Instead of clock-watching, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges families to co-view high-quality educational TV shows for kids, chatting about characters, asking “why?”, and weaving on-screen lessons into everyday life. Research from the U.S. Ready To Learn initiative confirms that this interactive strategy can turbo-charge preschool literacy, early math, STEM curiosity, and language growth, especially in underserved communities.
Ready to press play? Below you’ll find our hand-picked 2025 line-up of the best educational shows for toddlers and preschoolers, curated from the latest Kidscreen insights and educator-approved round-ups, to help you turn screen time on Netflix, Disney+, PBS Kids, YouTube and more into meaningful learning moments.
Why Educational TV Still Matters in 2025
Well-structured programs that prompt interaction, use clear narratives and repeat key vocabulary measurably enhance verbal ability, numeracy and socio-emotional competence especially when adults co-view and chat about the content. Because children imitate what they see, shows modeled on research-backed curricula (e.g., “Sesame Street,” the gold standard) yield the strongest long-term gains in school readiness.
With all these options to choose from, these shows cover a wide range of subjects, including numbers, letters, social skills, and problem-solving, and are available through our safe video apps.
Pinkfong
Everybody knows Pinkfong’s Baby Shark catchy song, but Pinkfong has a lot more to offer. Their entertaining animations educate kids on numbers, letters, and basic vocabulary. The content is designed to be interactive and captivating, promoting singing and dancing participation. The simple songs and dances are ideal for toddlers as they develop language and motor skills, reducing frustration.
Miliki Family
Meet the Miliki Family, a vibrant and delightful animated series perfect for preschoolers. Join Miliki Jr., a bright and curious baby, as he explores the wonders of everyday life alongside his wise and playful Grandpa Miliki. This show weaves music and dance into every adventure, transforming ordinary situations into exciting learning opportunities. Through catchy songs and fun-filled scenarios, children will learn about a variety of essential topics, from healthy habits and emotional development to the importance of family and imaginative play.
Om Nom
Om Nom Stories has spawned various educational spinoffs, including “Learn English with Om Nom.” This popular series offers videos to teach English vocabulary, colors, shapes, and more. Additionally, short videos based on the main series provide preschool-level challenges such as learning colors through painting, finding hidden objects, and identifying differences in interactive viewing experiences to foster children’s curiosity. These lessons are so engaging, both kids and parents will enjoy them!
ZooBabu
Zoobabu is an interactive animated series that teaches children about animals, their characteristics, and their habitats. Each episode features a lively box that provides clues for children to identify the hidden animal.
Pocoyo
Pocoyo is a popular preschool series that that is all about little ones discovering the world around them. The white background removes any overstimulation so kids can focus on the interactions of the characters.
This show is great for helping toddlers learn new words – early vocabulary development -, but also for learning the ABC’s, colors, shapes, daily routines, artistic expression…
In addition to Pocoyo’s episodes, there are nursery rhymes and original songs: Toothbrush Jazz, Finger Family, Old MacDonald and many other children’s favorites.
Although we include Pocoyo in this more “traditional learning” section, we must mention that it also teaches kids valuable lessons about problem solving and conflict management in a way they can easily understand. The characters sometimes make mistakes or act selfishly, just as young children do. But they quickly realize this and try their best to make things right. So it’s also a wonderful show about kindness and friendship.
Super Geek Heroes
Super Geek Heroes is a preschool education series featuring seven heroes. Each hero possesses a unique superpower related to the seven areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): expressive arts and design, physical development, mathematics, understanding the world, literacy, communication and language, and personal, social and emotional development.
Little Smart Planet
Little Smart Planet is a channel that helps children learn or review basic concepts in English like colors, numbers, the alphabet, food or animals, as well as how to write or pronounce the words. The catchy songs entertain kids while helping them to memorize and cement knowledge.
The Mik Maks
If you’re looking for a change from traditional nursery rhymes, check out the Mik Maks! This country-rock band for kids adds a fun twist to familiar tunes, as well as performing interactive songs to help children learn the alphabet, numbers, animals, and more. Your little ones will love singing and dancing along to this unique and educational musical experience.
Mouk
Mouk is a cartoon that takes children on a journey around the world, introducing them to different cultures and ways of life. The show is designed to promote curiosity and understanding of other cultures, helping children develop a sense of empathy and respect for diversity.
Molang
Molang is all about good vibes, togetherness, self-love, and inclusivity. The best friends Molang and Piu Piu take on their pastel world with a happy and uplifting attitude. Your children will learn important lessons on kindness in a fun and relatable way, making it a perfect educational tool for character-building.
Giligilis
The Giligilis are adorable creatures that guide kids on a musical and rhythmic adventure using the Orff method. The Orff approach teaches music through play, using simple techniques like body percussion, dancing, and simple vocalization. The philosophy behind this method is that just as children learn to speak without formal lessons, they can also learn music in a similar manner.
Cry Babies Little Changers
Little Changers is a show for audiences ages 2 to 5 that teaches how small actions like turning off the faucet when not using water, turning off the lights when leaving a room, and recycling or reusing clothes can make a big difference for the planet.
In each episode, the Little Changers appear to help people who are harming the environment understand why their actions are wrong. Every action counts to make the world a better place!
Ria Rabbit
Ria Rabbit is a cute, lovable little rabbit from the picturesque town of Pashu Nagri, India, where she lives with her parents and younger brothers. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, and her adventures are both entertaining and educational for kids. The videos impart valuable lessons such as manners, emotional intelligence, values, healthy habits, and safety tips.
Earth to Luna
In each episode, Luna asks a question about science and goes on an adventure to find the answer. She talks about everything, from astronomy to motion to light refraction, in a simple way that preschoolers can understand and engage with.
Besides scientific knowledge, Earth to Luna spreads the message that everyone can be a scientist and that it’s important to learn from your mistakes. Curiosity is a key to learning, and this show certainly helps kids to develop that skill.
Mr. Boom Boom’s Music Room
Dynamic music lessons, fun renditions of classic nursery rhymes, sing-alongs, and stories. All in one place: Music Play Patrol – Mr. Boom Boom’s Music Room. This channel introduces kids to music through interactive activities such as bucket drumming, drum circles, children’s songs, group singing, and storytelling.
Daily Life Safety With Amber
Daily Life Safety With Amber teaches kids about essential safety practices in their daily routines. The show addresses topics such as pedestrian safety, avoiding danger from unknown people, and cleanliness in a simple manner for kids to comprehend.
Miss Linky
Miss Linky’s channel offers a fun way for kids to exercise and learn. Engaging and educational, her videos are even used in preschools. Children join Miss Linky on active adventures to promote physical and mental wellness, sing songs, dance, hear stories, and participate in various other activities.
Fire Safety With Roy
If you’re looking for a change from traditional nursery rhymes, check out the Mik Maks! This country-rock band for kids adds a fun twist to familiar tunes, as well as performing interactive songs to help children learn the alphabet, numbers, animals, and more. Your little ones will love singing and dancing along to this unique and educational musical experience.
Louie
The artistic Louie brings his creative visions to life through drawing. Louie constantly creates new worlds through his art and teaches kids how to draw by breaking down each step.
Robocar Poli
Robocar Poli is an animated series that follows the adventures of a team of rescue vehicles as they help keep their community safe. The show is designed to teach kids about safety, teamwork, and problem-solving in a fun and relatable way.
Beadies
Beadies is a musical cartoon series for children, crafted by a team of animators, child psychologists, and educators, to support early childhood development. The storylines, characters, colors, rhythm, and lively orchestral music aim to help kids grow specific skills, with a focus on emotional intelligence.
Milo
This is a show full of curiosity, teamwork and perseverance. Milo is an adventurous cat trying out jobs: he can be a firefighter, a doctor, an astronaut or a plumber. Through role-playing adventures, Milo learns about diferent jobs and the skills and knowledge needed to perform them. Every job is important and Milo encourages kids to be curious and explore their interests.
Out of This Word
Out of This Word showcases a sibling duo delving into the origins of idioms and expressions. The show stars Max, a curious and playful cat who takes words at face value, and Moon, a knowledgeable and analytical bunny who clarifies the idioms’ actual meanings for Max.
