Top 20 Educational Kids Shows

Top 20 Educational Kids Shows

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the smartest, most educational TV shows we grew up with and molded us into the people we are now. There will be minor spoilers.

#20: “Wishbone” (1995-97)

Blending adventure with literature, "Wishbone" follows the titular Jack Russell Terrier who relates his current situation with that of a character of a work of classic literature. In this dreamscapade, Wishbone usually plays the lead in a costume (although occasionally he plays the side character), with others also playing as classic lit figures. Smart, witty, and wholesome, "Wishbone" is a child-friendly introduction to long and often intimidating classic novels, distilling their plots without sacrificing their messages. Plus, let's be honest - it's fun to watch a dog play Hamlet and Robin Hood. It's too bad the show isn't running now - learning about classic literature only gets tougher from middle school on, trust us.

#19: “Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?” (1991-95)

A game show that puts our geographical knowledge to the test. This PBS show follows three middle school-aged contestants as they try to figure out where Carmen Sandiego's cronies are, with two rounds and a bonus one. In the bonus round, the contestants have to figure out the location of Carmen Sandiego herself based on clues from one of her fellow crooks. The format was so successful it won the 1992 Peabody Award and seven Daytime Emmys! Not bad for a show that got its start due to Americans' lack of geography knowledge.

#18: “Between the Lions” (2000-10)

You don't need to read between the lines to know what "Between the Lions" is all about. Set in a library and following charming anthropomorphic lions, each episode focuses on a particular book, whether it is the lions reading it and learning from it or an adaptation of the story in-show. "Between the Lions" also has animated sequences, parodies, and gags à la "Sesame Street," including the memorably catchy Cliff Hanger. Other notable segments are Monkey Pop-Up Theater, Little Wendy Tales, and Fun with Chicken Jane, a parody of Dick and Jane. Just remembering has us itching to visit the library!

#17: “Ask the StoryBots” (2016-19)

A kind of "MythBusters" for children, this animated show follows a group of StoryBots who live beneath our screens going on an adventure to answer kids' questions. At the end of the episode, the show provides an answer to the question in the form of a music video or song. The show's format is a great kid-friendly exposure to natural science and biology, as well as math and history, all in a humorous package. Some of the questions include how eyes see, how cell phones work, what electricity is, and so forth. "Ask the StoryBots" was popular and successful enough to be acquired by Netflix, and even got a Christmas episode.

#16: “Peppa Pig” (2004-)

Yes, everyone's favorite proper chummy pig is on this list. Set in a world of anthropomorphic animals, the show follows a piglet named Peppa as she and her family go on various everyday activities. A kind of "Arthur" for the preschool set, Peppa's slice-of-life escapades, usually leading to embarrassment, always end in a lesson of some sort, with an off-screen voice narrating the action. The show's popularity led to Peppa and her friends' Britishisms being adopted by many young viewers, hence the "Peppa Pig" effect. "Peppa Pig" has won a variety of children's awards for its writing, animation, and performances, and with good cause.

#15: “Zoboomafoo” (1999-2001)

For shows about learning about nature and the animal world, there are few as educational as “Zoboomafoo.” Created by Chris and Martin Kratt, the show began as an unofficial spin-off of “Kratts’ Creatures,” also a wildlife show. This show follows the delightfully enthusiastic Kratts brothers and the titular Zoboomafoo, a talking lemur, as they discover animals in the wild. The show eventually produced a spin-off called “Wild Kratts,” which is similar except it mixes flash animation and live action. In whichever iteration of the show, “Zoboomafoo” is a fun, enjoyable way to learn about different wildlife and their capabilities—and it’s definitely responsible for our animal phase in elementary.

#14: “Cyberchase” (2002-)

For learning applicable math and environmental computer science, you won’t go wrong with the smartly written “Cyberchase.” Following friends Matt, Inez, and Jackie in their adventures in cyberspace, the three amigos foil the machinations of the evil Hacker through mathematical principles and concepts, economics, and environmental science. After each episode, the show has “Cyberchase For Real,” which shows real-life actors using the mathematical concepts in the show in real life. “Cyberchase’s” use of both fantasy and mathematical principles is a clear winner, and it has been nominated for several awards. It’s certainly not nostalgia talking when we say this show is a clear winner.

#13: “Super Why!” (2007-16)

Another program that encourages reading and literacy, there is no need to wonder why “Super Why!” is on this list. The show follows storybook characters—Whyatt Beanstalk, Woofster, Princess Pea, and Red Riding Hood—living in Storybrook Village as they venture inside the book to resolve their problems. The show makes good use of its classic fairy tale characters and exposes children to other classic stories as well. “Super Why!” also encourages the viewer to identify “Super Letters.” The show’s popularity has led to a live show and spin-off series, proving the ever-perennial appeal of reading and storytelling.

#12: “Barney & Friends” (1992-2010)

“I love you, you love me.” When it comes to children’s edutainment, there are few shows as iconic and instantly recognizable as “Barney & Friends.” The show follows kids and their friend, a magical purple dinosaur that comes to life, who teaches them important life lessons. Other dinosaurs include Baby Bop, BJ, and Riff with their own theme songs and personalities. Although the subject of countless schoolyard parodies, “Barney’s” positive messages, adventurous storylines, and catchy songs are no doubt the basis for its popularity and led it to becoming a massive hit.

#11: “Little Einsteins” (2005-09)

Those Baby Einstein videos have reaped fruit in this animated series for children. Like the videos, this show integrates fun childhood adventure with classical music and high artworks. The show follows five friends—Leo, Quincy, June, Annie, and Rocket—as they travel the world solving problems or helping people. The show aims to expose young children to classical music and art and build appreciation, which the showrunners believe can aid in brain growth and development. “Little Einsteins” is a great way for children to learn art and culture in a kid-friendly way, as well as encourage art appreciation.

#10: “Bluey” (2018-)

We are never blue watching “Bluey.” This slice-of-life show follows the adventures of an energetic Australian blue heeler, Bluey, and her friends and family. The depiction of contemporary life in the show has been praised as realistic, with both of Bluey’s parents working and taking care of their children. Bluey’s father, Bandit, is also praised as a positive role model for children. All in all, “Bluey” focuses on helping children navigate their everyday lives. Older viewers might pick up a few lessons as well with the show having a fanbase of adults, not all of whom are parents.

#9: “Dora the Explorer” (2000-19)

While many children’s shows depend on viewer interaction, arguably the best and most iconic has to be everyone’s favorite exploradora. This show follows seven-year-old Dora Márquez and her monkey Boots on adventures. Along the way, Dora encounters a thieving fox named Swiper, who steals people’s belongings that Dora (and us) must return to their owners. The show is great at teaching children rudimentary Spanish and solving games and puzzles. “Dora’s” popularity has led to a live-action film adaptation and a live-action series starting a tween Dora is in development. ¡Que emoción!

#8: “Blue’s Clues” (1996-2006)

Another iconic interactive children’s show stars another lovable female blue dog, Blue, who leaves her paw prints as clues for Steve (and us) to find. The show is distinctive for being the first American cutout animation series for preschoolers, using innovative research in early childhood development. A sure-fire hit, “Blue’s Clues” became an iconic and beloved show, nominated for nine Emmy awards. It was eventually rebooted after its initial release as “Blue’s Clues & You!” starring a new host. Here’s hoping Blue leaves more clues for the generations of preschoolers to come.

#7: “Schoolhouse Rock!” (1973-2009)

Where would we be without this show and its iconic songs about the American Revolution? “Schoolhouse Rock!” was conceived to help school children memorize historical dates and mathematical operations in a fun series of songs. The very first one was “Three Is a Magic Number.” Other popular ones include “Conjunction Junction” and “I’m Just a Bill.” Bob Dorough’s catchy songwriting style is great for children to learn and retain important concepts. The show’s format was a success. There were even popular artists who covered the songs in a tribute album. Knowledge is power!

#6: “Reading Rainbow” (1983-2006)

“Take a look, it’s in a book.” This iconic show brought the love of reading to a whole generation of kids. Hosted by actor LeVar Burton, the show had several celebrities and guests reading from a select children’s book. “Reading Rainbow” also had an ending segment called “Book Reviews,” where children would give their opinions on the books they liked. The show’s success has led to a boatload of other literacy shows that encourage reading and literacy skills. By the time it came off the air, it was the third longest-running children’s series on PBS—and a major influence for many a bookworm.

#5: “The Magic School Bus” (1994-97)

Learning about science and biology has never been so adventurous. This acclaimed series follows an elementary class and their eccentric science teacher, Ms. Frizzle, on a magical school bus that can shrink and expand at will. The series was actually based on a book series of the same title. Since the success of the show, it has been adapted into a series of games and even revived in 2017. Through the magical field trips through several biomes and the human body, the series aims to inspire children about the wonders of science and the natural world.

#4: “Bill Nye the Science Guy” (1993-99)

Another award-winning science show that inspired countless scientists was hosted by actual engineer Bill Nye, playing his “science guy” persona. Quirky and sharply edited, with a banger of a theme, the show aims to answer and explain scientific concepts and perform experiments. Apart from the host’s science background, the series received funding from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy. Bill Nye has since then been enthroned in pop culture consciousness as an authority on all things science, and his show has definitely inspired a whole generation of scientists and researchers.

#3: “Arthur” (1996-2022)

One of the most popular children’s series of all time, “Arthur” has left an indelible mark on children’s edutainment. This slice-of-life series about an animated aardvark and his friends and family was the inspiration to countless series of the like, including “Peppa Pig” and “Bluey.” Based on a series of books, “Arthur” deals with many important topics in a kid-friendly manner, including poverty, swearing, dyslexia, cancer, and autism. The show has inspired its fair share of Internet memes, mostly involving Arthur’s hilarious younger sister, D.W. And of course, “Arthur” was developed to encourage reading in the first place—its protagonist’s last name is even Read. The show also made history by showing its first same-sex wedding, proving it’s more than a kid’s show.

#2: “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” (1968-2001)

One of the longest-running kids’ shows, “Mister Rogers” has since proven to be not just a popular kids’ show but one of the best American TV series of all time. Hosted by the titular Fred Rogers, the show follows him on his daily routine, singing the show’s theme, which he wrote. Rogers talks to the camera about several topics, not shying away from diffcult topics such as death, anger, and divorce. The show also contained popular segments like the Neighborhood of Make Believe, starring puppets and guest stars. The sad death of Fred Rogers put an end to the show, but its legacy is still present in the generations of children raised on his gentle presence.

#1: “Sesame Street” (1969-)

Does this show even need an introduction? Chances are if you’re any kind of American, you know “Sesame Street.” The Shakespeare of kids programming, this show combines sketch comedy, puppetry, animation, short films, and cultural references. It was the first children’s show to be influenced by early childhood education and learning and is one of the most award-winning shows on TV, as well as the longest-running. Filled with iconic characters such as Big Bird, Elmo, the Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch, “Sesame Street” has included many celebrities and guest stars. The goal? Preparing children, particularly low-income ones, for school. The show also promotes pro-social behaviors, diversity, and non-aggression, making “Sesame Street” the best in children’s programming.

Which other children’s educational series really holds up well to your adult scrutiny? Let us know in the comments down below!