6 Incredible Kids' Shows From The Last 5 Years Your Family May Have Missed
There are some children's shows that become so popular that they basically eclipse everything else. Bluey, which hit screens in 2018, is one of the more recent obvious examples. But it's not the only one. PAW Patrol (2013) also became a household name, with enough toys, books, and lunchboxes to make it feel like it's the only option parents have.
When a few shows reach that level of popularity, though, plenty of equally imaginative series slip under the radar. That's a shame, because some of the best kids' shows released over the last five years feature adventures that trust children to keep up with bigger ideas, and gentle stories that adults might find themselves enjoying just as much.
If your family has watched the same handful of favorites one too many times, and you're ready to introduce something new, the shows on this list deserve a place in your next streaming session. They may not have reached Bluey-level fame, but they're every bit as memorable in their own way. All of them can be found on streaming services like Apple TV and Disney+.
Based on the Zen book series by Jon J. Muth, Stillwater follows siblings Karl (Judah Mackey), Addy (Eva Ariel Binder), and Michael (Tucker Chandler) who become friends with their wise panda neighbor, Stillwater (James Sie). Each episode sees the kids deal with a different challenge and turn to Stillwater for advice. The wise panda uses stories to gently guide them toward a solution.
There aren't many children's shows that genuinely encourage everyone to slow down, and that's exactly what makes Stillwater so special. Its mindfulness themes never feel forced because they grow naturally from situations that kids actually experience. It's perfect for families looking for emotionally intelligent storytelling similar to Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood (2012).
After accidentally stumbling through a magical portal, Luz Noceda (Sarah-Nicole Robles) finds herself in the Boiling Isles, where she becomes friends with a rebellious witch named Eda Clawthorne (Wendie Malick) and tiny demon King Clawthorne (Alex Hirsch). Although Luz doesn't have any magic powers, she's determined to become a witch by studying ancient texts and embracing her own creativity.
The Owl House mixes imaginative world-building with genuine emotional growth, which gives its characters room to learn from their very real mistakes instead of resetting everything for the next episode. But due to that format, The Owl House is best suited to older kids and families who love fantasy adventures like 2019's Amphibia.
In 2021, Charlie Brown's wildly imaginative beagle, Snoopy (Terry McGurrin), returned for a new collection of adventures alongside his best pal, Woodstock, and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Whether he's imagining himself as a World War I Flying Ace or getting into mischief around the neighborhood, Snoopy's playful personality is always front and center in The Snoopy Show.
It's surprisingly difficult to modernize a beloved classic without losing its essence. But The Snoopy Show manages it beautifully. The animation feels fresh while preserving the classic humor that made Charles M. Schulz's characters so popular in the first place. It's also refreshingly low-key, much like The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1988), making it a welcome break from noisier children's programming.
The Creature Cases follows animal detectives Sam Snow (Shash Hira) and Kit Casey (Nneka Okoye) as they travel the world to solve wildlife mysteries for the Covert League of Animal Detective Experts. Every mission introduces young viewers to a different habitat and the fascinating animals that live there. As the pair uncovers clues, children naturally pick up facts about different animals.
Educational television tends to work best when children don't realize they're learning. And The Creature Cases absolutely understands that. The mysteries are engaging enough to keep kids invested while the wildlife facts are subtly woven into every adventure. It's fun, energetic, and manages to spark genuine curiosity about the natural world, making it great for fans of Wild Kratts (2011).
Wonder Pets: In the City is a standalone sequel to the original 2006 animated series Wonder Pets! This updated take on the beloved franchise introduces viewers to Izzy the guinea pig (Victoria Scola-Giampapa), Tate the snake (Christopher Sean Cooper Jr.), and Zuri the bunny (Vanessa Huszár), who live inside the classroom of a New York City kindergarten.
The trio receives calls from animals in need before setting off to solve each problem through teamwork and kindness. Rather than simply repeating the original formula, Wonder Pets: In the City refreshes it for a new generation. But the focus on empathy remains as strong as ever. It's an excellent pick for preschoolers who love musical adventures like 2011's Bubble Guppies.
Snoopy heads into the great outdoors with his Beagle Scouts for a summer packed with new adventures in Camp Snoopy, while Charlie Brown and his friends enjoy the nearby Camp Spring Lake. As all the campers earn badges, everyone discovers that confidence often comes from trying something new. And true to the Peanuts spirit, even the smallest wins become meaningful.
Camp Snoopy captures everything that has kept these characters relevant for generations while giving them a fresh setting to explore. The outdoor adventures provide just enough excitement without losing the gentle optimism that defines the Peanuts universe. It also pairs wonderfully with The Snoopy Show, making the two feel like natural companion series. Fans of Craig of the Creek (2018) will love it.
