Best Family Television Series to Watch With Your Children

Recent years have seen a decline in family-oriented television programming, at least as far as sitcoms go. Gone are such family-friendly shows as "The Cosby Show," "Full House," "Family Ties" or "Growing Pains." But that doesn't mean there aren't shows on television the whole family can enjoy!

The boom in popularity of reality television has also given us a slew of shows appropriate, and enjoyable, for the entire family. Here are my top five:

1. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

This show first aired during the 2003-2004 season, and has been a huge hit for ABC ever sine. Holding down a time slot on Sunday evenings, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition boasts a rotating cast of designers, led by Ty Pennington, who answer video applications from desperate people needing extreme help with their homes. Usually the families in need of help in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition are facing some type of disaster with their home, which is typically in horrible condition. Enter Ty and the design team, and in only one week, the house is torn down, and a new one built.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will appeal to families for many reasons. First is the "damsel in distress" aspect, which sees someone desperately in need of help actually getting that help. Then there is the demolition of the "bad" house, which should have the boys in the family cheering! The building of the new house should have the entire family amazed, as most homes end up looking like show pieces. Finally, the reactions of the family (tears and hundreds of "Oh my Gods!" are quite common), should have everyone cheering at the family's new good fortune.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition airs Sunday nights on ABC.

2. Dancing With The Stars