6 TV Shows About Adoption

We're glad that adoption is becoming more prevalent in mainstream entertainment. However, like with many other complex topics, dramatizations tend to miss the nuances. These TV shows about adoption are often entertaining, and even occasionally educational. But, they also show how far we have to go as a culture to truly understanding what adoption means.

If you’re interested in learning more about the adoption process, then you can call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out this contact form to get more free information now. We’d be happy to help!

6 TV Shows about Adoption to Include on Your Watch List

Adoptive family TV shows can help you learn how to incorporate adoption into your child’s life so they’re proud of their adoption story. These TV shows about adoption feature characters and experiences that you or your child can relate to. Below are seven of our favorite TV shows about adoption.

For Kids

1. Jessie

This Disney adoption series focuses on a young nanny in New York City who cares for children, some of whom were adopted. One episode that focuses on adoption is the episode titled “Gotcha Day.” Although there are many different opinions on the way this episode depicts adoption, it dives deeper into how important it is to celebrate you child’s adoption story and how to incorporate adoption into your child’s life.

Throwing them a party on the day they were adopted is a great way to show your child how great it was that they were adopted. You can watch every episode of Jessie on Disney Plus.

2. Doc McStuffins

Another family favorite Disney TV Series about adoption features the McStuffins family, who adopted a baby. Disney Junior consulted adoption experts to write a multi-episode storyline that realistically depicts adoption in a way children can understand.

The show progresses through the different emotions that siblings feel when you start to grow your family through adoption. Using adoption-positive terms and realistic experiences, this TV show about adoption is perfect to watch with your children. You can watch Doc McStuffins on Hulu or Disney Plus.

3. Sesame Street

This critically acclaimed children’s series has covered adoption in several episodes. In 2006, Sesame Street featured a three-episode adoption series that focused on the importance of adoption. The episode “Gina Adopts a Baby” follows Gina as she travels to Guatemala and returns with an adopted infant. The characters on Sesame Street get to meet the baby and learn about the importance of adoption.

Throughout the episode, Elmo asks what adoption means, and Gina explains that it’s a very special thing that happens when a baby needs someone to love and take care of them. This TV show about adoption explains the process in a way your child can understand and is the perfect way to introduce the topic. You can watch every season of Sesame Street on HBO Max.

For Adults

4. The Fosters

One of the biggest themes of this TV show is adoption. The Fosters follows the Foster family, which includes biological children, adopted children and foster children. In this TV series about adoption, we see the realities of adoption for not only the parents, but the children, too.

The Fosters celebrates what it means to fight for equality and that everyone deserves a loving, accepting home. You can watch The Fosters on Hulu or Disney Plus.

5. This Is Us

This heartfelt drama is a TV show that everyone loves. This Is Us features an emotional storyline with several prominent adoption themes. Transracial adoption is one of the common themes in this show as Randall navigates his experience of being adopted into a white family.

This Is Us touches on how important it is to be open and honest about your child’s background. It also shows reunification with birth parents and the importance of knowing where you came from. You can watch every season of This Is Us on NBC.

6. Glee

One of the first storylines that was introduced in this musical drama series was teen pregnancy. One of the cheerleaders named Quinn found herself pregnant and scared. She ultimately decided that adoption was the best decision for her and her baby.

The baby was adopted by another character’s biological mother who had previously placed her own child for adoption. This TV series about adoption explains how powerful adoption can be and how it can impact several lives in a positive way. Glee also makes a point to highlight blended families with culturally diverse backgrounds. You can watch the entire series on Netflix.

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