Do you have plans for May 15 yet? International Day of Families is just around the corner, and despite our busy schedules, the best way to celebrate it is by getting back to basics: quality time.
This day, promoted by the UN General Assembly since 1993, aims to raise awareness about the challenges families face today and, above all, to remind us how essential it is to enjoy time with our loved ones.
So what better way to celebrate this day than with a great story on the small screen?
Forget endless scrolling and indecision in front of the screen; this year, we’ve done the work for you. The world of streaming is vast, but we’ve selected contemporary gems that explore family dynamics with honesty, humor, and thought-provoking depth.
Join us in exploring these exceptional productions that capture the true essence of modern family dynamics: somewhat chaotic, diverse, yet deeply human.
Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair (2026)
Created by: Linwood Boomer
Where to Watch: Disney+| Hulu
If you sometimes feel like your house is an erupting volcano, the Wilkerson family is back on screen to prove that chaos can always be taken to the next level.
For those who didn’t grow up with the Wilkersons, it all began with Malcolm in the Middle, a groundbreaking comedy that dominated the small screen from 2000 to 2006. The series broke the mold by portraying the daily lives of four brilliant but troubled siblings, under the command of Lois (Jane Kaczmarek), an iron-willed mother, and Hal (Bryan Cranston), a father as clueless as he is devoted.
In an era of perfect TV families, the Wilkersons gave us the freedom to be a mess, and for that we will always be grateful.
Chaos can always be taken to the next level
Now, years later, the story expands with Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair. Premiering on April 10 on Disney+, this sequel picks up the story 20 years later and recaptures that sarcastic spirit we loved so much. Seeing Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, and Jane Kaczmarek again is a treat for fans, but the most interesting part is watching an adult Malcolm deal with his own daughter and his chaotic reality.
Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair is the perfect choice for this May 15 because it shows us that, even as decades pass and children grow up, family ties — with all their craziness — remain the safest haven there is.
It’s a fun invitation to accept that no family is perfect, and that’s precisely where its magic lies.
Sweet Magnolias (2020)
Created by: Sheryl J. Anderson
Where to Watch: Netflix
Based on Sherryl Woods’ book series, Sweet Magnolias on Netflix series stands out for its sense of innocence and kindness, making it ideal for older teens and adults. It’s a feel-good drama that transports us to the charming fictional town of Serenity, South Carolina.
There, we follow Maddie Townsend (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Dana Sue Sullivan (Brooke Elliott), and Helen Decatur (Heather Headley), three best friends who navigate the ups and downs of life, romance, and family together.
Nicknamed by the town as the “Sweet Magnolias” — in honor of the flower that abounds in the southern United States — this group navigates the complex puzzles of middle age, tackling topics such as divorce, single parenting, and the challenge of guiding teenagers through their development.
Mark your calendars! For those already hooked on their stories, the fifth season will land on Netflix on June 11, 2026. It’s the perfect excuse to catch up on May 15 and get ready for new beginnings in Serenity.
Anne With an E (2017)
Created by: Moira Walley-Beckett
Where to Watch: Netflix
This television gem revives the essence of the celebrated novel Anne of Green Gables (1908) by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Set in the late 19th century, the series introduces us to Anne Shirley (Amybeth McNulty), a 13-year-old orphan with an unbreakable spirit and a boundless imagination.
Her life changes forever when she arrives at Green Gables by mistake. There, she finds a home and an unexpected family with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert who, despite their reserved nature, decide to take her in and offer their full support.
The purest home offers us the freedom to flourish just as we are
At Green Gables, Anne’s ideas — often far ahead of her time — finally find a refuge and a space to exist in freedom.
Through her bond with the Cuthberts, we discover that the purest home is one that, far from trying to mold us, offers us the freedom to flourish just as we are. This series brings to the table the importance of unconditional acceptance and respect for one’s identity.
In its essence, it is a tribute to transcendent love and the strength of chosen families.
Atypical (2017)
Created by: Robia Rashid
Where to Watch: Netflix
“What does it really mean to be normal?” This is the central question of Atypical, a touching coming-of-age story that follows Sam Gardner (Keir Gilchrist), a 19-year-old on the autism spectrum who is determined to gain his independence.
Over the course of the seasons, we watch as Sam navigates his path of self-discovery — on a journey that’s as funny as it is emotional — while his parents and sister learn to let go of their overprotectiveness and grow up alongside him.
Ultimately, this series reminds us of an invaluable lesson: no family is perfect, and “normal” is overrated.
Fuller House (2016)
Created by: Jeff Franklin
Where to Watch: Netflix
For those unfamiliar with the Tanners, the story began with Full House, a television phenomenon that aired from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s.
The plot followed the growth of the three Tanner sisters under the guidance of three unforgettable father figures: their widowed father, Danny (Bob Saget), their Uncle Jesse (John Stamos), and the family’s best friend, Joey (Dave Coulier). Back then, few shows were as successful; in fact, many of us who grew up during those years longed to be part of that household.
Years later, Fuller House arrived on Netflix as a reboot that faithfully respects the essence and structure of the original series, combining wholesome humor with touching moments.
This time, the story centers on D.J. Tanner-Fuller (Candace Cameron Bure), a veterinarian and recently widowed mother who, feeling overwhelmed by raising her three children, receives support from her sister Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and her best friend Kimmy (Andrea Barber).
Together, they return to their iconic San Francisco home to tackle life as a team, creating a dynamic filled with laughter, nostalgia, and valuable lessons.
This is such a heartwarming production that it’s impossible to watch an episode without everyone at home — from the little ones to the adults — ending up smiling in unison.
Modern Family (2009)
Created by: Christopher Lloyd y Steven Levitan
Where to Watch: Disney+
This multi-Emmy Award-winning series revolutionized family comedy with its “mockumentary” style. Through on-camera interviews and everyday situations, the plot follows three households connected by patriarch Jay Pritchett (Ed O’Neill).
Modern Family invites us to laugh at our own imperfections and celebrate unity in diversity
From the very first episode, the series immerses us in the reality of these families: Jay and his wife Gloria (Sofía Vergara), who brings her multicultural energy; his daughter Claire (Julie Bowen), dealing with the chaos of her three children and the antics of her husband Phil (Ty Burrell); and their son Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), who, along with his partner Cameron (Eric Stonestreet), adopts a little girl.
Throughout its 11 seasons, Modern Family honestly portrays how families — whether traditional, multicultural, or diverse — face the challenges of living together and raising children.
It’s a show that invites us to laugh at our own imperfections and celebrate unity in diversity.
Final thoughts
Happy International Day of Families! May these stories serve as the perfect excuse to connect, laugh, and strengthen the bonds that keep us together.