My kids are in college and high school, and I agree that watching a TV series can be a good way to open up discussions on many topics with your teen. That said, though, I'd suggest that you consider whether your son is going to be comfortable watching sex scenes with you. DH and I have always been very open about talking with our kids about sex, but talking is very different from watching. I realize this is a very personal matter, but it's something for you to think about.

So, what to watch? Like a PP, I'd recommend Friday Night Lights, though it might be a better choice for a kid who's a bit older -- 14 or even 15, I'd say. I watched this with my oldest son when he was in HS and was amazed by how much he opened up to me as he commented on the plot and characters. When he first suggested that we watch it, I wasn't sure whether we'd stick with it. The setting -- a public high school in small-town Texas seemed really far from his experience at a DC private school. To my surprise, though, we both really loved the show. (Though I don't know if he ever figured out he wasn't Tim Riggins or Matt Saracen, but is really Landry.)

My middle son and I loved The Office; even though it's a comedy and got pretty over the top toward the end, it deals with a lot of themes that kids are sorting through: friendship, love, finding common ground with people with whom you have little in common, work and it's place in your values system. My daughter and I are really hooked on Switched at Birth, though, again, this is probably best for high school kids. This show has a lot to say about what makes a family, how to be a friend, love, identity, diversity and multiculturalism.

OP, one older show you might consider is "The Wonder Years". The main character is a boy in middle-school or early high school, and I can recall watching it a few times and thinking that his voice was spot on. I'm sure it's very innocent compared to a lot of TV today, but It think it would still have a lot to offer kids now.

Dr. Who, Buffy, Big Bang Theory

What about Survivorman. Also, Morgan Spurlock has a new show, Inside Man. Neither are non-fiction.

Are you looking for something current or an older show?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Breaking Bad. True Blood. Sons of Anarchy.

Along those same lines, Walking Dead is coming back on soon. Has some Survivor like elements to it

I hope these are all jokes as suggestions to watch with a 13 yr old.

Friday Night Lights.

Anonymous wrote:Breaking Bad. True Blood. Sons of Anarchy.

Along those same lines, Walking Dead is coming back on soon. Has some Survivor like elements to it

Anonymous wrote:Breaking Bad. True Blood. Sons of Anarchy.

None of these are appropriate for a 13 year old. Especially one who has only been allowed to watch Survivor.

What about Dr. Who, Eureka, Warehouse 13?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Breaking Bad. True Blood. Sons of Anarchy.

True Blood? You can't be serious. First of all, there aren't any redeemable themes in it to discuss with a teenager. Also, no violence was one of the criteria. It's absolutely and totally inappropriate for a 13 yr old boy. Good grief. It grosses my husband out half the time.

+1. I never got the appeal of most of the shows on HBO that everyone is so enamored by.

Pawn stars, duck dynasty, arrested development, modern family, the middle, bad ink, man vs. food, chopped, master chef, hillbilly handfishing, diners driving and dives,

Anonymous wrote:Breaking Bad. True Blood. Sons of Anarchy.

True Blood? You can't be serious. First of all, there aren't any redeemable themes in it to discuss with a teenager. Also, no violence was one of the criteria. It's absolutely and totally inappropriate for a 13 yr old boy. Good grief. It grosses my husband out half the time.

Breaking Bad. True Blood. Sons of Anarchy.

Firefly? Buffy....?

Those have some violence but not HBO level violence. Buffy is set in high school....

well all my kids (10, 12, 14) liked dowton abbey. boys and girls! we get it thru roku. tons of series availbale there.

Maybe The Fosters on ABC Family? It has both teen boys and girls in it. The summer season is over, but it's available on demand on Fios.

I'm looking for a good TV series to watch with a 13 yr old boy. Does anyone have any suggestions? In the past, he's enjoyed Survivor, but if I have to watch another (27 seasons!?!?!) episode, I might leave for deserted island.

I'm looking for something with a bit more substance, where perhaps the episodes can lead to some conversations of substance. Seems to be more shows out there that might appeal to girls (a la Gilmore Girls). Doesn't have to be a recent show, I'm just not coming up with anything. Sex is ok, lots of violence is not. Help, pls?

Thanks!