I grew up on children's television. In a way, kids TV is what inspired me to start a career in media. The idea that children can be taught and entertained by watching shows at home, rather than having to be taught by hand or taken to a theater, has changed the nature of upbringing forever. However, the idea that every kids TV show is appropriate for children is a proven myth. Countless television shows are simply brainwashing children across the globe, even more so today than before. You can't be too careful when selecting shows for your children to watch. With that being said, here are the best shows to have you children watch and the streaming services that carry them.
Looney Tunes (Max)
The iconic Looney Tunes always has a ton of laughs. From the childhoods of the Baby Boomers and Generation X, it is always a great idea to show the next generation what all the remakes are based on. Bugs, Daffy, Porky, Sylvester, Tweety, and the whole gang are bound to have your kids attention. Girls will be missing Lola bunny as she debuted in the 1996 film Space Jam, but you can easily find her stuff in the more modern Looney Tunes material.
Scooby-Doo Where Are You/What's New Scooby-Do (Max)
How many different variations of Scooby-Doo are there in the world? For this one, I specified the variation because different shows are for different audiences. These two are the most consistent amongst the Scooby-Doo franchise, so I would let your kids watch these first. There are also some straight to DVD movies from the 2000s that go with these. These include "Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase", "Scooby-Doo and the Loch Ness Monster", and "Aloha, Scooby-Doo!" You could also try "A Pup Named Scooby-Doo" if you want, but don't do "Scooby-Doo, Mystery Incorporated." That show is aimed at teenagers and young adults as it adds a horror element and violence to the franchise. You don't want to show that to children.
Regardless, Scooby-Doo is beyond iconic. Kids around the world recognize and love Scooby and the entire Mystery Incorporated gang. Solving mysteries and finding clues keeps them engaged while Scooby and Shaggy's hiding from monsters and searching for food is hilarious. You have to admire the gang and all their endeavors. A true iconic franchise.
Dragon Tales (Tubi or Prime)
This one may be hard to find, but it was one of my favorites growing up. It embraces the idea of having a good time to children, but also teaches them the life lessons of friendship that should always be adhered to. Things like being nice to one another, having fun doing different things, waking up in the morning, sharing with others, and so much more. This show is great for teaching kids how to act.
Dora the Explorer (Paramount Plus)
If you want your child to be fluent in Spanish one day, start them with Dora the Explorer. Dora is the Latina princess of children's television. She teaches kids all sorts of different things, from shapes, to colors, to problem solving, to even reading a map. You can't go wrong with adding Dora into your preschoolers day.
Blue's Clues (Paramount Plus)
Are you Generation Blue? If you were born between 1990 and 2000, chances are that you watched Blue's Clues at some point in your life. Blue's Clues was a smash hit in the 90s that people everywhere loved. Though Nickelodeon had to change hosts from Steve Burns to Donovan Patton in 2002, Blue's Clues was just as iconic as Dora the Explorer in preschooler television. With Blue, kids learned all about colors, letters, numbers, music, food, and so many other things, but they also learned how to think. Every episode has a game of Blue's Clues where the audience is given three clues to identify an object. It encourages kids to pay attention and makes them excited about learning. Blue's Clues is amazing!
LazyTown (Amazon Prime)
If you want your child to get active and be a healthy person, you will want LazyTown. LazyTown is not just the epitome of cool in the 2000s. It teaches children all about getting active, eating right, sleeping, brushing your teeth, and more. It's an underrated and phenomenal show that features a superhero called Sporticas, an evil bum known as Robbie Rotten, and a pink-haired enthusiastic girl named Stephanie. Even the soundtrack is iconic. Your kids will be singing the songs all day long, which means the lessons stick. You definitely should check this one out. You will not regret it as a parent.
Strawberry Shortcake (Peacock)
Yes. Strawberry Shortcake is still watchable for young girls across the country. It is kind of educational as it teaches about friendship, different seasons, and many other things, but Strawberry Shortcake also teaches girls how to network and embrace their feminine side. Strawberry has a million girl friends from all over. Friends like Orange Blossom, Angel Cake, Ginger Snap, Blueberry Muffin, Lemon Meringue, Rainbow Sherbet, and more. She's also a caretaker to her little sister Apple Dumpling. Strawberry is super sweet and super caring. She is a role model to young girls on how to act around other people. The theme song alone is enough to warrant showing this to your little princess.
Handy Manny (Disney Plus)
Looking for something for your little handyman to watch? Look no further. Handy Manny is the hard working Latino handyman that teaches kids about Spanish, problem solving, and all sorts of different tools. It's also a great way to teach kids about how communities operate and support one another. Manny and his tools have taught children how to work hard and be diligent in the problem solving process for years. You might want to stick to older versions though, because Disney is making alterations.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (Disney Plus)
Once again, stick to the older episodes. However, this is one of the most popular Disney Junior shows ever. Mickey and the gang teach kids all sorts of things, from colors, to problem solving, to counting. And that doesn't even graze the surface. Friendship and fun are also included in this preschool spectacular. There is always something fun at the clubhouse. Once you here "Meeska Mooska Mickey Mouse" you're in for a treat. Definitely check this one out.
Obviously there are many more shows I could include on this list, but htis would be my starting point. Overall, I watched a ton of kids TV growing up. There's a lot out there that isn't worth it, but there's so much out there that you SHOULD pursue for your child. And don't forget to have fun. That's the main goal.
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