The Brady Bunch, Leave It to Beaver, Happy Days… Kids’ shows of yore were a family affair. But just because today’s leading characters are computer-generated and shaped like tomatoes, lizards or pigs doesn’t mean they don’t appeal to parents and children alike. Here, the 23 best kids’ shows you can stream right now.
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Available on: Netflix, Amazon
Ages: 2 to 5
The beloved tank engine has been choo-choo-ing across the small screen since the early '80s. Besides a few upgrades and computer-generated nips and tucks, Thomas and his locomotive friends have remained relevant for good reason. The railroad crew tackles tricky situations, like having to ask for help from someone they may not be terribly fond of, which in turn, teaches children important social lessons.
Available on: Netflix
Ages: 3 to 7
Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber are back in this spin-off of the original VeggieTales. City life is a bit more trying for the lovable produce, but the hardships they undergo offer kiddos important moral lessons without getting too seedy. (Sorry, had to.)
Available on: Netflix
Ages: 10 to 15
Based on the best-selling series by Lemony Snicket, the Netflix remake features big names (NPH, Patrick Warburton, Joan Cusack, Will Arnett and Catherine O’Hara…swoon). Each episode will leave you and your kids yearning for more imaginative characters, intricate storylines and fantastical scenery.
Available on: Amazon, Hulu, HBO GO/HBO NOW
Ages: 2 to 6
The classic educational program, featuring Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Elmo and crew, focuses on a variety of subjects including math, reading, science, music and dance. The furry friends of the neighborhood also teach children ways to cope with difficult topics such as loneliness and lack of confidence.
Available on: Amazon
Ages: 5 to 9
Kids will love this animated version of Dorothy and Toto’s adventures in the land of Oz. In this fun remake, Dorothy befriends a witch and a giant munchkin who help her find her way to the Yellow Brick train line in the booming Emerald City.
Available on: Netflix
Ages: 3 to 6
Imaginary adventures abound for Justin and his two pretend sidekicks, Squidgy and Olive. In each episode, the three tackle a specific problem children face (like sharing or teamwork) in make-believe places and faraway lands.
Available on: Amazon
Ages: 2 to 5
This British TV show follows an adorable pig, Peppa, and her family and friends as they help preschoolers learn valuable life lessons, like not to tease others. Plus, the pigs’ mid-conversation snorts will have your little ones in stitches by the end of each short ten-minute episode.
Available on: Netflix
Ages: 3 to 7
You may remember these iconic marsupial creatures from the '80s hit TV show and plush toy line. Spectacular animation breathes new life into the colorful characters, silly antics and their quirky adventures.
Available on: Amazon
Ages: 3 to 6
If you have a little boy, chances are you’ve heard of this popular series set in a bright block world. Rex, Sasquatch and their crew of animal friends all have unique abilities, enforcing the positive message of individuality and cooperation.
Available on: Netflix, Amazon
Ages: 3 to 6
This French and South Korean animated series is about a lizard and his constant struggle to find food and water. Despite its lack of dialogue, kids will love the hilarious noises and interactions between luckless Oscar and the desert creatures he encounters.
Available on: Amazon
Ages: 4 to 7
In this widely adored classic, Miss Frizzle and her students delve into fascinating scientific topics (like how beehives work and the solar system’s structure) as they encounter fantastic places on their wildly adventurous class field trips. As the Friz would say, “WAHOOOOOOO!”
Available on: Netflix
Ages: 2 to 6
We promise you’ll want to watch this one too. Each episode, the Storybots answer an inquiring child’s question. Through music, dance and lots of silly antics, the bots educate viewers in the most delightful and humorous way.
Available on: Netflix
Ages: 3 to 7
Cue The Beatles soundtrack, cute insects and positive story motifs for an entertaining children’s show that parents will most certainly also enjoy. Sing along to “When I’m Sixty-Four” while kids get bug-eyed for the backyard adventures in Village Green.
Available on: Netflix
Ages: 8 to 12
Big kids are sure to be hooked on the TV spin-off of the successful movie series How to Train Your Dragon. Hiccup, Toothless and friends must solve a mystery about the dragons while battling a dark villain.
Available on: Netflix, Amazon
Ages: 3 to 7
Know a little one who couldn’t possibly conceive of being separated from her favorite stuffed animal? Kate’s purple toy bunny Mim-Mim comes to life in her imaginary adventures. The show’s endearing themes of friendship and perseverance make this a must-watch for preschoolers.
Available on: Netflix
Ages: 3 to 7
Our favorite classic fairy-tales get a delightful revamp in this series that touches on gentle lessons through song and storytelling. Humpty, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and his Giant Beanstalk make appearances while subtle plot changes keep things interesting for parents, too.
Available on: Hulu
Ages: 3 to 7
This American-Irish series features six-year-old Dottie as she follows in her mother’s footsteps by practicing medicine on her dolls and toys. Themes of empowerment for little girls and encouragement and promotion of healthy living in young ones—now that’s a show we can get behind.
Available on: Netflix
Ages: 2 to 6
When Sofia’s mom marries the King of Enchancia, her world turns upside down. Little girls will love watching Sofia’s adventures as a newly crowned princess. Plus, she’s given the magic power to talk to animals. Snow White meets Cinderella? We’re in.
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime
Ages: 7 to 10
Everyone’s favorite yellow globe is fighting crime and evil ghosts in the bustling city of Pacopolis. Come for the nostalgia of your arcade-game days; stay for the underlying themes of friendship and teamwork.
Available on: Hulu
Ages: 8 to 12
This show is a must-watch for big kids. Twin brother and sister Dipper and Mabel team up to overcome obstacles in a small town with unusual inhabitants, monsters and mysteries. The humor and pop culture references appeal to an older audience, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself bingeing the whole series before the kids even get home from school.
Available on: Amazon
Ages: 3 to 6
Kids will delight in watching the adorable puppy squad rescue neighbors from tricky situations in each episode. In addition to its tail-wagging cuteness, the show tackles issues that can be troublesome for kids, including accepting each other's differences and learning to be brave in the face of danger.
Available on: Hulu, Amazon
Ages: 2 to 5
This lovable little monkey is still getting into trouble in this TV adaptation of the classic books by Margaret and H.A. Rey. Bright animation that stays true to the books' artwork, plus clever dialogue and engaging adventures, will have preschoolers and lifelong fans falling for George and the Man in the Yellow Hat all over again.
Available on: Amazon
Ages: 2 to 6
Inspired by Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, the animated spin-off centers on a four-year-old tiger, Daniel, and his animal and human friends as they explore Daniel's hometown. Similar to the format of its predecessor, Daniel and co. speak directly to the viewer about dealing with an array topics and emotions.
