Best Kids Shows of 2021
There are many positive benefits of smart screen use. For family members over the age of 6, increased TV watching is just fine as long as it’s high-quality kids’ shows with consistent watch limits in mind. Finding great children’s programming for your family can be tough, but here are some great ideas of the best shows for kids of any age.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood - PBS
Followup and reimagining of kid’s cultural classic “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood”, this show follows the son of the tiger from the original show as he seeks to educate kids about a lot of the similar struggles Mister Rogers told children about for generations. Each episode does this through music and repetition to try and establish behavioral clues for children. Through this, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” helps kids deal with issues or feelings in a productive, earnest way – just like Mister Rogers.
Scooby Doo - HBO MAX
There’s nothing wrong with a classic, and while there have been several great followup series released over the years, showing your kids the 1969 original isn’t a bad choice either. Scooby and the gang live on the road in the Mystery Machine, solving spooky crimes and catching dastardly villains. It’s a fun ride, and can help young kids appreciate some light, age-appropriate horror tropes.
Esme & Roy: Holiday Spirit/ Snow Worries - HBO MAX
This animated series from the makers of "Sesame Street" follows youngsters Esme and her best monster friend, Roy, on adventures in Monsterdale, where they are considered the best "monstersitters." In their colorful world, Esme and Roy use the power of play to help toddler monsters overcome big challenges and work through familiar situations, such as trying new foods and feeling frightened during thunderstorms. The series is targeted to viewers ages 4 to 6, who can learn how to manage emotions with simple mindfulness practices alongside Esme and Roy's charges.
Dino Ranch - Disney Junior
Dino Ranch follows the adventures of the Cassidy family as they tackle life in a fantastical "pre-westoric" setting where dinosaurs still roam. As the young ranchers learn the ropes, they discover the thrill of ranch life whilst navigating the great outdoors through unpredictable challenges.
Doc McStuffins - Disney Junior
Dottie "Doc" McStuffins is a nurturing 6-year-old girl who cares for stuffed animals and toys in her playhouse clinic. When she puts on her stethoscope, something magical happens - toys, dolls and stuffed animals come to life and she can communicate with them. Like any good doctor, Doc has assistants helping her at her clinic. Her stuffed animal friends who assist Doc include exceedingly proud dragon Stuffy, cuddly best friend Lambie and caring hippo nurse Hallie. Whether it's loose stitching, low batteries or a blow-up toy that has sprung a leak, Doc and her friends are there to fix up the stuffed animals and toys.
