5 Netflix Shows to Watch With Your Preteen Boy

 

Art from Nickelodeon

 

By Jonathon Reed

I often get asked what advice I have for parents who are in the midst of raising sons. My answer is almost always about building and maintaining authentic connection.

Connection is everything.

One of the best to connect with young people is by sharing time with them. We know that. It is, however, sometimes easier said than done. When did you last sit beside your son and play Call of Duty or Forza? When did you last shoot hoops or go for a bike ride?

As we head into the holiday season, consider snuggling up for a TV show. Make some space on the couch and make it a weekly ritual. Here are some shows that you will both enjoy.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

 
 

I unabashedly refer to it as the best cartoon ever made. Avatar: The Last Airbender is full of fun-loving characters, exciting storylines and incredible emotional depth. I can’t think of any other show that takes things so seriously with so much fun. Zuko!

“10 years after its series finale, Aang and his friends’ adventure is revered as one of the greatest feats of animation to date. The Last Airbender teaches without trying—and is a shining example of what it means to show unconditional devotion to a greater cause.” — Sarah Shoen

Sweet Tooth

 
 

An unexpected adaptation of a unique comic book series that tackles personal challenges like belonging and family within a landscape of wide-sweeping social issues. Mad Max meets Bambi.

“A charming coming-of-age story wrapped in postapocalyptic tragedy, Sweet Tooth manages to address its horrific circumstances with tenderness and warmth.” — Oliver Sava

Lost in Space

 
 

A well-loved favourite of the youth in our free Discord server, NGM Alliance, Lost in Space sees a young boy navigate his fear, his self-worth, his relationship with his family—plus an alien robot. Danger. Will. Robinson.

“It’s not dark, or gritty. It has a little bit of everything: humour, action, aliens, danger, mystery, and plot holes you can drive a flying saucer through. But you can actually watch it with your kids and parents and have a good time. And I’m here for that.” — Davette See

A Series of Unfortunate Events

 
 

A remarkable adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s iconic book series, A Series of Unfortunate Events is a stylish dark comedy that honours the integrity, determination and helplessness of childhood. Watch for Sunny in season three.

“Unlike the adults, the Baudelaires don't get frustrated or angry at the situation, and instead approach their miseries and the general buffoonery around them with kindness, respect and curiosity, no matter what new hell is thrown at them.” — Akhil Arora

Everything Sucks!

 
 

Reminded me of a kid-friendly Freaks and Geeks with the heartbreak, self-discovery, peer pressure and put-your-best-foot-forward honesty that is freshman year of high school. 1996.

“Yes, this is another sentimental coming-of-age comedy-drama but it's one that does become quite involving and affecting, thanks in large part to an achingly vulnerable performance by Canadian youngster Peyton Kennedy.” — Brad Newsome

Read more: Are you wishing your child would spend a little less time on the screen? Check out 6 Action-Packed YA Novels With Positive Role Models for Boys.

Written by Next Gen Men Program Manager Jonathon Reed as part of Learnings & Unlearnings, a bi-weekly blog reflecting on our experiences working with boys and young men. Subscribe to Future of Masculinity to get Learnings & Unlearnings delivered to your email inbox.

Learnings & Unlearnings, ReviewsJonathon ReedYouth, Parenting