10 Must-Watch TV Shows for Kids Aged 9-12 That They'll Love

If you’re feeling worn out from reading or playing board games, watch the series on my list for entertainment. I’ve picked out some incredible TV shows for 9-12-year-olds that are fun to watch together and chat about afterward.

Before we start, I want to give you a description of movie and TV ratings.

Here’s a simple guide to TV ratings:

TV-Y: perfect for kids of all ages, especially those 2-6.

TV-Y7: aimed at kids aged seven and up.

TV-G: not exclusively for kids, but still pretty appropriate for most.

TV-PG: better to avoid for younger kids.

And movies:

G: all ages admitted

PG: parental guidance suggested

PG-13: some material may be inappropriate for kids under 13

If you need more tips, check out my post on choosing a movie for family movie night.

TV shows for 9-12-year-olds you and your kids will enjoy.

10 Must-Watch TV Shows for Kids Aged 9-12 That They'll Love 1

The 10th Kingdom, mini-series 2000 TV-G.

In the series, all the classic fairy-tale characters appear in a new role, and their stories are told differently from those in books. In The 10th Kingdom, the real and fairy-tale worlds come into contact, and the viewer truly worries about the prince in the guise of a dog, waits for the Wolf to become a vegetarian, and squeezes the chair’s armrests when the Hunter goes hunting. Your children will be delighted!

I watched this series probably three times with my niece, and I can watch it again because it’s magical. There is no vulgarity or pretentiousness; even the main villain in the finale acquires a humane image, and it’s a pity for her.

Young Sheldon, 2017 -2024, TV-PG

This show is a prequel to the legendary “The Big Bang Theory.” It is the story of the coming of age of the boy genius Sheldon, who was unlucky enough to be born into a more than ordinary American family in Texas. The family is also unlucky: Sheldon is not just overly bright but also an incredibly complex character—he has as many crazy ideas in his head as he has neural connections.

The plot of each episode is built around a problem that all children and teenagers face. So there will always be an opportunity to discuss: “What would you do in this situation?” Attention: “Spaghetti with hotdogs” can become your daily dish.

Popular Mechanics for Kids, 1997 – 2005 TV-Y

Popular Mechanics for Kids is a Canadian TV show designed to help kids understand how stuff works. The episodes explore a variety of subjects, from animals and body systems to amusement parks, electricity, and airplanes. To keep things fun, they add some sketch comedy bits alongside the learning.

My oldest son loves STEM class and enjoys this show very much.

Wizards of Waverly Place, 2007—2012 TV-G

This show tells the story of three teenage wizards and their adventures. And what child doesn’t like magic?

Three children from one family go to school every day. But after school, they don’t have to do their homework but save the world – because they are wizards, albeit beginners. The plot of each episode is about rivalry, failure, and the difficulties of growing up.

This series is an excellent pastime for children, teenagers, and even adults because they need a little magic in such a cruel world, too.

Lab Rats, 2012—2016 TV-Y7

It’s another series about magic. Three teenagers – two brothers and a sister – were born and raised in the laboratory. Their mission is to save the world. One day, they meet the son of the lab director and go out into the ordinary world. Of course, they are not ready for this – adventures and unexpected discoveries await them.

It is a delightful and good sitcom, well suited for viewers 10-12 years old. It is one of my favorite series.

10 Must-Watch TV Shows for Kids Aged 9-12 That They'll Love 2

Secrets of Sulphur Springs, 2021-2023 TV-PG

Griffin Campbell and his parents move to a city where the family bought an abandoned hotel, which they plan to restore. At school, the boy learns of a local legend: a girl disappeared in a hotel many years ago, and now her ghost lives there. Griffin and his new friends decide to explore the building and find a mysterious portal that allows them to travel through time.

It’s simply a fantastic movie! Such films sink into the soul and develop imaginative thinking, a passion for adventure, and the ability to fantasize.

Spellbinder, 1995 – 1997 TV-Y7

A group of teenagers goes to camp to watch a solar eclipse. The teacher shows them a cave where strange light flashes appear at night. At night, Paul accidentally ends up in a parallel world ruled by a group of people called Sorcerers.

The first thing that needs to be noted is that this is a perfect series for children between 9 and 12 years old. No wonder there are no age restrictions on it. No one hits anyone in the face or other protruding body parts.

Plus, Spellbinder is stuffed to the brim with the most important human values—friendship, mutual assistance, kindness, mutual understanding, the ability to think and collaborate, dedication, devotion, responsiveness, and humanity.

Definitely, this film goes on the shelf under the title “Show it to your children.”

Flight 29 Down, 2005 -2007 TV-Y7

It is the story of the guys who, after a plane crash, find themselves on an uninhabited Pacific island. The pilot and three heroes go to explore the jungle while the seven others remain to wait. They must learn to survive in new conditions, but the main thing is overcoming their fears and problems. Each episode tells about a day of life on the island, with new adventures, new tasks, and developing relationships between the characters.

Flight 29 Down is a response to the acclaimed series ‘Lost‘. It is a child’s view of all life’s problems.

Creeped out, 2017-2019 TV-Y7

This series is aimed at children of the Internet and social networks era. Creeped Out covers topics ranging from internet trolling to video games to beauty standards. However, some truly brilliant episodes tighten the plot and create goosebumps.

Overall, this is definitely a show suitable for those nostalgic for Are You Afraid of the Dark and Tales from the Crypt. The episodes’ plots are sometimes outrageously naive, and the endings are charmingly gloomy.

Mako Mermaids, 2013-2016 TV-G

When 15-year-old Zach goes on a picnic to Mako Island, he does not even suspect his every step is closely monitored by three mermaids – Sirena, Nixie, and Lila- who carefully protect the island from outside interference. But on the full moon, Zack comes into contact with water from the moon’s pond and gains magical powers. Waking up at home in the morning, he discovered a fin instead of legs and the ability to control water. Now, Zack brings many surprises to the mermaids from Mako Island.

This series might seem plain and cardboard, but it’s also super colorful and friendly. Any girl who loves mermaids will be into it. It’s aimed at middle school students. While it doesn’t have a ton of humor, it’s more about being cute and kind, with a few funny situations here and there. Australia is known for making these school series; its beautiful beaches are always visually appealing.

The Mysterious Benedict Society 2021-2022 TV-PG

Honestly, it has been one of my best-loved TV shows for 9-12 years.

Dozens of children respond to an unusual newspaper advertisement. Four of them are tested, and four pass the most challenging tests: Rainey, Kate, Gvozdyk, and Constance. The mysterious and eccentric Mr. Benedict selected them because they were the only ones able to cope with a very important task.

The show is very stylish and beautiful, and it’s great for children who love logic and thinking tasks. Mystery, intrigue, and detective elements are also present, so it’s impossible to tear yourself away from the series, even if you’re an adult.

Final words

I hope you found a perfect show for your next family movie night. These series can be a great way for kids to engage with stories and characters that resonate with their experiences and interests.

Thank you from our guest post author for sharing this with us today!

About Olga from Goodmoviefinder.com

Hi! I’m Olga. From a young age, I’ve loved both cinema and psychology. I often thought, “Can a movie serve as a personal therapist?” The answer is a definite yes! A well-crafted film can really touch the heart and mind.

For more, swing by the Good Movie Finder blog at https://goodmoviefinder.com.