‘Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge,’ ‘Cruel Summer’ & More Family-Friendly Shows to Stream
When it comes to TV for the family, there’s something for every age group, whether you’re looking for tyke-friendly programming with Netflix‘s Not Quite Narwhal or Freeform‘s teen-focused drama Cruel Summer.
Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what’s appropriate for the viewers in your home, though. But fear not because we’re sharing a slate full of shows good for a variety of age ranges. Scroll down for a peek into the must-see programming available for families at every stage.
This is an excerpt from TV Insider’s July issue. For more in-depth, reported coverage devoted to streaming shows from the publishers of TV Guide Magazine, pick up the issue, currently on newsstands or purchase it online here. You can also subscribe to TV Insider Magazine here now.
PRESCHOOL: Not Quite Narwhal (Netflix)
In this adorable DreamWorks series based on a bestselling kids’ book by Jessie Sima, turquoise unicorn Kelp (voiced by Nevin Kar) has been raised under the sea with his family of narwhals. When he learns of the land above — and that he’s actually a different type of horned creature — he ventures out of the ocean. This comedy adventure with a focus on inclusivity really might be all rainbows!
PRESCHOOL: Pupstruction (Disney+)
In the town of Petsburg, young corgi Phinny (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) is a dreamer — and a builder. With help from his crew of construction pups, Phinny problem-solves and uses his imagination to improve his community in a paws-itive way. The animated series, which has already been renewed for a second season, features a song per episode from composer Rob Cantor (The Ghost and Molly McGee).
ELEMENTARY: Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai (Max)
Ever wonder about the early days of lovable Mogwai Gizmo from 1984’s Gremlins? This magical series takes us back to the 1920s, when a young Sam Wing (voiced by Izaac Wang) agrees to take Gizmo back home. (He’ll grow up to be store owner Mr. Wing in the film.) They encounter both colorful monsters and evil Gremlins through the Chinese countryside. Parents may recognize the voices of Ming-Na Wen, Matthew Rhys, and BD Wong.
TWEENS: My Adventures with Superman (Max)
Jack Quaid (The Boys) lends his voice to a twentysomething Clark Kent for this new Adult Swim cartoon about the Man of Steel’s early days of fighting crime and falling for a young Lois Lane (Alice Lee). Series Premiere, Friday, July 7
TWEENS: Ghostwriter (Apple TV+)
In this mystery series — a revival of the ’90s show — a bookstore ghost releases fictional characters into the real world, and middle schoolers must get them back onto the page. Occasional fabulous guest stars like Neil Patrick Harris and Jean Smart as kids’ book characters make these three seasons a must-watch.
FOR EVERYONE: Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge (Peacock)
Get ready to joyride with your inner child as your favorite toy cars come to life on this NBC competition series (new episodes stream Wednesdays on Peacock). Longtime car and Hot Wheels enthusiasts compete by transforming ordinary vehicles that they have a personal connection to, such as their first car, in about a week. The results are extraordinary—and unrecognizable. One 1998 Dodge Caravan gets tricked out into a Grim Reaper–inspired monster truck with glow-in-the-dark accents.
Each episode’s winner peels off with $25,000 and a chance to return. In the finale, three finalists transform another vehicle to nab $50,000 and to have their design made into an official in-store Hot Wheels toy.
Which is a big deal, as host Rutledge Wood (Top Gear USA) notes of the now-die-cast toys that started on shelves in 1968. “Hot Wheels are the most attainable toy on the planet,” he says. “It’s one of those things that doesn’t know economic barriers or status.”
Speaking of status, celebrity guests ride shotgun throughout the season, like Anthony Anderson, Jay Leno, and Joel McHale. Ultimately, though, it’s about family ties. “I got into cars because of my dad, and he got into cars because of his dad—it’s such a generational thing,” says Wood. “I think kids, parents, and grandparents will be able to sit and watch this together in a totally unique way.” —Isaac Rouse
TEENS: Cruel Summer
A love triangle develops a deadly edge in Season 2 of the suspenseful Freeform anthology (which streams Tuesdays on Hulu). Lexi Underwood (Little Fires Everywhere) stars as Isabella, a well-traveled exchange student who causes a splash when she comes to live with small-town teen Megan (Sadie Stanley, The Goldbergs) and her family. Over the course of a year — as played out in three timelines — the girls go from foes to BFFs and back as their mutual feelings for Megan’s pal Luke (Griffin Gluck) lead to tragedy. “We know that something [bad] happens,” teases Underwood. “But we don’t know how we get there.” —Damian Holbrook
TEENS: Remix My Space With Marsai Martin (Max)
This heartfelt makeover series rewards do-gooder teens with the space of their absolute dreams. The personalized room revamp comes courtesy of black-ish alum Marsai Martin, with help from designer Tiffany Thompson and carpenter Joanie Sprague. Martin surprises accomplished teens — nominated by their peers — who have gone above and beyond in their communities, from standing up against violence and hate crimes to making care packages for child cancer patients. If your favorite part of design series is the big reveal, you’re going to love this one, as the good-natured recipients exclaim “Woah” and “This is sick!” upon seeing their new quarters.
