10 Shows Like ‘Bluey’ That You and Your Kid Will Both Enjoy

In case you missed it, Bluey is a veritable work of art that puts all other children’s shows to shame. (You can read more about our obsession here and here and here.) Still, there may come a time when your kids start to groan about watching everybody’s favorite Australian family of dogs for the umpteenth time. When this happens, you will have to mourn the loss with a somewhat adequate substitute. Fortunately, we did the research for you and compiled a list of ten shows like Bluey that boast witty humor, endearing characters and a production style that doesn’t make you want to flee your living room. From Puffin Rock to Wild Kratts, you’re sure to find your next screen time success story below (and where to watch it, too).

• Suitable for: ages 4+
• Rating: TV-Y

Much like Bluey, this British animated series about a magical kingdom and the tiny elves and fairies who live there is full of the kind of witty humor and charm that both parents and kids will appreciate. Best of all, the animation isn’t fast-paced and flashy, so you don’t have to worry about an over-stimulating, in-your-face viewing experience.

• Suitable for: all ages
• Rating: TV-Y

There’s nothing offensive about this exceedingly gentle and quiet show, which is illustrated by Maurice Sendak and based on a series of books written by Else Holmelund about a group of young forest friends. The storylines are sweet, whimsical and brimming with nostalgia, and the voices and music set a soothing tone that makes this show a perfect choice for a pre-bedtime watch.

• Suitable for: ages 4+
• Rating: TV-Y

Here, a show that brings plenty of energy to the screen without crossing the line into annoying territory. Octonauts follows the adventures of a team of underwater explorers who work together to solve mysteries and rescue a host of fascinating sea creatures. The content is educational and the episodes are exciting enough to keep restless kids engaged without driving parents up the wall.

• Suitable for: ages 3+
• Rating: TV-Y

Much like Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom, Peppa Pig is a beloved British animated show that combines a particularly clever breed of comedy with a low-key production style. Each 18-minute episode contains three brief stories, all of which revolve around the everyday misadventures of a very endearing family of pigs. The end result is a quick and entertaining watch that boasts plenty of appeal to children and adults alike.

• Suitable for: ages 4+
• Rating: ALL

Artsy, fantastical and full of imagination—Tumble Leaf is a vibrant and visually beautiful animated series with a gentle tempo. In each episode, the charming characters engage in whimsical play that reliably leads to an exciting discovery relating to a simple principle of science. In other words, it’s educational, gentle and thoroughly mesmerizing, so it pretty much checks all the boxes.

• Suitable for: ages 2+
• Rating: TV-Y

The only show we’ve ever obsessed over as much as Bluey is Puffin Rock. Maybe it’s narrator Chris O’Dowd’s soothing lilt; or perhaps it’s the mild drama of the storylines and the charming characters who romp around on the scenic Irish coast to the tune of beautiful music. Whatever it is, it’s safe to say that Puffin Rock is especially well-suited to the very young ones who can’t (and shouldn’t) withstand excess stimulation and to parents who want screen time to feel more like therapy than an assault on their senses.

• Suitable for: ages 3+
• Rating: TV-Y

This sweet and innocent show about a 6-year-old boy and his best friend, an anthropomorphized trash truck, is guaranteed to captivate the imagination of preschoolers. The episodes are gentle, the production is artistic and easy on the eyes and the empathic storylines all impart valuable social-emotional lessons without being too heavy-handed about it. (We’re looking at you, Daniel Tiger.)

• Suitable for: ages 6+
• Rating: TV-Y

Wild Kratts chronicles the adventures of two animal enthusiasts—animated versions of the two real-life zoologists who voice the characters—so the episodes feature lots of facts about wildlife, conservation and science. That said, it’s decidedly jazzier (read: louder) and more energetic than the other shows on this list, so there’s a higher likelihood that parents might find it mildly irritating. Still, the educational value and kid-friendly humor make for a winning combination—provided that something a little, well, wilder isn’t a dealbreaker.

• Suitable for: ages 3+
• Rating: ALL

This charming show is based on everybody’s favorite picture book from the ‘80s and every episode is very much in keeping with the theme of said book—namely, cause and effect. The animation is adorable and the storylines, which feature all manner of unexpected events, are humorous, exciting and sure to delight younger viewers. Best of all, the show boasts positive messages about friendship, kindness and the need to accept consequences for one’s actions, so it’s kind of a homerun on the social-emotional learning front.

• Suitable for: ages 3+
• Rating: ALL

The main character in this long-running TV show, based on the namesake classic children’s book series, is a very endearing primate who doesn’t talk—and let’s just say that can be a blessing for parents with chatty kids. What’s more, all the characters (monkey included) are wholesome as can be and the zany storylines are full of humor and mighty entertaining. If you’re looking for a funny show that’s low-key but never snoozy, Curious George definitely fits the bill.