42 Best TV-PG Movies to Watch (Page 3)

Children’s television isn’t likely going to be controversial, daring, or particularly groundbreaking, but certain shows acknowledge that they can impact the way their audience views the world. Luz: The Light of the Heart has a familiar Disney-esque plot of a child going on an adventure to learn more about her roots, but through that basic formula, the first Brazilian Netflix kid series takes the opportunity to respectfully portray the indigenous Kaingang community in their plot, who takes care of and is more knowledgeable about the natural land, and whose teachings may be acknowledged if Luz, potential land heiress, manages to find out the truth. There are some of the standard childish shenanigans, like privileged boarding school drama that occurs when Luz enters the school, but overall, Luz: The Light of the Heart isn’t a bad choice if you’re looking for something to watch with children.

Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Kids

Actor: Dandara Albuquerque, Daniel Rocha, Gabriela Moreyra, Marianna Santos, Maurício Destri

Director: Thiago Teitelroit

Rating: TV-PG

It’s a Hallmark welcome from the get-go, as we open to a flashback of the day a family breaks apart, then quickly transitioning to present time with workaholic Abby and all her work drama. The lines are universally cheesy, stiff, and generally atrocious (and that’s with the Hallmark consideration). There is some sincerity and gentleness to the handling of the parents’ separation, as well as the family side of the drama. But the same can’t be said for the reconnection of the two ex-lovers. The three sisters’ dynamic is arguably the biggest spark the show produces, which is a shame given it’s a tertiary priority compared to the lovey dovey story.

Genre: Drama, Romance

Actor: Andrew Francis, Barbara Niven, Brendan Penny, Diane Ladd, Emilie Ullerup, Jesse Metcalfe, Laci J. Mailey, Laci Mailey, Meghan Ory, Robert Buckley, Treat Williams

Rating: TV-PG

This competition series is a tribute to the art of artsy baking, while not being as over the top saccharine as something like a Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge. I can’t put my finger on why, but the contestants stumbling and bumbling around feels on brand for this show specifically. Perhaps the show just does a great job taking itself as seriously as it needs to: the talking heads are bubbly, along with contestants and judges’ commentary, making the show feel pleasant and focused as a result. Still, it’s a baking competition, and there’s only so much you can do with the genre. Like any dessert, it can probably be inviting in moderation.

Genre: Reality

Actor: Bill Yosses, Bryan Ford, Jason Biggs, Sandra Lee

Rating: TV-PG

The presentation is high energy and aggressive (in a fun way), conveying both the competitive and communal nature of a barbecue cook-off show. But something about it is just anxiety triggering. Some challenges and time limits feel arbitrary, falling back on “well, it’s a challenge” to justify itself. The huge cash prize is a given, but it just feels more high stress than it needs to be, like grade schoolers trying to impress the principal. Of course, none of that is on the participants who are a joy to watch; and it’s fair to argue that over-dramatic flair is a staple of competition shows, but there are also many others that have utilized it much more pleasantly.

Genre: Reality

Actor: Kevin Bludso, Melissa Cookston

Rating: TV-PG

If you’ve seen the original film by Monty Python member Terry Gilliam, then you might be disappointed by Taika Waititi’s 10-episode adaptation of the time-traveling romp. It’s less out there, catered as it is to young kids, and less tight too. A camera lingers for two seconds longer here, a reaction isn’t given 100% there—they’re small missteps, but they do add up to a mediocre whole. Other than that, the series is undeniably charming. It’s educational and entertaining in equal measure, and the hilarious banter between Lisa Kudrow’s Penelope and Tuck’s Kevin gives the show its edge. It’s naturally, almost unintentionally sweet—the more Penelope and the bandits push Kevin away, the more apparent their care for him is. The show’s quirky sense of humor recalls Waititi’s other shows, specifically Our Flag Means Death and What We Do in the Shadows, while also employing a more kid-friendly approach, a la Doctor Who. It has its faults, but it’s all good fun that might even inspire young kids to review their history lessons this summer.

Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Actor: Kal-El Tuck, Lisa Kudrow, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Rune Temte, Tadhg Murphy

Rating: TV-PG

Imagine a travel show hosted by someone with zero interest in travel. It can go either of two ways: you can hate the guy for his ignorance or love him for trying anyway. Thankfully, veteran comedian Eugene Levy falls in the latter category in the aptly titled series The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy. Here, the unadventurous 75-year-old gets out of his comfort zone and finally explores a world that, according to him, he’s spent his entire life avoiding. Levy may not be a cultural connoisseur, but he’s a pleasant presence with nice comedic timing, warm people skills, and a big sense of gratitude, so really, what’s not to like? 

Genre: Documentary

Actor: Eugene Levy

Rating: TV-PG

This series feels classic and cute, but also really questionable. It has whimsical fantasy elements injected into its main sports journey format that is easy to care about, and especially commendable given the fact that it circles around the dramatization of a sport as dry as golf. But the dynamic between Gawain and Ms. Kiria (at least in the early going) is unwatchably weird and can be cause to just dip from the show. Makes you wonder who this show is for, because while everything feels like well-done albeit tired untouchable-young-protagonist tropes, there is that promise of freaky humor that gets in the way and serves no real purpose, as if conceding that golf wasn’t a good enough hook.

Genre: Animation, Drama

Actor: Atsumi Tanezaki, Eiji Takemoto, Kaede Hondo, Katsuyuki Konishi, Misaki Kuno, Shunsuke Takeuchi, You Taichi, Yumi Uchiyama, Yumiri Hanamori, Yuto Uemura

Rating: TV-PG

With political intrigue, deceit, and romance, Captivating the King has all the elements we’re familiar with in Korean sageuk romances. It’s easy to appreciate the impeccable production design and every time Jo Jung-suk pulls at the heartstrings through the Grand Prince Jinhan’s tears, but the series starts incredibly slowly. Apparently, before Hee-soo can captivate said king, the first few episodes must delve into every single detail that made the prince into a king. This does help set up the political landscape Yi In has to operate in, but it keeps its viewers waiting too long for the undercover love story implied by the premise.

Genre: Drama, War & Politics

Actor: Cho Jung-seok, Cho Seong-ha, Lee Sin-young, Park Ye-yeong, Shin Se-kyung

Director: Cho Nam-guk

Rating: TV-PG