Great TV Shows for Kids (and Parents Who Actually Want to Watch Too)

Your go-to guide for the best, age-appropriate and quality series to stream with the whole family.

With screens everywhere and endless content at our fingertips, choosing what to watch with kids can feel overwhelming. But there are shows that matter — ones that spark imagination, promote learning or are simply so well-crafted that adults won’t secretly count down the minutes. Below is a curated, thoughtful guide to some of the most delightful, uplifting, and age-wise shows your children can enjoy — and that you might even love watching with them.

For the Littlest Viewers (Ages 1–4)

These shows are gentle, designed with developmental milestones in mind, and great for calm mornings or quiet afternoons.

Peppa Pig – Everyday family life, rendered with humor and subtle emotional intelligence — jealousy, sharing, and sibling dynamics arise in stories little ones get.
Pocoyo – A Spanish favorite that teaches curiosity and friendship through simple animation and playful humor.
Little Baby Bum / Loo Loo Kids – Musical and repetitive formats that reinforce early vocabulary, numbers, colors, and animals — perfect for pre-readers.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ – The beloved classic returns with new episodes and music that will appeal across generations.

These choices lean into bright visuals, intentional pacing, and laughter — essentials for this age group.

For Preschool & Early Elementary (Ages 4–8)

These shows strike a balance between education, creativity, and simple storytelling that grows with your child’s curiosity.

Bluey – Universally adored, this Emmy-winning animated series blends clever humor with emotionally rich family stories — adults and kids alike celebrate its warmth.
Blippi (and Blippi Visits) – A high-energy, exploratory educational favorite that brings real-world topics — from construction vehicles to animal habitats — to life.
Sesame Street – A multigenerational classic that continues to nurture early literacy, kindness, and problem-solving in fun songs and puppet-filled skits.
Ms. Rachel – A newer, music-forward series focused on early speech, communication, and confidence.

These picks offer joyful learning without feeling like homework — a rare and valuable combination.

For School-Aged Kids (Ages 8–12)

As kids get older, quality content can blend adventure, storytelling, humor, and even meaningful themes without feeling too “grown-up.”

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir – A globally popular action-adventure with charismatic heroes, identity play, and Parisian charm.
Tween & family-friendly animated series (across platforms) — from imagination-rich adventures to family dynamics that land with heart and humor, many series at this stage offer layered storytelling that resonates beyond the screen.
LEGO Masters Jr. – A competition format with creativity, engineering, and teamwork that’s as fun to watch as it is inspiring.

These shows are often smart enough to spark discussion about friendship, perseverance, and humor while still being binge-worthy.

Educational & Enriching Choices (All Ages)

Not all TV has to be passive entertainment. A number of series intentionally support cognitive and emotional growth:

• Sesame Street — Foundational learning and compassion.
  
  

• PBS Kids offerings — A range of programming that encourages curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving.
  
  

• Shows that support STEM or literacy skills — Many well-rated series subtly reinforce curiosity, cause-and-effect, and creative thinking.
  
  

This blend makes screen time feel less like “just TV” and more like enrichment wrapped in vibrant visuals and fun.

Tips for Conscious Viewing

Set intentions over autopilot. Let screen time be a moment of connection — cuddle up and ask kids what they liked or learned.
Rotate selections seasonally. Keep the lineup fresh; older kids especially appreciate having a say in what comes next.
Mix genres. Comedy, adventure, documentary-style shows, music, and educational content build variety so TV feels dynamic and purposeful.

Quality children’s programming does more than entertain: it fosters imagination, emotional insight, laughter, and shared family moments. Whether you’re curled up on the couch after school or winding down before bedtime, these thoughtfully chosen shows can become part of your family rhythm — moments remembered long after the credits roll.