I must confess that I am a total TV mom and I’ve found that there are an overwhelming amount of options when it comes to TV shows for preschoolers!
My children, who are 3.5 and almost 2, watch a little television pretty much every day. Sometimes it’s to give them a break from our busy schedule and sometimes it’s so that I can have a few uninterrupted moments to myself.
Whatever the reason, I’m always conscious of the type of TV they watch. As a former teacher, I’m constantly searching for learning opportunities for both of my girls. Between annoying jingles, whiny characters, and pointless plots, you quickly learn that not everything on TV is suitable for your home.
I put together a list of 10 TV shows for preschoolers that are entertaining, educational, and won’t drive you crazy. They all teach useful skills and can be enjoyed by everyone in your family!
We stream most of the girls’ shows on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu. I like that there are no commercials and that we have greater control over what they’re watching.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Daniel Tiger is definitely my girls’ favorite! Based on Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, the show follows a tiger cub named Daniel through his community as he interacts with his family and neighbors. With a focus on kindness and empathy, the show uses catchy songs to address social and emotional skills in a way that’s relatable to young kids.
Watch Daniel Tiger on Amazon Prime Video.
Creative Galaxy
Creative Galaxy is centered around a cute little alien named Arty and his sidekick Epiphany. They must find solutions to problems by traveling to different planets and learning about art, crafts, engineering, and cooking. The featured crafts are really easy for kids to replicate at home and my 3-year-old always feels inspired to create after we watch this show.
Watch Creative Galaxy on Amazon Prime Video.
Super Why
Super Why is a fantastic show for teaching English Language Arts skills to your little one. It discusses letters, sounds, spelling, rhyming, and reading comprehension. It’s a fun, interactive introduction to classic children’s stories and challenges your little ones to think about words.
Watch Super Why on Amazon Prime Video or
Netflix.
Sid the Science Kid
Sid the Science Kid is my personal fave because I love how it promotes curiosity in young learners. Each episode follows Sid as he gets ready for the day with his family, spends a few hours at his school investigating a new topic, and then comes home to share his new knowledge! Sid the Science Kid covers every scientific concept from animals and weather to simple machines and measurement.
Watch Sid on Amazon Prime Video.
Tumble Leaf
Tumble Leaf is an award-winning stop motion show that follows a smart, helpful fox named Fig living on a little island. He and his friends use simple science as they go on adventures and explore their home. It has a very relaxing tone that is perfect when my kids need to wind down.
Watch Tumble Leaf on Amazon Prime Video.
Peg + Cat
We just recently got into Peg + Cat, but it’s a PBS Kids show centered around math. The main character is a little girl named Peg and she and her cat are presented with math-related obstacles. Using songs and imagination, Peg + Cat promotes number awareness, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Watch Peg + Cat on Amazon Prime Video.
Sesame Street
I think the fact that Sesame Street has been around since 1969 is a testament to how effective it is at capturing the attention of young children. I love seeing the engaging ways they meaningfully address a wide range of topics. They’re all about embracing our differences and truly making learning accessible to everyone.
Watch Sesame Street on Amazon Prime Video or
Hulu.
Treehouse Detectives
In Treehouse Detectives, brother and sister bears named Toby and Teri are mystery solvers. They use clues and facts to find answers to conundrums in their backyard and encourage your little ones to play detective with them. We watch Treehouse Detectives on Netflix.
Let’s Go, Luna!
This is another one of our newer favorite TV shows for preschoolers! Every so often, Luna the Moon comes down from space and takes a trip to a different part of the globe. During her travels, she explores new customs, languages, and historical monuments. It’s been a fantastic way for my girls to learn about different people and cultures! Watch Let’s Go Luna! on Amazon Prime Video.
Doc McStuffins
It truly doesn’t get any more precious than Doc McStuffins! Doc is an altruistic toy doctor who lovingly treats all of her stuffed patients. There are so many priceless little lessons about health, safety, and self-care in this adorable show! We watch Doc McStuffins on
Hulu.
You definitely want to stick to your pediatrician’s guidelines for screentime, but know that all of these shows are wonderful options for your little one.
What are your favorite TV shows for preschoolers? Tell me in the comments!
While you’re here, check out this full list of preschool skills for your little one to learn and give this fun tear art craft a try!
Talk to you soon!
Thanks for this list. There are way too many choices on Netflix, for me to try to figure it out myself.
I totally agree, there are WAY too many options to weed through. I’m so glad this is helpful to you!
This is a great list! We love Peg + Cat so much! I’m excited to check out the ones we haven’t watched yet. Some of our favorite shows are Octonauts, Dinosaur Train, and The Magic School Bus Rides Again. They’re all really great shows and all of us learn so much from them. Yes, me included. Haha.
Awesome! I always learn something new watching TV with my kids, too!