I worked in kids’ TV for a long time, creating and developing shows from preschool to teen adventures. One of the best parts of this job was that I got to sit and watch cartoons and TV shows with my kids and call it “research.”
While this was super fun and a great bonding time with my kids, it also allowed me to observe them and talk to them about why they liked what they liked. It also gave me a chance to see what they were excited about in the future.
With 2026 upon us, and I’m sure parents’ patience for repeats running thin, I took a look at what’s on the larger studio slates for 2026. There’s some really cool stuff coming out in 2026, so if you’re on your 27th watching of that one episode of that one show your kids love, fear not! Help is on the way.
From playful learning to super-powered kitties, here’s a list of a few new shows, returning shows, and spinoff and rebooted shows that you can add to your playlists in 2026!
New Show: Phoebe & Jay
Siblings Phoebe & Jay turn everyday moments—like playtime, trips to the park, or the store—into playful learning adventures. The show blends relatable storytelling with reading readiness and skills. Phoebe & Jay emphasize taking action and problem-solving through songs and gentle humor. The show is designed to support early literacy and social-emotional growth.
Why Kids Love It: Phoebe & Jay is for any kid with a sibling, close cousin, or best friend. They don’t have to be blood-related to feel like family! The show’s highly colorful animation, relatable sibling dynamics, and interactive moments demonstrate the power of collaboration. The characters feel like real friends, making learning fun rather than merely instructional. In education, they won’t even know they are getting it!
Release Date: February 2, 2026
Platform: PBS Kids / PBS Kids Video App
New Show: Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures
Super Why! Is a classic that teaches kids about reading and words through play and adventure. This updated Super Why! places the heroes exclusively inside comic books, where they solve problems using reading, spelling, and teamwork. Each episode features a new story world with literacy challenges woven into the adventure.
Why Kids Love It: The comic book episode of the original Super Why! was a favorite not just for my kids, but for me as someone who has worked in comics for 20 years. The superhero theme and comic-style visuals are a welcome update to Super Why?, which was starting to look a little dated. Interactive questions help children feel part of the team as they build reading and storytelling confidence alongside the characters in the show.
Release Date: Fall 2026 (projected)
Platform: PBS Kids
Sequel Series: Sofia The First: Royal Magic
What’s It About: Sofia the First is a show that features classic Disney storytelling and fun, imaginative settings. In this Royal Magic update, Sofia returns as a young royal learning to balance new magical responsibilities with kindness and leadership. Royal Magic introduces new enchanted lands, mystical creatures, and, of course, royal dilemmas.
Why Kids Love It: Sofia the First: Royal Magic blends fantasy with positive life lessons. Kids will be stoked to get re-acquainted with Sofia in brand-new stories, and the show is also a great jumping-on point for new viewers. The magical elements, songs, and friendships spark imagination, and Sofia herself is a relatable, fun female role model for everyone. The show reinforces real-life kindness, bravery, and self-confidence in magic and mystical stories..
Release Date: 2026 (projected)
Platform: Disney Jr. / Disney+
New Show: Hey A.J.!
Hey A.J. is about the titular A.J., a curious, energetic kid who tackles everyday challenges through imagination and creativity. The show emphasizes problem-solving and emotional awareness. Hey A.J.! encourages kids to think big and try new things while reinforcing confidence and creative thinking.
Why Kids Love It: Kids will connect with A.J.’s playful personality and realistic, easily relatable experiences. Hey A.J.! has an upbeat tone and lots of great music that keeps kids engaged in the story. Children will feel empowered when they see problems like the ones they face every day solved in positive, achievable ways.
Release Date: January 13, 2026
Platform: Disney Jr. / Disney+
Spinoff Series: Dino Ranch: Island Explorers
This Dino Ranch spin-off sends the Cassidy family to a mysterious new island filled with never-before-seen dinosaurs! The large lizards are a family affair as the show blends exploration, teamwork, and adventure in an imaginative and exciting prehistoric setting. With each new dinosaur, setting, and environment comes new challenges that the Cassidys must overcome.
Why Kids Love It: Dino Ranch is a huge hit, so a new show with even more exploration, adventure, and DINOSAURS will be just as engaging. Children are instantly engaged by the premise, watching a family work together to learn about new creatures and locations. It’s a fun-looking refresh of the Dino Ranch world filled with action-packed stories and lovable characters.
Release Date: Early 2026 (projected)
Platform: Disney Junior / Disney+
Returning Show: Marvel’s Iron Man and His Awesome Friends
Spidey and His Amazing Friends is a huge hit for Disney, and thus, a spinoff has arrived! Iron Man and His Awesome Friends is a preschool-friendly series in which Iron Man teams up with young heroes to solve problems using science and teamwork. STEM concepts are woven naturally into each mission with exciting guest stars and colorful, kid-friendly character designs.
Why Kids Love It: Iron Man and His Awesome Friends simplifies superhero action for younger audiences and makes these epic characters seem real and relatable. Iron Man’s gadgets and teamwork moments are natural and easy for children to follow. Kids will love seeing iconic superheroes designed just for them, and the bright visuals and gentle action feel exciting but not scary.
Release Date: New episodes throughout 2026
Platform: Disney Jr. / Disney+
Returning Show: Spidey and His Amazing Friends
Speaking of Spidey, he’s back! So are Ghost Spider and Spins, and all three are ready to work together to protect their city while learning about cooperation and responsibility. Spidey and His Amazing Friends features fast-paced, humorous, age-appropriate stories. These new episodes open up new doors and expand the Marvel character roster.
Why Kids Love It: Spider-Man is awesome. What else do you need? Spidey and His Amazing Friends uses short episodes and catchy songs, leveraging one of the most recognizable heroes ever to keep viewers hooked. Teamwork and problem-solving are presented as fun and adventurous, and Spidey and His Amazing Friends features some of the most age-appropriate villains and schemes.
Release Date: New season in 2026 (projected)
Platform: Disney Jr. / Disney+
New Reboot Series: Balamory
This one’s a little out there, but bear with me. Balamory was a live-action Scottish children’s show billed as the “world’s first soap for pre-school children.” It’s set on a fictional small island off the west coast of Scotland. In 2026, the beloved colorful town returns with new residents, updated stories, and modern themes.
Why Kids Love It: Each episode of Balamory focuses on everyday life. The curiosities, routines, and social skills that children encounter every day. Balamory, the town, features bright houses and friendly characters, and the show’s predictable structure is reassuring. There are songs and jokes galore in this simple, calm, and wholesome show.
Release Date: 2026 (projected)
Platform: CBeebies / BBC iPlayer
Returning Show: Lyla in the Loop
Lyla in the Loop stars Lyla, a typically untypical kid who uses computational thinking to work through everyday problems. The show introduces basic coding concepts through real-life scenarios at the family diner that are both fun and challenging. Stories in each episode emphasize logic, persistence, and creativity all the while having fun!
Why Kids Love It: Lyla in the Loop has a strong appeal to kids. First, its bright, engaging character designs are sure to keep a kid’s attention. Kids enjoy seeing problems broken down into fun steps. The characters feel relatable and encouraging, and the show makes thinking skills feel like a game.
An Education Note For Parents: Lyla in the Loop was developed under a $24 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Release Date: New episodes in 2026
Platform: PBS Kids
Returning Show: PAW Patrol
You can’t keep a good Pup down, and when it comes to Ryder and company, the Paw Patrol is never down! Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Zuma, Rocky, and Skye return with new missions and upgraded vehicles. Episodes continue focusing on teamwork, bravery, and helping others, and this season, new story arcs expand Adventure Bay!
Why Kids Love It: Because it’s cute pups in awesome vehicles having fun adventures! Kids will fall in love all over again with the Pups as they take on Mayor Humdinger in action-packed rescues and stories. The social element of Paw Patrol is great in teaching kids about teamwork, kindness, and community. Paw Patrol remains exciting and predictable in a comforting kind of way.
Release Date: New season in 2026 (projected)
Platform: Nickelodeon / Paramount+
Returning Show: Avatar: The Last Airbender (Live-Action)
The story of the last Avatar continues as Aang and his friends face greater challenges across the four nations. Season two expands the world and deepens character arcs. Themes of balance, responsibility, and friendship remain central. Avatar: The Last Airbender is a monumentally epic animated series that is always good for a rewatch.
Why Kids Love It: The first live-action season of Avatar: The Last Airbender was met with mixed reviews from fans. Some saw it as a step up from the horrible movie attempt, and others saw it as a cash grab. The bottom line is epic adventure and elemental powers capture attention, and Avatar: The Last Airbender has all of that in spades. Strong friendships and humor balance serious moment,s and older kids will enjoy the cinematic action and world-building.
Release Date: 2026 (projected)
Platform: Netflix
Returning Show: SuperKitties
I’ll see your Paw Patrol and raise you some Superkitties! In this fast-paced superhero show, a group of heroic kittens secretly protects their town from playful villains. Not scary at all, and SuperKitties focuses on kindness, teamwork, and emotional intelligence while telling action-packed stories of heroism. The show blends superhero action with preschool themes.
Why Kids Love It: Superkitties is a bulletproof concept that keeps kids entertained and engaged through wild adventures while always coming back to being kind and a good friend. Cute characters plus superhero action are irresistible, and the simple stories make it easy to follow. Kids can easily see themselves in this group of small heroes doing big things.
Release Date: New episodes in 2026
Platform: Disney Jr. / Disney+