your family tv series collection.
My age rating: (14 and up)
The series did end on a cliffhanger and was followed up by two more movies. Young children will not understand or enjoy the series as much, so I would say this would be for older children if they have a desire to watch.
The complete Christy DVD set is available here for you to add to your family tv series collection.
My age rating: (14 and up)
This series is more for adults but teens may actually enjoy watching the siblings’ bond together over various life trials and triumphs. They never are too busy to share some ice cream and give each other advice where they need it. The family love throughout all the series is heartfelt and makes you want to be a part of the O’Brien family.
It is a refreshing series for these times and one I truly admire. Filled with life lessons and changes, as well as healing from the past, this TV series is a very enjoyable one.
All six seasons of Chesapeake Shores are streaming on Hallmark Movies Now. The DVD sets are available here if you want to collect those!
My age rating: (14 and up)
It is a refreshing series for these times and one I truly admire. Filled with life lessons and changes, as well as healing from the past, this TV series is a very enjoyable one.
All six seasons of Chesapeake Shores are streaming on Hallmark Movies Now. The DVD sets are available here if you want to collect those!
My age rating: (14 and up)
One of the newest on the list, The Chosen series is the best Bible-based drama series that I have seen. The story follows Jesus’s life as he walked this earth sharing his teachings along the way. You can see his relationship with each of his disciples come alive in this series and this makes it truly touching.
Some of the scenes may be too much for younger children and they may need some help understanding the stories. Again, watch on your own and determine for yourself what you want to share with your children. The lessons in The Chosen are real and can make the Bible come alive to many.
The Chosen can be streamed for free on various platforms, making it super easy for you to enjoy. Or you can start collecting the seasons on DVD at Christianbook.
My age rating: (9-12 and up… you decide what your children can watch)
Some of the scenes may be too much for younger children and they may need some help understanding the stories. Again, watch on your own and determine for yourself what you want to share with your children. The lessons in The Chosen are real and can make the Bible come alive to many.
The Chosen can be streamed for free on various platforms, making it super easy for you to enjoy. Or you can start collecting the seasons on DVD at Christianbook.
My age rating: (9-12 and up… you decide what your children can watch)
I hope you have enjoyed both these posts of all the TV series that you and your family can watch and enjoy together. I love the time to come together and watch a show – learning from all the characters and laughing together. Having a series with many episodes to watch together is sometimes easier than finding a movie and it makes everyone even more excited to know what is happening next with their favorite characters.
Let me know what other shows you and your family enjoy!
*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.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 ESV
