A List of Kids’ TV Shows That Won’t Make You Want To Gouge Your Eyes Out
Read to the end for an update on the future of TNF
Every time you turn on the TV, you make a choice: are you tuning in? Or tuning out?
We’re living in a golden age of kids’ TV. But you might not know it—there’s every chance you’re being sucked into the gravitational well of Cocomelon’s black hole. You may be leaning on TV as a crutch to get twenty minutes peace and the chance to get something—anything—done. And hey: no judgment here; we’ve all done it.
But, with so many aspects of parenting, a mindset shift can unlock a new perspective. I want to carve out a few minutes of your day to delve into the history of kids’ TV, give you an idea of how cartoons can be a catalyst for deeper conversations with your children, and share a TNF-approved list of shows to enjoy together.
Because a growing body of research indicates the right kind of show can aid the development of your child's mind. In order to do this, you’ll be required to lean into what researchers call "contingent engagement," or actively participating in what you're watching—together—and using it as a basis for conversation. A show that you watch cuddled up together can provide a common shared language with your child, enabling you to peer into their brain and ask questions like "Why do you think they did that?" or "What would you have done instead?"
Three caveats before we get into it:
Most research indicates you should wait until children are at least 18 months old to start watching any show. After this, most advice says to stay within 2 hours a day.
My eldest is 9, and she’s fast approaching the point where “kids’ shows” and “grown-up shows” overlap. But in this tween stage, I haven't connected with many of the age-appropriate sitcom-mimicking US shows. (I’m open to hearing recommendations—so share them in the comments.) Therefore, this guide is recommended for parents who have kids aged ten or under.
95% of what is available for your children to watch is garbage. But the other 5% is better than what you used to watch. And you might be surprised why.
Transformers: Capitalism in Disguise
We all know the true golden age of cartoons was whatever you watched as a seven-year-old on a Saturday morning, snuggled up in your pyjamas, scattering Corn Flakes across the floor whilst engrossed in a show certain to have an iconic theme tune. But nostalgia is a hell of a drug—have you ever gone back and watched Transformers, M.A.S.K. or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lately? They haven't aged very well. And it’s all capitalism’s fault. (AGAIN!?!)
Until the 1980s, advocacy non-profits like Action for Children's Television pushed for laws limiting the amount of advertising towards children and discouraged the over-commercialisation of programming. But then a wild Reagan appeared, and in one of his many “hoo-rah for the free market” moves pushed for deregulation across the industry. He decreed that "children's television would be dictated by marketplace considerations and not education, health, or wellbeing.” Not long after, The New York Times reported:
Along with the deregulation came many other changes in children's television. Toy manufacturers, for example, became heavily involved in children's programming, developing shows based on toys that, in some cases, broadcasters were enticed to schedule in exchange for a part of the profit on toy sales.
Those shows you love from your childhood? They were created solely to sell those plastic heroes you adored. And it worked! Close to one billion figures were sold to kids during the 1980s. Thankfully, many modern cartoon makers are holding themselves to higher standards. In 2008 a German white paper was published for cartoon creators which outlined best-in-class research on childhood emotional development and the role of media at this formative time:
The task of your professional work is to offer today‘s children characters and stories that help them to develop emotional competencies and perspectives for their future.
Modern cartoon creators stand on the shoulders of giants, one-upping each other to show how thoughtful media can aid kids in dealing with complex emotions, introducing concepts of diversity and inclusion, and helping them become more empathetic and understanding of their place in the world. And if you, as a parent, watch along, you’ll be provided with a stunning window into their developing minds and offered never-ending ways to climb inside and help them figure it all out.
The New Fatherhood Recommends
Thinking: “Just let me at the links—there’s no need to go on about it!?” You’re in luck. I made you a link. If you install JustWatch on your phone it’ll figure out which streaming services will let you watch these shows wherever you are. It’ll also offer a button to open it and “put it up on the big TV” if that’s something you can do there.
That link—and this entire essay—took a long time to assemble. I’ve previously kept things like this behind a paywall for paid subscribers, but I’m going to try something different for a while: what writer Tim Carmody calls “unlocking the commons.” Read to the bottom of the email to find out more.
For little ones (aged 2-4)
Yo Gabba Gabba (YouTube): Legend has it that this show came around when Mark Mothersbaugh, lead singer of Devo and occasional Wes Anderson collaborator, started watching TV with his kids and longed for something he could enjoy too. It's filled with guest spots from Erykah Badu, The Flaming Lips and The Roots, and a regular "How to beatbox" bit featuring Biz Markee. It introduces children to concepts like waiting their turn, celebrating differences, and the iconic (in our house, at least) life advice of "Don't Bite Your Friends."
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood (Netflix): An evolution of the classic Mr Roger's Neighborhood, this show gives young kids language and insight into powerful emotions they are beginning to feel: disappointment, sadness, frustration, and more. It introduces strategies and skills for managing them: "When you feel so mad that you wanna roar, take a deep breath and count to 4.” A+++ advice, even for grown-ups. Don’t miss Techno Sapiens’ love letter to Daniel here.
Hey Duggee (CBeebies UK, Nick Jr US): Beautifully animated, often hilarious, always endearing. Hey Duggee sees five kids explore the world with Duggee, a canine scout leader who awards badges based on problem-solving and skill development. The Tooth Brushing Song is my jam, and a great way to get your little ones to hit the required two minutes of scrubbing time.
Bluey (CBeebies UK, Disney+ everywhere else): Of course. I have made no secret of my love for this show, and Bandit Heeler remains #dadgoals. For my money, it's the finest representation of fatherhood ever committed to TV. Bandit is a modern father par excellence, who balances the chaos of raising children with a playful attitude and a constant drive to make his children smile. This show is the perfect antidote to Peppa Pig, in which every episode centres around an idiotic mistake made by a bumbling father.
Octonauts (Netflix): You’d think a show that starts each episode with a roaring siren wouldn’t be one to make the list. But these are the Octonauts we’re talking about here. If you’ve always dreamed of raising a marine biologist—or at least someone who will eventually sit through the entire Blue Planet series in 4K with you—then this is where you get them started.
Ask the StoryBots (Netflix): Have you reached that stage where your little one won’t stop asking questions yet? Don’t worry, it’s coming. Get ahead of the curve and have the Storybots (and their killer special guests) help you answer questions like "Why Do I Have To Brush My Teeth?” (featuring Whoopi Goldberg as the tooth fairy), "How Do Computers Work?” (with Snoop Dogg playing the operating system), and “What is Electricity” (where Ed Norton plays a salesman). Wired called this “the best kids’ show on Netflix.” If your kid is under 5, they are absolutely correct.
For the middle years (aged 5-9)
City of Ghosts (Netflix): This 2021 Netflix show, which sadly only ran for one season, employs a documentary style that blends the real world with an animated one. It explores the local history of Los Angeles by talking to the “ghosts” who are no longer there. The show touches on race, gentrification, and ancestry in a way that never feels preachy.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (Netflix): Nope, not the terrible James Cameron movie. Or the shocking M. Night Shyamalan movie adaptation. Or 2024’s real-life re-imagining. Head back to the original cartoon and prepare to be blown away by an unforgettable story that touches upon Asian mysticism, mindfulness, and an approach to morality that introduces shades of grey beyond simple black and white. In one episode, Ang meets a spiritual guide who teaches him how to open his seven chakras—it's as good an introduction to the concept as anything else you'll find.
The Legend of Korra (Netflix): The follow-up to Avatar, dealing with slightly darker themes (I watched Avatar with my eldest when she was around 5, but waited until she was 7 for Korra). The final season explores depression and PTSD and the deep personal work necessary to heal. One storyline involves Korra meeting a Yoda-like spirit guide, who asks her to "collect some mushrooms" which then send her on an intense hallucinogenic trip. She comes face-to-face with the people who have caused her trauma, and the experience helps her process it. The Legend of Korra is filled with storylines that impart the importance of resilience and how mental strength can help anyone—kids or adults—overcome adversity.
Steven Universe (Netflix): The most heart-warming show on this list. Steven Universe is the brainchild of Rebecca Sugar, a former Adventure Time writer who wanted to create a show that explored her own experience as a non-binary person. The cast of primary characters are initially coded as female and—minor spoiler—are later revealed to be non-binary. The show's exploration of grief, gender and sexuality is one of the boldest you'll see on any TV show, for kids or adults. And the songs are stellar: "Do It For Her", "Here Comes A Thought", and "Stronger Than You." (The last two are sung by R&B singer Estelle, who voices one of the main characters.)
Hilda (Netflix): An adaptation of the British series of graphic novels, heavily influenced by Moomin and Scandinavian folklore. Hilda is a small girl who lives in the forest and has to navigate life growing up amongst trolls, giants, elves and spirits and is expertly voiced by Bella Ramsey (who you might be familiar with as Ellie in The Last of Us.)
We Bare Bears (Max US): A huge favourite in our house. We Bare Bears tells the story of three bear brothers—Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear—who live together in San Francisco. It riffs on how pervasive technology has become in our lives and the many ways we try to wrestle back control from devices we are increasingly addicted to. The show deftly weaves pop cultural references throughout, with episodes that parody Drive, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Kill Bill and more. I never get bored of rewatching it, with the Bears’ doomed attempt at living an eco-friendly “tote life” a particular favourite.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (Netflix): This recent Netflix reboot explores the story of Adora, a strong female role model who embodies strength, leadership, and bravery. And—spoiler alert—in one of the strongest strides forward for inclusivity in kids' TV, the entire arc between the two main characters is a same-sex love story, with a clear message that love is love, and love saves the day.
Teen Titans Go! (Netflix): Much of my cultural fluency came from a deep adoration of The Simpsons, and early internet access to snpp.com (which later became The Simpsons Archive) where I could investigate the dozens of references—some subtle, others self-evident—contained within each episode. What The Simpsons offered me, Teen Titans Go! does for my kids—densely packed with superhero lore and American pop-culture parodies that lead them to tell me, “Oh, just like on Teen Titans” when I’m trying to explain something like what the hell an answerphone was.
Gravity Falls (Disney+): Ever wonder what it would be like if they remade The X-Files for kids and set it in a sleepy town in East Oregon? Wonder no more. Gravity Falls is a kids’ show created to nest inside J.J. Abrams’ famous mystery box, answering as many questions as it raises across its two seasons. Each episode ends with a cryptogram displayed during the credits which internet sleuths used to further delve into the lore behind the show.
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (Netflix): Kids too young to play Fallout or watch The Last of Us, but still want to bring some post-apocalyptic doom into their lives? Good for you. Kipo is a strong female lead with a solid moral compass, navigating a vibrant world filled with monsters. Some plot points are alluded to that feel out of place for a cartoon aimed at kids under 10 (cannibalism and genocide are two that come to mind), but I’ll lean on Common Sense Media’s recommendation of 8+ and let you make your own mind up.
When they’re older (aged 10+)
Adventure Time (Netflix): Now we’re getting into funky territory. This surreal series, beloved by kids and adults alike, follows the adventures of Finn the Human and Jake the Dog as they venue across the Land of Ooo. Since its initial release in 2010, the show has transformed the cartoon landscape and influenced almost everything that came in its wake, with show alumni going on to create other shows featured on this list. Over the many years (and 283 episodes), the show has featured guest voices including Mark Hamill, Henry Rollins, Ron Perlman, Marc Maron, Aziz Ansari, Donald Glover and more. Wonderfully weird.
Regular Show (Max US, Sky UK): A wildcard you’ll enjoy just as much as your kids, this show follows the lives of two animals—a bluejay named Mordecai and a racoon named Rigby—whose nihilistic worldview drive them to slack off from jobs that they hate (groundskeepers at a local park) and go on adventures to surreal and supernatural places. Creator J. G. Quintel has admitted to being highly influenced by the cult British sitcom The Mighty Boosh, which should give you an idea of what they’re going for here.
Bob’s Burgers (Hulu US, Disney+ elsewhere): This is where things shift beyond “cartoons I’ve seen with my kids” to “cartoons I’m looking forward to watching with them.” Bob’s Burgers picked up the baton that The Simpsons clumsily dropped sometime around 1998. Whilst Bandit Heeler is the engaged, always energised dad we aspire to be, Bob is more akin to us on our worst days—cynical, exhausted, and ready to throw in the towel thanks to the never-ending challenges that parenting throws our way—but whilst still remaining committed to being the very best we can be for our kids. The voice cast here is exemplary, with H. Jon Benjamin voicing Bob (who may be recognisable to fans of Archer), Kristen Schaal as the slightly psychotic daughter Louise, and a merry-go-round of some of the greatest comedic actors and stand-ups in the last few decades. It’s not a kids’ show. But it’s one I can’t wait to watch with mine.
Did I miss anything?
Any favourites you loved watching with your kids and didn’t see here? Any huge disagreements with anything included? Or anything from the classic vaults that should make this list? Share your thoughts.
Good Dadvice
Keep TNF Weird Free
A fair bit of work goes into running this newsletter. It’s almost 1am here, the kids are in bed, and I’m still cracking on. I’m behind schedule this week—we’ve been nursing a sick child for the last three days, and I’m on a run of broken sleep that is giving very strong “oh yeah, that was how it felt to have a newborn baby” energy. (If there are more typos than normal, now you know why.) But if I don’t get this done tonight, it doesn’t get done. A weekly deadline is the only thing that keeps this train on the tracks.
One thing I had wondered about this week’s newsletter was whether to employ the dreaded paywall halfway down the page. I’ve seen more newsletters use this tactic. I’ve been guilty of it myself. More writers are leaning towards hiding their content behind a paywall. And I get it: that roadblock is something I’ve hit before and felt compelled to whip my credit card out. It works.
But this has always felt in conflict in a newsletter centred around the idea of dads helping other dads out. I thought about cutting off the free version when it got to the recommendations. Today, this felt particularly shitty: “Here’s a list of great shows you can enjoy with your kids. But I’ll only let you in on this opportunity to bond with your offspring if you pay me $6 a month.”
That leaves as bad a taste in your mouth as it does in mine. But because I’m committed to keeping this space free from advertising—and the dreaded “native advertising” AKA sponsored content, that has infected so much of the modern web—it’s paid subscriptions that keep the lights on and enable me to pay the other writers, illustrators, editor and other folks that come together underneath the TNF umbrella. As well as making this a sustainable thing for me to spend 10-15 hours a week on.
I’ve spent years trying to thread a needle attached to the end of this Gordian knot. It felt like an unsolvable riddle. But last month I discovered an essay by Tim Carmody in Craig Mod’s wonderful newsletter. In it, Carmody offered the idea of ”unlocking the commons,” in which a small number of people collectively pay for the creation of something that everyone else gets to enjoy it for free:
The most powerful and interesting media model will remain raising money from members who don’t just permit but insist that the product be given away for free. The value comes not just what they’re buying, but who they’re buying it from and who gets to enjoy it.
As soon I read this, it felt right for TNF. Some dads pay in order for everything to remain free for those who can’t. Your paid subscriptions will enable me to pay others, and also myself. I’ll still occasionally use the paywall for essays I’d like to keep to a smaller circle (long-time subscribers will know the type). But if this works, maybe I can stop holding my writing hostage in the hope of juicing my numbers.
I have a similar piece to this one in pipeline: a list of picture books I’ll miss reading to my kids. Ideally, it will go out to all 15,000 subscribers again. Let's see if we can make this work. We’re sitting at 304 subscribers today. I’d love to get that number to 500. 10% of all subscriptions will go towards the therapy fund. Another chunk will go towards 2024 plans, including ways to help dads connect with each other online and in real life in cities across the world. It’s only through your support I’ll be able to make these things happen. And then I promise to shut the hell up about subscriptions for a while.
It would be an outrage to end this request to “pay for something you don’t need to pay for” without Homer Simpson’s thoughts on Springfield History Museum’s suggested donation:
Homer: What do you mean by "suggested donation"?
Clerk: Pay any amount you wish, sir.
Homer: And uh, what if I wish to pay... zero?
Clerk: That is up to you.
Homer: Ooh, so it's up to me, is it?
Clerk: Yes.
Homer: I see. And you think that people are going to pay you$60$4.50 … even though they don't have to? Just out of the goodness of their... (laughs) heart?! Well, anything you say! Good luck, lady, you're gonna need it!
So—are you in?
Alt link: Count me in, but I’d rather make a one-off payment (and not involve Substack)
And now: some dads who have said nice things about TNF
Thank you. Today was the first time when I had the courage to research what the hell happened to me in the last two years. I cried reading your article on paternal post-natal depression and it was somehow relieving. Maybe I will find the courage to also share my story and seek help because I am in a really dark place now. But thank you again! I really tough I was alone in this.
Very grateful for you Kevin, and all the other dads on here opening up. In fact it’s the first time opening up to a group of strangers for me also. It’s very helpful to read all the fights that other dads had been through and came out on top. This community is great and reading it definitely takes a lot of pressure off a young dad who is sometimes a bit overwhelmed by his new job. Hugs to all of you out there. We’re in this together.
I'm hanging in there right now with two daughters, 18 months and 6 weeks, and your emails have been a lifeline. Love what you're doing, love the tone, approach, and the humour, keep up the fantastic work :)
I read somewhere once that “the opposite of addiction is community and service.” Sometimes hiding from my mental health or hiding from parenthood feels like an addictive pull. So I think you’ve done an amazing thing creating a community and being of service to it, and letting others (like me) do the same. Thanks so much for sharing.
I've had the same impulse to put something out there "that's a public record of my perspective on fatherhood," but life has always seemed to get in the way. Startups, a global pandemic, moving twice in 12 months - there's always a fantastic excuse not to do the thing you tell yourself you want to do, and yet you've done it in a way that's engaging, entertaining, and enlightening. I absolutely love the idea of a community of dads who are curious about how to be better at raising children, better at balancing work and life, and just be better men.
I don’t get to meet a lot of other dads. My son is 13 weeks old. I read your essay this morning after I struggled with feeding him and getting him back to sleep. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.
I loved your issue on grief. It reminded me yet again that this is a safe space for men to openly speak about serious issues and find support from others who have gone through the same thing. Thank you.
This is mandatory reading for anyone trying to be a good dad. Nothing else like it.
I never knew I needed a community of dads until I found The New Fatherhood. It’s made me feel that I’m not alone in the everyday titanic struggle of raising little Homo sapiens, and it’s giving me the tools to be a better dad for the next generation.
It always feels like you're writing about something I perceive to be a solitary darkness, and you bring the light at just the right moment.
Wrapping up
OK, that’s it. I don’t don the salesman suit too often, but I want to ensure this newsletter keeps going. This email will probably see many folks unsubscribe, a predictable outcome of banging the subscription drum. But I believe in what we’re doing here, and I know others do, too. I’m hoping this will convince some more of you to lend your support.
Anyway, how was it for you? “Loved the TV recommendations, less into the panhandling”?
Loved | Great | OK | Meh | Bad
Illustration by Tony Johnson: back to the first one Tony did for TNF. One of forty-three, by my count. Branding by Selman Design. Survey by Sprig.
I'm not a father but this title cracked me right up and got me to click into the post. Hopefully there's less eye gouging going on this weekend for all the parents here.
And many many thanks for this list!