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5 superb classic family TV shows on Netflix now

Classic TV
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Written by Tim Barnes-Clay

Lose yourself in nostalgia with these classic TV shows available on Netflix right now.

While Netflix produces its own fantastic entertainment, it also has lots of classic TV shows on offer. If you’re looking for something to watch with your kids, not only do these shows have an added dose of nostalgia, but you don’t even have to wait for new episodes to come out (which is just so nineties).

Here are five recommendations for the whole family to enjoy together.

Blackadder

Rowan Atkinson stars in the celebrated BBC sitcom that takes place in a different historical period each series. Going from the Middle Ages right up to the First World War, the show follows Blackadder as he comes up with cunning schemes to improve his social standing with a little help from Baldrick, his dim-witted servant. Kids will love the show’s silly humour while also learning about famous historical figures (sort of).

Watch on Netflix.

Star Trek: The Original Series

The granddaddy of TV sci-fi is just as unworldly and inventive as it was when it first aired in 1966. Join Captain Kirk, Mister Spock and the gang from the starship Enterprise on their mind-bending adventures through space – the final frontier. Once you get through the whole series, you can follow it up with its sequel show Star Trek: The Next Generation, also available on Netflix.

Watch on Netflix.

Jonathan Creek

This amusing mystery show features Alan Davies as Jonathan Creek, a man who designs magical illusions and solves murder mysteries in his spare time. He’s joined by investigative journalist Maddy Magellan, played by Caroline Quentin. Ideal for tea time viewing, Jonathan Creek has just the right balance of absurdity (he lives in a windmill!) and intelligent writing.

Watch on Netflix.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

The nineties sitcom that started Will Smith’s acting career. This show is a classic fish-out-of water story. Smith stars as a working-class teenager from Philadelphia who moves in with his super-rich uncle and aunt in Bel-Air, California. Come for the legendary theme song, stay for the show’s heart-warming portrayal of black family life in America.

Watch on Netflix.

SpongeBob SquarePants

It’s amazing to think that next year marks the 20th year of SpongeBob SquarePants on television. This iconic kid’s show follows the hopelessly optimistic SpongeBob and his friends in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. The show’s whacky comedy and clever writing gave the show a substantial cult following amongst grown-ups.

Watch on Netflix.