Wholesome TV Picks | Clean Family-Friendly TV Show & Movie Recommendations for Busy Parents
Wholesome TV Picks | Clean Family-Friendly TV Show & Movie Recommendations for Busy Parents

Wholesome TV Picks | Clean Family-Friendly TV Show & Movie Recommendations for Busy Parents

Jennifer | Your Wholesome TV Expert

Overview
Episodes

Details

You scroll for 20 minutes trying to find something family-friendly to watch, only to get burned by surprise language, adult jokes, or themes that don’t match your values hiding inside “family” TV shows.Rating systems don't tell you about the subtle innuendo, surprise profanity, or questionable messages. You've tried Common Sense Media, scrolled through Reddit threads, maybe even frantically grabbed the remote. And it's not your fault. Between work, meal prep, and everything else on your plate, you don't have time to preview everything yourself.This isn't another entertainment podcast reviewing what's trending on Netflix or Hulu. We're sharing recommendations from 35+ years of watching wholesome TV—content families have trusted for generations.As a homeschool mom of 3 who grew up watching thousands of hours of family TV, Jennifer is not your average entertainment reviewer—she already knows where the truly clean content is. Because anyone can tell you what's new on streaming services, but they're not vetting every episode for inappropriate content. You need good shows to watch with your kids that align with your family's values—and that's exactly what we're here for.Expect one thoroughly vetted family-friendly recommendation every Wednesday. Shows and movies you can confidently press play on—the kind of "why didn't anyone tell me about this sooner?!" picks.So if you're ready to break out of the "what can we watch tonight?" struggle and stop settling for shows that don't reflect your family's values, welcome to the podcast that's about to change family movie night for you. Hit follow and let's dive in.Popular picks include: Lassie, MacGyver, A Goofy Movie, The Torkelsons, The Girl From Tomorrow, Rescue 911, The Black Stallion, and more.Find more: wholesome TV, family-friendly movies, clean content, good shows to watch with kids, family movie recommendations, kid-friendly entertainment, kids TV, and family entertainment perfect for family time.

Recent Episodes

‘Stalking Back’ is the Clean Family Movie for Teen Safety
JAN 28, 2026
‘Stalking Back’ is the Clean Family Movie for Teen Safety
<p>This wholesome tv pick proves made-for-TV movies can deliver powerful family conversations without the Hollywood price tag. Moment of Truth: Stalking Back (1993) tackles a terrifying real-life story about a mother who refused to stay helpless when the law couldn't stop her daughter's stalker—balancing clean content with real tension, courage, and and timeless values about protecting family. It’s a strong choice for busy parents looking for wholesome entertainment that older kids and teens will actually watch while opening the door to important safety conversations.</p><p>📌<strong> Episode Highlights:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Real Terror, Real Empowerment:</strong> How Linda Anello's true story became a family-friendly thriller that shows one determined parent CAN make a difference—even when legislators say they have "bigger problems."</li><li><strong>The Dad Debate:</strong> Why Nelson's restraint matters and what families can learn about working within the law when every instinct screams otherwise.</li><li><strong>More Urgent Than Ever: </strong>Why this 30-year-old movie about stalking hits harder today—plus how it opens conversations with teens (especially girls) about recognizing dangerous attention before it escalates.</li></ul><p><strong>🔗Episode Links:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/stalking-back-is-the-clean-family-movie-for-teen-safety/">View full transcript</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/ambers-story-is-the-clean-movie-every-parent-should-watch-with-their-kids/">Episode 14 – <em>Amber's Story</em></a>: Another powerful made-for-TV movie about a mother's persistence that birthed the Amber Alert system protecting thousands of children today.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/7yqzNssaiFU?si=oHvlztpp3ezj2txX&amp;t=70">Rescue 911 Episode</a>: The story of a 28 year old woman from Menlo Park, CA whose stalker got to her in 1990</li></ul><p>📺<strong>Where to Watch 'Moment of Truth: Stalking Back':</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/QzeYwqo0aM8?si=9z0WJrjO5J1HCmdx">YouTube</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://archive.org/details/moment-of-truth-stalking-back-1993-shanna-reed-paul-rudd">Archive.org</a></li></ul><p><strong>💖Support the Show</strong></p><ul><li>Want more family-friendly movies and good shows to watch with kids? Join my email list for weekly wholesome picks <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/starthere"><strong>delivered to your inbox</strong></a>!</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ratethispodcast.com/wholesometvpicks">Leave a quick review</a> because it helps more families find family entertainment with timeless values.</li><li>Enjoy the episode? You can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="underline" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/wholesometvpicks">buy me a coffee</a> to help keep these wholesome picks coming.</li></ul><p>✨ Bonus ways to spread the word:</p><ul><li>Share your favorite episode with a friend who loves wholesome content.</li><li>Send Jennifer <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WholesomeTVPicks">a voicemail </a>and share your thoughts!</li></ul>
play-circle icon
7 MIN
‘Black Stallion Returns’ Is a Wholesome Family Movie Kids Love to Rewatch
JAN 21, 2026
‘Black Stallion Returns’ Is a Wholesome Family Movie Kids Love to Rewatch
<p>This family movie recommendation proves sequels can deliver the same emotional power as the original—without the usual Hollywood letdown. <em>The Black Stallion Returns</em> (1983) follows a boy's courageous journey across continents to rescue his beloved horse, offering busy parents a rare gem of wholesome content to watch with your family, featuring stunning real animal acting that CGI can't replicate. Perfect for horse-loving kids and families seeking clean content that combine adventure, heart, and timeless values about love and sacrifice.</p><p>📌<strong> Episode Highlights:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Real Animal Magic</strong>: Why Cass Ole's performance as the Black Stallion creates emotional connections no computer-generated animal can match.</li><li><strong>A Boy's Courageous Journey</strong>: How Alec travels alone to North Africa teaching kids what it means to go the distance for someone irreplaceable.</li><li><strong>Love vs. Want</strong>: The heartbreaking sacrifice Alec makes that shows children what it means to put someone else's needs above your own desires.</li></ul><p><strong>🔗Episode Links:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/the-black-stallion-returns-is-a-clean-wholesome-family-movie-kids-rewatch/">View full transcript</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://welovearabianhorses.com/the-black-stallion/">We Love Arabians Cass-Ole Gallery</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=936757148522175">Corky Randall with Cass-Ole Behind-the-Scenes</a></li></ul><p>📺<strong>Where to Watch 'The Black Stallion Returns':</strong></p><p><strong>*</strong><em>Requires purchase or subscription</em><strong>*</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogYVMjImhSQ">YouTube Movies</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tubitv.com/movies/303007/the-black-stallion-returns">Tubi TV</a></li><li>*<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/The-Black-Stallion-Returns/140439?CMP=NSP_JustWatch~FAH">Fandango</a></li><li>*<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-black-stallion-returns/umc.cmc.nv5szrpo76hmbdtuostytu46?playableId=tvs.sbd.9001%253A347684628">Apple TV</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.06a9f692-1833-3716-e741-bf2de63b83e6?token=ADE07EB7B9E7DB86DEEEF0D5D4FC5F0B5FB44D3F">Prime Video</a></li></ul><p><strong>💖Support the Show</strong></p><ul><li>Want more family-friendly movies and good shows to watch with kids? Join my email list for weekly wholesome picks <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/starthere"><strong>delivered to your inbox</strong></a>!</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ratethispodcast.com/wholesometvpicks">Leave a quick review</a> because it helps more families find family entertainment with timeless values.</li><li>Enjoy the episode? You can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="underline" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/wholesometvpicks">buy me a coffee</a> to help keep these wholesome picks coming.</li></ul><p>✨ Bonus ways to spread the word:</p><ul><li>Share your favorite episode with a friend who loves wholesome content.</li><li>Send Jennifer <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WholesomeTVPicks">a voicemail </a>and share your thoughts!</li></ul>
play-circle icon
10 MIN
‘Mr. Belvedere’ Is the Clean Family TV Show That Brings Families Together
JAN 14, 2026
‘Mr. Belvedere’ Is the Clean Family TV Show That Brings Families Together
<p>This wholesome TV favorite saves busy parents from endless scrolling with a genuinely funny, values-driven sitcom that still works for family night. 'Mr. Belvedere' delivers laugh-out-loud comedy, strong family bonds, and thoughtful lessons that make it a standout among family-friendly TV shows from the '80s —proof that clean content and positive TV can still be sharp, heartfelt, and meaningful.</p><p>📌<strong> Episode Highlights:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Comedy Without Apology</strong>: How '80s humor—fat jokes, airhead best friends, and all—worked because everyone was fair game, not just one character.</li><li><strong>Top Five Life Themes</strong> — Kindness, empathy, peer pressure, friendship, integrity, and facing hard situations without talking down to kids.</li><li><strong>When TV Took Responsibility</strong> — The powerful PSA episodes (including Wesley’s camp storyline) that show how classic TV once addressed serious topics with care and courage.</li></ul><p><strong>🔗Episode Links:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/mr-belvedere-proves-family-friendly-tv-can-be-wholesome-and-compelling/">View full transcript</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/the-torkelsons-is-among-the-best-family-shows-to-watch-with-kids/"><em>Episode 2</em></a><em> - The Torkelsons: </em>Another wholesome family comedy teaching kids to do the right thing</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/episodes/the-explosive-90s-show-that-taught-kids-to-lead-and-to-care/">Episode 18</a> - <em>Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers</em>: A ’90s TV series favorite packed with teamwork, perseverance, and Golden Rule lessons for kids.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/inside-the-fall-of-wholesome-tv-shows-and-what-you-lost/">Bonus Episode</a> (Oct 29) – Inside the Fall of Wholesome TV Shows and What You Lost</li><li><em>Dave Rubin Podcast</em>: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/f8BBzY3PqMI?si=oSjE7etABvP3GHUA&amp;t=901">Interview with Patricia Heaton</a></li><li><em>PBD Podcast</em>: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/5VHlhhP6qzo?si=BJt17GNiM-nY9N0S&amp;t=3729">Stephen Baldwin discussing the fall of quality movies</a></li></ul><p>📺<strong>Where to Watch 'Mr. Belvedere':</strong></p><ul><li>YouTube (Free): <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHv_sdkXue8&amp;list=PLiZCl6XIGf-iG8N-zUykUmkR7WDtjjep1">Seasons 1-6</a></li></ul><p><strong>💖Support the Show</strong></p><ul><li>Want more family-friendly movies and good shows to watch with kids? Join my email list for weekly wholesome picks <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/starthere"><strong>delivered to your inbox</strong></a>!</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ratethispodcast.com/wholesometvpicks">Leave a quick review</a> because it helps more families find family entertainment with timeless values.</li><li>Enjoy the episode? You can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="underline" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/wholesometvpicks">buy me a coffee</a> to help keep these wholesome picks coming.</li></ul><p>✨ Bonus ways to spread the word:</p><ul><li>Share your favorite episode with a friend who loves wholesome content.</li><li>Send Jennifer <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WholesomeTVPicks">a voicemail </a>and share your thoughts!</li></ul>
play-circle icon
11 MIN
Family-Friendly Movie 'The Velveteen Rabbit' Creates Memories That Last Decades
JAN 7, 2026
Family-Friendly Movie 'The Velveteen Rabbit' Creates Memories That Last Decades
<p>This wholesome TV pick proves that a good show doesn’t need noise or flash to leave a lasting mark on your kids’ hearts. <em>The Velveteen Rabbit</em> is a clean movie that delivers gentle storytelling, and timeless lessons about love, loss, and what it really means to belong—making it a safe, meaningful choice for busy parents craving good shows that still teach values.</p><p>In just 30 minutes, this beautifully hand-animated classic offers wholesome entertainment that feels calm, thoughtful, and emotionally rich without being heavy. Perfect for families looking for a good show that sparks connection, comfort, and real conversations—no second-guessing required.</p><p>📌<strong> Episode Highlights:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Love Makes You Real</strong>: Why this gentle story helps kids understand affection, attachment, and worth in a way modern kids’ media often skips.</li><li><strong>Why This Version Matters</strong>: The warmth of hand-drawn animation—and why it gives this wholesome classic more heart than later adaptations.</li><li><strong>A Story That Spans Generations</strong>: How this tale even echoes into adult TV storytelling, including a powerful moment in <em>Cold Case</em>.</li></ul><p><strong>🔗Episode Links:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/family-friendly-movie-the-velveteen-rabbit-creates-memories-that-last-decades//">View full transcript</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/is-cbs-cold-case-worth-watching-for-parents-night-absolutely/"><strong>Episode 16 – <em>Cold Case</em></strong></a>: A thoughtful crime drama that uses clean storytelling and emotional restraint to explore truth, justice, and the memories that shape us.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-velveteen-rabbit-margery-williams/1100308155?ean=9781944686468">'The Velveteen Rabbit' Book</a></li></ul><p>📺<strong>Where to Watch 'The Velveteen Rabbit':</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/cKJLrgJ8B-U?si=y6SNr29fMU8GOhRb">YouTube</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://archive.org/details/velveteen-rabbit-vhs">Archive.org</a></li></ul><p><strong>💖Support the Show</strong></p><ul><li>Want more family-friendly movies and good shows to watch with kids? Join my email list for weekly wholesome picks <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/starthere"><strong>delivered to your inbox</strong></a>!</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ratethispodcast.com/wholesometvpicks">Leave a quick review</a> because it helps more families find family entertainment.</li><li>Enjoy the episode? You can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="underline" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/wholesometvpicks">buy me a coffee</a> to help keep these wholesome picks coming.</li></ul><p>✨ Bonus ways to spread the word:</p><ul><li>Share your favorite episode with a friend who loves wholesome content.</li><li>Send Jennifer <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WholesomeTVPicks">a voicemail </a>and share your thoughts!</li></ul>
play-circle icon
7 MIN
Wholesome TV Picks Episodes Families Keep Coming Back To
DEC 31, 2025
Wholesome TV Picks Episodes Families Keep Coming Back To
<p>Wholesome TV that brought families together in 2025! This wholesome TV roundup closes out the year with the shows and movies families trusted most. It's all clean content that delivered heart, heroism, and timeless values without the stress of asking Google for recommendations. From unforgettable family-friendly movies to bingeable classics kids actually asked to keep watching, these picks made family time easier for busy parents all year long. If you’re looking for wholesome entertainment worth revisiting (or discovering for the first time), start here.</p><p>📌<strong> Episode Highlights:</strong></p><ul><li><strong><em>The Girl from Tomorrow</em>:</strong> A rare sci-fi series kids can safely binge.</li><li><strong><em>Door to Door</em></strong>: An inspiring true story that quietly teaches perseverance, compassion, and refusing to be defined by limitations.</li><li><strong><em>He‑Man &amp; She‑Ra: The Secret of the Sword</em></strong>: clear heroes, and zero agendas. Classic kids entertainment done right.</li><li><strong><em>The Black Stallion</em>:</strong> One of the most breathtaking family-friendly movies ever made,</li><li><strong>Bonus Pick: <em>MacGyver</em>:</strong> The underappreciated ‘80s hero who proved brains beat weapons.</li></ul><p><strong>🔗Episode Links:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/wholesome-tv-picks-episodes-families-keeping-coming-back-to/">View full transcript</a></li><li>Ep. 26: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/safe-for-all-ages-why-the-girl-from-tomorrow-hooks-everyone/"><em>The Girl From Tomorrow</em></a></li><li>Ep. 28: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/door-to-door-is-a-powerful-wholesome-tv-movie-that-proves-limits-dont-define-your-kids/"><em>Door to Door</em></a></li><li>Ep. 31: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/he-man-she-ra-is-the-80s-family-movie-with-zero-agendas/"><em>He-Man &amp; She-Ra: The Secret of the Sword</em></a></li><li>Ep. 32: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/why-the-black-stallion-is-still-the-most-beautiful-wholesome-movie-ever-made/"><em>The Black Stallion</em></a></li><li>Ep. 11: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/macgyver-defines-wholesome-tv-and-still-gets-kids-hooked-today/"><em>MacGyver</em></a></li></ul><p>📺<strong>Where to Watch '2025 Top 5 WTVP':</strong></p><p>All links can be found in each episode's original show notes.</p><p><strong>📰 Featured In</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://discoverpods.com/wholesome-tv-picks/">DiscoverPods</a></li></ul><p><strong>💖Support the Show</strong></p><ul><li>Want more family-friendly movies and good shows to watch with kids? Join my email list for weekly wholesome picks <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wholesometvpicks.com/starthere"><strong>delivered to your inbox</strong></a>!</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ratethispodcast.com/wholesometvpicks">Leave a quick review</a> because it helps more families find family entertainment.</li><li>Enjoy the episode? You can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://buymeacoffee.com/wholesometvpicks">buy me a coffee</a> to help keep these wholesome picks coming.</li></ul><p>✨ Bonus ways to spread the word:</p><ul><li>Share your favorite episode with a friend who loves wholesome content.</li><li>Send Jennifer <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WholesomeTVPicks">a voicemail </a>and share your thoughts!</li></ul>
play-circle icon
6 MIN