I love kids’ TV shows, and after 7 years of nannying, I’ve seen them all. Some shows focus on holding children’s attention, but others tell stories that resonate with adults as well. More than once I’ve caught myself suddenly tearing up because of a show made for children. These shows have also made me laugh, cheer, and excitedly wait to learn what happens next. So whether you’re a parent looking for a show that both you and your kids can enjoy, or you’re a childfree adult looking for a little bit of childhood nostalgia, watch these three children’s shows that are plenty entertaining for all ages:
1. “Bluey” (2018)
“Bluey” is about a family of four dogs: mom Chili, dad Bandit, older daughter Bluey, and little sister Bingo. The show may center on dogs, but don’t underestimate its powerful storylines. “Bluey” is famous for its authentic characters and its age-appropriate handling of complex issues, like neurodiversity, grief, and infertility.
One of the best “Bluey” episodes is season 2, episode 50 (“Grandad”). The episode follows Bluey, Bingo, and their grandad running through Grandad’s property to run away Chili, who’s trying to convince Grandad to take his medication. One of the hardest parts of growing up is watching your parents age, so seeing Chili urge her father to take care of himself is a reminder that even as adults, we still need our parents.
2. “Craig of the Creek” (2018)
“Craig of the Creek” perfectly encapsulates childhood whimsy with its focus on imaginative play. At the Creek, anything can happen. If someone shouts “The floor is lava!” the ground magically turns to hot magma. Creek-goers handle disputes with intense games of capture the flag, and calling “dibs” is a serious enough matter to settle in “court.” The show also features a diverse cast, with racial, LGBTQ+, and disability representation that feels completely natural.
If you want to watch “Craig of the Creek,” check out season 4, episode 10 (“Fire & Ice”). The episode follows one of the main characters, Kelsey, as she struggles with the realization that she has a crush on one of her female friends, Stacks. If you also crushed on same-gender friends as a kid or struggled to accept your sexuality, you’ll find the adults’ support and understanding of Kelsey’s sexuality heartwarming.
3. “The Owl House” (2020)
“The Owl House” is a fun fantasy show about a magic-loving girl, Luz, who enters a strange door and finds herself in a world where witches are real, and children her age attend school to strengthen their skills as witches. Despite not possessing natural magic abilities like the other children, Luz decides to pursue becoming a witch.
The Owl House has many emotional episodes, but one of the best is season 3, episode 1 (“Thanks to Them”). The character Hunter begins as Luz’s enemy in the series, but in this episode, Luz and Hunter finally become friends. Despite Luz and Hunter’s rocky past, in this episode, Luz tells Hunter that she wants to keep him safe, and the new feeling of his loved ones loving him back brings him to tears. This scene perfectly captures the power of a “found family” for those who may not have their blood relatives’ stability or support.
Children’s TV shows can reflect our experiences and heal parts of ourselves that we never realized were broken. So the next time you want to watch a feel-good show, check out one of these shows — you’re sure to love what you see!
Do you have a go-to comfort show that gets you in your feels? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Photo by Justin Lim on Unsplash
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