Watching family-friendly films, like our top kids’ movies, can be a fun way to bond and relax as a family. But when you don’t have time for a full-length film, kids’ TV shows are the next best thing.
Most popular kids’ shows last between 10 and 30 minutes, so they’re ideal for busy families who want to enjoy some smaller increments of screen time together. Plus, many children’s shows have excellent educational and entertaining features, making them a win for kids and parents.
Whether you want to actively watch with your kiddos or just give them time to chill out, DIRECTV is here to break down the kids’ shows we recommend.
What Are the Best Kids’ TV Shows?
From classics like Sesame Street to newer, computer-animated shows like Blaze and the Monster Machines, kids’ shows today can appeal to practically any young audience. And many children’s TV shows are chock-full of learning opportunities, entertainment, humor and many other things your kids will love.
Here are some popular kids’ shows that you and your family won’t want to skip:
‘Paw Patrol’
Episode length: 22 minutes
Target age group: 2 to 4 years old
This show follows a group of rescue dogs working together to protect their home, Adventure Bay. A young boy named Ryder leads other pups and helps them use their unique skills, equipment and teamwork to solve problems and help others in the community.
Paw Patrol teaches children about problem-solving and teamwork, but it can also introduce different careers and roles people have in their communities. Concepts like basic math and science are prevalent in the show, helping children develop cognitive and critical thinking skills.
Watch Paw Patrol on DIRECTV now.
‘Bluey’
Episode length: 7 minutes
Target age group: 5 to 7 years old
Bluey is an Australian animated series following the antics of a frisky, inventive blue heeler puppy and her family. In this show, viewers follow Bluey and her sister Bingo, who use imagination to play games and explore their world. Their parents, Bandit and Chilli, often join in on the fun and teach valuable life lessons along the way.
With its joy for childhood, relationships and family life, Bluey is an excellent show for helping kids understand and appreciate differences and building strong connections with others. Plus, children will have exposure to basic math, language and social skills, making learning fun.
Watch Bluey online with DIRECTV.
‘Sesame Street’
Episode length: 30 minutes (60 minutes for original episodes)
Target age group: 3 to 4 years old
Anyone who’s heard of any kids’ shows probably knows about Sesame Street. This long-running, beloved children’s show educates and entertains kids with a diverse cast of colorful, interesting characters who live on Sesame Street. Each episode focuses on a specific theme, like emotions, counting, empathy or letters, and uses skits, animations and songs to teach the lesson.
Sesame Street is a show meant for all children, no matter their social or economic background. It features characters with many differences so kids can learn necessary social and communication skills.
Stream Sesame Street on DIRECTV now!
‘Teen Titans Go!’
Episode length: 10 minutes
Target age group: 7 years old and up
Follow the adventures of Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Beast Boy and Raven, young superheroes doing their best to protect the city and save the world. Teen Titans Go! encourages teamwork, communication, self-confidence and perseverance as the characters work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles.
Teen Titans Go! uses humor to entertain kids, and it is a fun option for a relaxed break from educational programming. If your child enjoys silly jokes and playful irreverence, this show’s a great pick.
Watch Teen Titans Go! on DIRECTV.
‘The Adventures of Paddington’
Episode length: 22 minutes
Target age group: 4 to 6 years old
The Adventures of Paddington follows the charming adventures of Paddington Bear as he navigates the world and tries new things. Along the way, Paddington learns important life lessons, helps his friends and teaches social and emotional skills.
This show has bright colors, relatable characters and simple language, making it engaging for young children. Additionally, kids will learn about basic math, science and geography in an interactive, story-based way.
Watch The Adventures of Paddington online now with DIRECTV.
‘Bubble Guppies’
Episode length: 22 minutes
Target age group: 3 to 4 years old
Bubble Guppies follows young mermaids and merboys as they explore life under the sea. Mr. Grouper, a teacher, brings the main characters together in a classroom to teach about the underwater environment and various sea creatures. Each episode of this show focuses on set topics like numbers, shapes or colors and incorporates developmentally appropriate lessons in basic concepts like math or literacy.
This show’s underwater theme captures children’s attention and sparks curiosity with an engaging and involved learning process.
Stream Bubble Guppies online with DIRECTV.
‘Molly of Denali’
Episode length: 24 minutes
Target age group: 4 to 8 years old
Molly of Denali follows Molly Mabray, a 10-year-old vlogger from the fictional Alaskan village of Qyah. Molly is imaginative and spunky, keeping children engaged in her stories.
For kids who love the wilderness, Molly of Denali is a great choice, as it teaches children about Alaska Native culture, Alaskan wilderness and local environment wildlife. This show also helps children learn critical thinking and academic skills, like literacy or creativity, through relatable storylines.
‘Blaze and the Monster Machines’
Episode length: 22 minutes
Target age group: 3 to 5 years old
Children love to watch the adventures of AJ and his best friend, a red monster truck named Blaze, in Blaze and the Monster Machines. Each episode of this show follows our main characters as they face predicaments and work toward making Blaze the top racer in Axle City.
This show is one of the first for preschool-aged children focused on presenting STEM concepts in an age-appropriate, attention-drawing way. If your child loves math and science, they’ll likely enjoy Blaze and the Monster Machines.
Watch Blaze and the Monster Machines online with DIRECTV.
Get More Family Shows You Love With DIRECTV
So many kids’ TV shows and movies are out there to explore with your little ones. With DIRECTV, you’ll get access to plenty of kid-friendly TV channels, like:
- Nick Jr.
- Nickelodeon
- PBS
- Cartoon Network
- Disney Channel
- BabyFirst
- Universal Kids (with ULTIMATE or PREMIER™ packages)
And, when it’s time to put the kids to sleep and watch some “grownup shows,” you can easily browse hundreds of other channels included in your DIRECTV package.
Not sure which package is right for you? Find out how to pick the best package with a short quiz.
DIRECTV Insider brings you our views on what’s happening in streaming, t.v., movies and sports. Companies and persons mentioned are not necessarily associated with and do not necessarily endorse DIRECTV. We will disclose sponsored content on our site when we show it to you, and some of the links on the site may be ads or affiliate links which means DIRECTV may earn compensation from your purchases.
