Choosing the right content for toddlers and preschoolers to watch is not only about entertainment but also about supporting healthy emotional and intellectual development. At this stage of their lives, children tend to absorb everything around them, both good and bad. Hence, it’s vital that their screen time should supplement their learning, social skills, creativity, and emotional growth.
Ideally, kids’ shows should offer a combination of education and engagement, with calming visuals, gentle animations, musical adventures, and straightforward moral lessons that help in shaping young, impressionable minds.
If you’re looking for shows that your child will love, this guide will assist you in discovering the best television shows for toddlers and preschoolers, along with where to watch them with JustWatch’s streaming guide.
Mighty Little Bheem (2019)
Mighty Little Bheem is a non-verbal animated series featuring Little Bheem, a strong and inquisitive toddler who explores the world around him with his friends. Relying mainly on bright, but not overstimulating visuals and music, its content is easily accessible to children who aren’t speaking yet and allows young viewers to follow along with its simple and sweet stories.
Though the gentle pace makes for a stress-free viewing experience for toddlers or early preschoolers, the lack of dialogue may feel limiting for older preschoolers who might want more interaction between the characters.
Charlie And Lola (2005)
Charlie and Lola is a delightful British animated series. It centers around the relationship between level-headed older brother Charlie and his dramatic, free-spirited little sister Lola. This show is ideal for preschoolers who enjoy relaxed, quieter storytelling, set against a distinctive animation style filled with striking colours and vivid patterns. The series portrays an authentic and sincere sibling dynamic that many children can appreciate. However, its measured pace and minimal background noise may not interest toddlers needing more lively visual stimulation.
Miffy And Friends (2003)
Miffy and Friends is a minimalist animated series about a sweet little white bunny and her friends as they go on adventures together. The soothing animation with a pastel palette presents non-overstimulating visuals that are perfect for toddlers who are just beginning to find an interest in watching television. Its simple storylines and adorable characters encourages themes of kindness and curiosity. While Miffy and Friends is a great choice for toddlers who enjoy a laidback approach to storytelling, children who prefer intricate plots and animations may skip this series.
Bluey (2018)
There are probably very few people who haven’t heard of Bluey. The show does a wonderful job of combining relatable themes with natural dialogue and heartfelt humour, all compressed into short episodes of no more than seven minutes each. It follows a 6-year-old Blue Heeler dog who transforms family moments into an adventure. With its subtly rich storytelling and soothing animation, Bluey is ideal for both kids and parents, making it a true family favourite.
Gali Gali Sim Sim (2006)
Gali Gali Sim Sim is India’s version of Sesame Street. Colourful puppets called Googly, Boombah, Aanchoo, etc, put on simple skits to teach toddlers and preschoolers about numbers, letters, hygiene, etc. Gali Gali Sim Sim is in Hindi, which is an added benefit for children learning Indian languages. It’s an inclusive and educational show that helps children develop life skills without overstimulation. This is a great pick for young children who enjoy connecting and learning from friendly characters.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (2006)
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse takes beloved Disney characters and gives them a unique preschool twist. In this interactive show, Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the gang ask the viewers questions and solve puzzles together. The familiar faces, paired with fun songs, make this show especially entertaining for children. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a safe and comforting show best for little kids who are just beginning to learn basic educational concepts.
Dragon Tales (1999)
Dragon Tales follows Mexican-American siblings Emmy and Max as they journey to a whimsical world where friendly dragons help them in solving problems, overcoming obstacles, and learning lessons about life. With its warm, fantasy setting, the show encourages preschoolers to embrace challenges and view failure as a natural part of learning. Each episode also follows a repeated structure—a fun adventure, some problem solving, and a moral—which supports the viewer’s imagination and creativity, nudging them into expressing their emotions. However, very young kids who prefer a high-octane show with more of a punch might peruse other options.
Baby Looney Tunes (2002)
Baby Looney Tunes reimagines popular characters like Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Daffy Duck, etc, as toddler versions of themselves. The show’s themes of sharing, friendship, and learning from mistakes, are all portrayed in a lighthearted way, imbibing the viewers with valuable teachable moments in every episode. Baby Looney Tunes is a must-watch for children who want to be immersed into a character-driven plot in a nurturing setting.
Tom And Jerry (1940)
Tom and Jerry is a classic cartoon that has been wildly popular since 1940. The show revolves around the rivalry between Tom, a troublesome cat, and Jerry, a smart mouse. With its exaggerated humour, lack of dialogues, and absence of an intense storyline, Tom and Jerry is accessible to kids of all ages, especially to those who aren’t verbal yet. The short episodes are engaging and many children may enjoy the action-packed chases. However, it doesn’t offer any enriching, educational content that parents may be searching for.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (2012)
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood follows 4-year-old Daniel Tiger as he navigates everyday experiences with his friends Katerina Kittycat, Miss Elaina, and others, through memorable songs and lessons. These can be used by parents to help their children better express their feelings and emotions. The simple storytelling is a huge asset for young children going through new routines and big transitions. On the other hand, older kids may outgrow the show’s predictable structure and seek something more fast-paced.
