Mid-season shows are starting to pop up on the schedule, so we're working through the new stuff to figure out what's worth sharing with kids and what's not. We've spotted a few good family-friendly picks in the upcoming week's TV schedule (Jan. 19-25) including new shows, favorite movies, and classics we love. As always, read the reviews to see if these shows are right for your family. Check your local listings for air times.
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THURSDAY
American Idol , 10+ : J. Lo , Steven Tyler , and Randy Jackson are in Pittsburgh for the last auditions for the 11th season. Watch as the judges weed the talented from the just plain weird.
Secret Circle , 12+ : Cassie tries to figure out how her father died in order to prevent a witchy disaster. Who can she turn to for answers?
FRIDAY
Jessie , 7+ : Jessie and her group of young charges face new obstacles with optimism. The cheerful nanny helps Zuri open a lemonade stand inside their apartment building -- very sweet.
Generator Rex , 11+: The thoughtful Rex find that the mutant he and Noah are transporting has the ability to interfere with his own powers.
SATURDAY
Jake and the Neverland Pirates , 3+: When a sea witch casts a spell on the Pirate Princess (voiced by Tori Spelling ), Jake and the gang help out. Also, the young musical mateys help return a rainbow wand.
The Notebook , 14+: This super steamy romance with Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams is based on a book by Nicholas Sparks. But be prepared with a box of tissues for the World War II-set drama, you will weep!
SUNDAY
Undercover Boss , 10+ : Every episode sends a CEO undercover as an entry-level worker to get a close-up view of what it takes to make the company run. This week a service-industry CEO checks out what it's like on the front lines.
Downton Abbey (aka Masterpiece Classic), 13+ : The second season of this absorbing costume drama is fully underway, and World War I is bringing major changes to the stilted world of upper class Britain.
MONDAY
Geek Charming , 8+ : This sweet story models positive relationships among teens when a snobby girl learns to change her ways after an encounter with a "film geek."
Antiques Roadshow , 10+ : You never know what will pop up when real folks comb through their attics. Appraisers visit Eugene, Oregon, hunting for this week's treasure.
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TUESDAY
Level Up , 9+ : What started as a fun fantasy-action movie for tweens and teens turns into a full-fledged series in this debut episode. When a video game character makes its way into the real world, the teens must work together to figure out what to do.
Glee , 13+ : Sure, it's a repeat, but teens who can't get enough of the McKinley High misfits won't mind. This week, Brittany wants to help Kurt with his student body president run.
WEDNESDAY
Planet Earth , 6+ : This stunning hi-def series explores the shallow seas tonight. Kids and up will be fascinated by the creatures and plants that humans rarely get to see in such detail.
Another Cinderella Story , 9+ : We all know the story of Cinderella, but in this tween-friendly movie, Selena Gomez brings fresh pop fun to an old tale.
