Five essential series that celebrate chosen families to watch on Netflix

The Netflix library has carved out a cosy space that is full of shows and films that celebrate the family we choose to have around us rather than the toxic horror shows some of us were born into.

Family isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. For many, the traditional concept of family may not fit their lived experiences. This is where the beauty of chosen families comes into play.

Chosen families do not demand respect or obedience. It is where we often seek mutual support and unwavering love. As the saying goes, “blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” Frequently misconstrued to mean that blood relations are worthier, this phrase actually emphasises the tribe we actively choose over others.

If you’re looking for heartwarming and relatable stories to binge-watch this weekend to feel a little less alone, here are five essential series on Netflix that celebrate chosen families.

Five essential Netflix series that celebrate chosen families:

Sex Education

Created by Laurie Nunn, Sex Education follows the story of Otis Milburn, a socially awkward high school student, his best friend Eric, and their rebellious classmate Maeve Wiley. After they start an underground sex therapy clinic at their school, it brings all kinds of lost souls together over the course of four wonderful seasons. 

The series explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery as the characters navigate the complexities of adolescence. While every character comes from different backgrounds, they manage to form a tight-knit support system bonded by their shared experiences.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Co-created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt follows the titular character, Kimmy, a woman who rebuilds her life in New York City after being rescued from a doomsday cult. 

Her eclectic group of friends include aspiring actor Titus Andromedon, kooky landlady Lillian, and recovering socialite Jacqueline White. Kimmy discovers the true meaning of family as they navigate the ups and downs of adulthood together. While doing so, she also manages to heal the wounds that stem from being abandoned by her parents.

Friends

Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, Friends is a timeless sitcom that follows the lives of six friends—Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—as they navigate love, careers, and young adulthood in New York City. 

From iconic moments to heartwarming experiences, many aspects of Friends have not aged well. It could be chalked down to being a product of its time, but it cannot entirely negate the nostalgic charm of the show.

Grace and Frankie

Created by Marta Kauffman and Howard J. Morris, Grace and Frankie is Friends for elder Millennials. It revolves around two women, Grace Hanson and Frankie Bergstein, whose lives are turned upside down when their husbands announce that they are in love with each other and plan to get married. 

Forced to live together, Grace and Frankie form an unlikely bond as they navigate the challenges of starting over in their golden years. Despite their differences, they learn to rely on each other for support, laughter, and companionship, proving that family is not defined by marriage or blood ties.

Community

Created by Dan Harmon, Community takes the found family trope and runs with it miles ahead. 

Set at Greendale Community College, the core group at the heart of the show is led by ex-lawyer Jeff Winger, who accidentally brings together a clueless hippie (Britta), a single mother (Shirley), a geriatric lone wolf (Pierce), a pop culture fiend (Abed), a former pill addicted perfectionist (Annie), and an ex-popular high school footballer (Troy). Apart from celebrating chosen family bonds, the show is just downright the funniest comedy series of the last decade.