Here are 13 wholesome tv shows for kids to bring about smiles and build up the hearts of your children.
A couple of months ago I introduced my children to the classic black and white TV series Lassie. The giant smiles that followed assured me that we’d found a winner! It’s no surprise that finding wholesome entertainment for our children is much easier said than done these days. Young innocent minds are incredibly impressionable and it’s our job as parents to lovingly protect and guide them to the best of our ability.
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TV Shows For Kids
I’d like to share with you 13 of the best tv shows for kids (in our opinion) that are safe for young hearts and minds. Although I believe that playing outside will forever be the best form of entertainment for our children (and us!) there’s nothing wrong with cozying up to a nice show on a rainy day.
TV Shows for Kids – Classic Animated Series
Below are some of our favorite animated TV shows for kids. I hope that you and your kids find some new favorites or perhaps are reminded of some older gems that you’d forgotten about! (Most of these are aimed at children in the 4-8 year old age range.)
1. Little Bear
The Little Bear TV series is based on the classic book series by Else Holmelund Minarik originally published between 1957-2010. The show which ran from 1995-2001 on Nick Jr. is easily one of the most wholesome children’s TV shows. It’s packed full of character building truths, lessons on friendship, and peaceful background music. My own two children are a bit older than the target audience and still enjoy this wonderful show from time to time.
2. Franklin
Franklin is another classic about a kind turtle family navigating life in the village of Woodland. Young Franklin seems to always be learning some important lesson about kindness, honesty, and courage to name a few.
3. Bluey
Bluey is a newer Australian TV series for kids that has created loyal fans all over the world for its unique humor and focus on family. Bluey is a Blue Heeler pup with one curious mind and quite an imagination. She often goes on exciting adventures with her dad, mum, and little sis, Bingo.
4. The Berenstain Bears
This classic from my childhood originally aired in 1985. A second Berenstain Bears series was launched in 2003. Generosity and responsibility are two key themes woven throughout this popular kids tv show. Brother Bear and Sister Bear are always learning, growing, and making memories that will inspire your child to do the same.
5. The Adventures of Paddington Bear
The storyline of Paddington Bear is truly heartwarming. The Brown family discovers a lonesome bear from darkest Peru at Paddington Station and adopts him as their own. This sweet fellow (who has a special love of orange marmalade) makes plenty of mistakes, but graciously learns from each and every one. There are multiple remakes of this series. We enjoy both the 1997 series and the 2020 series.
6. Curious George
Curious George is still one of our family’s favorite TV shows for kids! George is a kind and curious little monkey with a keen ability to make everyone smile as he discovers the fascinating world of “The Man With the Yellow Hat” (his owner).
7. Winnie The Pooh
Winnie the Pooh is perhaps the most well-known of all and for good reason! This sweet series about friendship is a wholesome choice for young children.
Related: 15 (SQUEAKY CLEAN) WHOLESOME FAMILY MOVIES
Christian TV Shows For Kids
There are a lot of options out there nowadays when it comes to Christian kids TV shows, but not all of them are packed with captivating visuals, rich biblical truths, and powerful storylines like the ones listed below. Each of these appeal to the whole family and are perfect for Saturday morning breakfast time!
8. The Wingfeather Saga
My daughter devoured this best-selling book series by Andrew Peterson and was thrilled to discover they were creating a TV version last year. The gifted Igiby siblings are on a journey to discover the secret of the Jewels of the Shining Isle. Join them as they search for truth and fight the dangerous creatures of the Dark Sea of Darkness.
The Wingfeather Saga is the largest ever crowd funded animated series and is available to watch for free on the Angel Studios website (the same company that produced the hit series “The Chosen”). Season 2 is currently in the making.
9. Superbook
Superbook is a children’s show that will engage families of all ages. The computer graphics and visual effects of this reboot series are truly stunning! Chris, Joy, and their sidekick robot, Gizmo, are pointed towards God’s Word as they face trials in life. There they meet fascinating biblical characters who experienced the same struggles they’re facing and learn precious truths as they seek to follow the Lord.
10. Torchlighters
I’m so glad we stumbled upon this kids TV series a couple of years back! Torchlighters dives into the lives of Christian “heroes of the faith”. These 22 episodes tell the true stories of well-known missionaries, evangelists, pastors, and courageous men and women who compassionately yet boldly took a stand for Christ and made a difference in the world around them.
11. The Last Chance Detectives Movie Series
Although this one isn’t exactly a TV series per se it was too good not to mention and brings back a bit of VHS nostalgia for me! The Last Chance Detectives is a series of 3 movies about four friends who solve mysteries while learning God’s truths along the way. Kids will glean wisdom as they learn from the strengths and weaknesses of characters Mike, Ben, Spence, and Winnie.
Old TV Shows For Kids
Some of the older classics are just as good as they were back then!
12. Mr. Ed
Mr. Ed, the talking horse, still makes me smile as an adult. The 1960s sitcom follows the story of architect Wilbur Post and his best friend, Ed (an often disgruntled Palomino horse). This classic family comedy is sure to create some laughs! I’d say this one is a good TV show for 7 year olds and up.
13. Lassie- Best TV Shows for Kids
As far as good entertainment goes, Lassie is about as sweet and wholesome as it gets! I remember as a little girl waking up early on Saturday mornings to watch these reruns. Little Timmy models respect, kindness, and obedience as he and his best pal, Lassie, go on adventures together.
Wholesome entertainment is good for the heart.
I hope that this list of TV shows for kids is helpful for you as you search for wholesome entertainment options for your children. All of these can be found for free on YouTube as well as several other apps. If you have any other favorites please feel free to share!
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