For most of my career I have been fortunate enough to work in a few areas of kids’ entertainment. I’ve written children’s books, sold and made comic books, and most recently created and developed animated shows and specials for kids.
Growing up, I was obsessed with cartoons. Saturday morning and after-school shows were my bread and butter, and I learned a lot from them about storytelling, character, and, of course, what to add to my Christmas list.
You see, back then, cartoons were mainly glorified toy commercials, with actual toy commercials thrown in for good measure. Several years ago, governments passed laws limiting the amount of advertising (both blatant and subtle) that producers could expose kids to. Yes, there are still shows out there that push toys and other products on kids and parents, but for the most part, today, creators are thinking more about education, emotion, and fun when they sit down to develop a show.
In the Animation Industry, shows and content for kids are lovingly referred to as the “Kidspace.” It brings together producers, storytellers, and artists to create unique, emotional, challenging, and entertaining shows for all kinds of kids to gobble up. I’ve spent a lot of time in this space, both professionally, as a parent, and as a fan of animation. Here are a few of the shows I’ve watched that were standouts, along with the kinds of kids they might appeal to.
For The Kid Who Loves To Play: Bluey
Unless you’ve been living in a vacuum, I’m sure you’ve come across (and fallen in love with) Bluey. Almost from the outset, Blue became what everyone wanted to make in Kidspace. The adorable and smartly written show follows Bluey, a heeler puppy, and her family as they all explore and learn important life lessons about creativity, empathy, patience, and growing up.
Why Kids Will Love Bluey If They Love To Play: Bluey teaches its lessons through play and discovery. This is huge for kids because its something they can emulate and relate to. Often, kids don’t have the words to articulate how they are feeling, and expressing themselves through play is an excellent way for them to work things out. Plus, Bluey is genuinely funny and never punches down with its jokes. Kids love Bluey because it feels real—its games and family moments mirror their own lives while still being endlessly funny and creative. The colorful animation and relatable, loving characters make even simple stories feel full of wonder.
Age: 4+
Streaming: Disney+
For The Kid Who Loves It Weird: Gravity Falls
Let’s be honest. Kids can sometimes be very, very weird. This too is true of twins Dipper and Mabel Pines, who spend their summer vacation with their Great Uncle Stan in the town of Gravity Falls. “Grunkle” Stan runs a tourist-trap called The Mystery Shack, which is excellent because Gravity Falls is full of mysterious, supernatural happenings. Dipper and Mabel unravel these bizarre events with some of the funniest writing and heartfelt storytelling I’ve ever seen. All wrapped up in a healthy dose of the weird.
Why Kids Will Love Gravity Falls If They Love It Weird: To put it bluntly, the show is really, really, weird. The characters are loveable, but the adventures include rainbow-vomiting gnomes, evil triangles and secret messages in every episode. Kids love the mix of humor, mystery, and supernatural adventure. The witty writing, hidden clues and lovable characters make it perfect for kids to rewatch and decode.
Age: 8+
Streaming: Disney+
For The Kid Who Loves Magic: Steven Universe
Steven Universe is pretty magical all on its own, but there’s a healthy dose of magic in the show, too! Steven is a gentle and kindhearted boy who is half-human and half-Gem (a superheroic race of aliens based on gemstones). Steven lives with three of these magical alien guardians who protect Earth and teach him how to use his powers. Throughout the series, Steven discovers the history of the Gem race, the struggles with identity and love, and his own place in both the human and Gem worlds.
Why Kids Will Love Steven Universe If They Love Magic: Steven Universe’s entire lore is based on the magic of the Gems and how Steven must use it to protect Earth. There are magic teleporting lions, giant adversaries and fish-fish-out-of-water humor. The best part of Steven Universe, though, is its characters. They are all unique, very well-rounded and contribute to the show’s themes of acceptance, emotional growth, and the healing power of love. See? Magic!
Age: 10+
Streaming: Hulu
For The Kid Who Loves Sci-Fi: Kid Cosmic
On Earth, a kid named Kid finds five cosmic stones in a crashed alien ship. Using their powers, he forms a team of heroes out of his friends, a talking cat, and even his Grandpa. As their adventures escalate, Kid learns that being a hero is more about teamwork and selflessness than having incredible superpowers. Their adventures take them throughout the galaxy and teach that even superheroes can make mistakes.
Why Kids Will Love Kid Cosmic If They Love Sci-Fi: Kid Cosmic has all the best aspects of a sci-fi story, with a little superheroing thrown in for good measure. The show has gorgeously designed characters and settings, wild action scenes, comic-book-style energy, and endless gadgets, all set against space travel. Kid Cosmic mixes fast-paced sci-fi action with heartfelt lessons about courage, humility, and what it truly means to save the day.
Age: 8–12
Streaming: Netflix
For The Kid Who Loves Spooky Stuff: The Ghost and Molly McGee
When tween Molly McGee moves into a new house, she quickly discovers a g-g-g-ghost already occupies it! Bound together, the two form an unlikely friendship as they help each other navigate life’s ups and downs. The show is hilarious with fantastic songs and a message of friendship and love, even from beyond the grave!
Why Kids Will Love The Ghost and Molly McGee If They Love Spooky Stuff: Spooky stuff is sometimes hard to gauge when showing it to kids. Sometimes, the things you think are wonderful are the things that cause nightmares and co-sleeping. The Ghost and Molly McGee has none of those worries as its antics are much more about fun than fright. The show also has catchy songs and endlessly positive energy, contrasting between upbeat Molly and the cranky ghost, Scratch.
Age: 6–10
Streaming: Disney+
For The Kid Who Loves Real Stories: City of Ghosts
City of Ghosts is an absolutely unique show in many ways. It’s a gentle animated series in which a group of curious kids, the Ghost Club, interviews friendly spirits around their town (in this case, Los Angeles). By talking with the ghosts, they uncover local history, cultural stories, and community connections rooted in real history.
Why Kids Will Love City of Ghosts If They Love Real Stories: City of Ghosts was created from real interviews with kids and local citizens, then animated as friendly ghosts. Each ghost reveals something unique about their neighborhood’s past and its people, teaching the kids about empathy, heritage, and the invisible threads that connect generations. The show really encourages kids to explore the world around them and appreciate the hidden stories in everyday life.
Age: 5+
Streaming: Netflix
For The Kid Who Loves Exploring: Octonauts
The Octonauts, a team of adorable animals from around the world, explore the ocean in the Octopod, a high-tech RV of sorts. The team rescues sea creatures, protects marine habitats, and learns about the creatures living in the sea. The show is fun and bright, and I dare you not to hum along with one of the closing songs about that episode’s creature.
Why Kids Will Love Octonauts If They Love Exploring: The Octonauts literally explore the ocean (over 70% of the earth’s surface) in thrilling undersea missions filled with gadgets, creatures, and teamwork. The show also teaches about the creatures the characters encounter via a catchy closing song. The Octonauts travel to strange and exciting locations while promoting environmental stewardship and teamwork.
Age: 3+
Streaming: Netflix.
For The Kid Who Loves Silly Memes: Oddballs
Oddballs stars James, a bubble-shaped boy who tends to question everything about modern life. James is joined by his best friend, Max, a talking crocodile created through a genetic experiment. A time-traveller named Echo joins them as they experience the absurdities of life through everyday situations that spin out of control to the point of hilarity.
Why Kids Will Love Oddballs If They Love Silly Memes: If your kids are anything like mine, silly videos on YouTube make up a good chunk of their viewing time. Oddballs is based on YouTuber TheOdd1sOut’s channel and has that frenetic, absurdist energy, full of hilarious jokes, slapstick comedy, and just flat-out weirdness, but told in stories kids can relate to. Oddballs perfectly blends humor, wild animation, and fast-paced silliness, making each episode feel like one long, hilarious internet cartoon that never runs out of crazy stories.
Age: 8–13
Streaming: Netflix
For The Kid Who Loves Goofy Slapstick: SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob Squarepants follows a relentlessly optimistic sea sponge who spends his free time with his friends Patrick, Sandy, and Squidward. SpongeBob works at the Krusty Krab, a burger joint, and has a pet snail named Gary. Through a mix of slapstick comedy and surreal humor, SpongeBob’s endless enthusiasm turns ordinary situations into unforgettable adventures under the sea.
Why Kids Will Love SpongeBob Squarepants If They Love Goofy Slapstick: Honestly, the slapstick aspect of SpongeBob is excellent, but it’s the way that the show remains fresh after almost 26 years that makes it special. The show his weird, funny, and totally unpredictable as it builds a fun and ridiculous undersea world. Its classic over-the-top jokes and subtle satire make SpongeBob great for the whole family and endlessly rewatchable.
Age: 6+
Streaming: Paramount+
For The Kid Who Loves Short & Funny: Grizzy & The Lemmings
Grizzy is a bear who, not shockingly, wants to be left alone. When he stumbles on an abandoned Forest Ranger’s cabin, Grizzy moves in expecting peace and quiet. However, also living in the cabin are a horde of mischievous lemmings who constantly disrupt Grizzy’s life. A dialogue-less show, Grizzy & The Lemmings relies on classic expressive animation, over-the-top physical comedy, and cartoon chaos.
Why Kids Will Love Grizzy & The Lemmings If They Love Short & Funny: Let’s be honest, it’s hard to keep kids’ attention these days. So, short-form cartoons with one-off plots and stories like Grizzy & the Lemmings is perfect. Much like Tom and Jerry, the show is pure visual comedy, with no dialogue. Just big laughs and crazy action, that moves quickly from episode to episode, refreshing attention spans with the constant silly conflict between Grizzy and the lemmings.
Age: 6+
Streaming: Netflix
For The Kid Who Loves Fantasy Worlds: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Aang, a boy of around 13, is the last surviving Airbender in a world where people can manipulate water, earth, fire, and air. Aang is also a “chosen one” called the Avatar, who must master all four elements to bring balance back to the world. With his friends Katara, Sokka, and later Toph, Aang embarks on a spiritual and physical journey of growth, redemption and destiny.
Why Kids Will Love Avatar: The Last Airbender If They Love Fantasy Worlds: First, forget anything you know about live-action series or movie versions of Avatar. The original animated series is practically a master class in worldbuilding and storytelling that’s an equal mix of humor, action, and story. Avatar feels cinematic and unforgettable, making it something of a spiritual cousin to traditional fantasy like The Lord of the Rings.
Age: 8+
Streaming: Netflix
For The Kid Who Loves, Well, Adventure: Adventure Time
Set in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo, Adventure Time follows Finn the Human and his magical dog, Jake, as they embark on bizarre quests and face surreal challenges. What begins as a zany fantasy adventure gradually unfolds into a complex emotional journey about friendship, growing up, and the meaning of heroism.
Why Kids Will Love Adventure Time If They Love Adventure: Like a lot of the shows on this list, Adventure Time has a healthy dose of absurdity, but it’s also got a metric ton of heart. The colorful, strange, and packed with wild-creature world of Ooo is like peeking into a child’s mind, and the stories of two friends adventuring are delightfully wholesome. Plus, it has hilarious songs and beautifully subtle writing that conveys messages of friendship, confidence, and, of course, adventure!
Age: 10+
Streaming: Max / HBO Max
For The Kid Who Loves Superheroes: Batman: The Animated Series
We all know the story of Batman. Bruce Wayne, dark alley, sworn promise, cool gadgets, and Alfred. This series redefined Batman and superhero storytelling by taking both seriously for the first time. Its noir-inspired art style, art-deco design, and deep psychological exploration of both hero and villain alike make it the gold standard for animated superheroes, even today.
Why Kids Will Love Batman: The Animated Series If They Love Superheroes: Batman: The Animated Series has just about everything: thrilling action, specialized gadgets, and larger-than-life villains. It takes the stories seriously, expunging any of the camp that viewers had seen in Batman on TV to that point. It feels dark and exciting, giving young fans a “grown-up” superhero world they can still understand. Plus, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill turn in character-defining performances as Batman and The Joker.
Age: 8–12+
Streaming: Max / HBO Max
For The Kid Who Loves Music: Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
One of Marvel’s more obscure heroic duos, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur team up with genius Lunella Lafayette, a massive red dinosaur she brings into the world through a portal experiment gone wrong. Becoming the superhero Moon Girl, Lunella uses her intellect and inventions to protect her community.
Why Kids Will Love Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur If They Love Music: It may seem strange to include a show about a girl and her dinosaur in a musical context, but with its bright colors, fun music, and impeccable design, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur feels like a music video unto itself. Throw in the friendship between a brainy girl and her giant dinosaur, and you get a smart, funny, and energetic show that makes science feel like pure fun. The series celebrates creativity, STEM, and empowerment through vibrant animation and dynamic hip-hop energy.
Age: 7–12
Streaming: Disney+
For The Kid Who Loves Space Ships: Star Trek: Prodigy
Star Trek’s first foray into the Kidspace (a co-production with Nickelodeon) stars a group of young alien outcasts who discover an abandoned Starfleet ship, the USS Protostar. The Protostar is a technologically advanced starship and a mystery regarding its origin. A holographic version of Captain Janeway guides the crew as they race across the galaxy with evil oppressors in hot pursuit.
Why Kids Will Love Star Trek: Prodigy If They Love Space Ships: Because it’s all about a ship! The Star Trek Universe, in particular, has fleets of sleek, gorgeous starships that (in some cases literally) become characters in their respective shows. Throw in fast-paced space adventures, extraordinary and relatable alien characters, and magnificent animation, and it’s the perfect gateway into Star Trek lore. Plus, there are enough throwback references and cameos to keep adult Trekkies satisfied, too.
Age: 7+
Streaming: Netflix
For The Kid Who Loves Star Wars: Star Wars: Rebels
Yes, I believe Star Wars is its own genre these days, and if you have a kid who is into Jedis and Wookiees, this show is some of the best Star Wars I’ve ever seen. Set between Episode III and Episode IV, Star Wars: Rebels follows force-sensitive apprentice Ezra Bridger, who joins a fledgling crew that, over the series, lays the groundwork for the beginnings of the Rebellion. The series bridges classic Star Wars lore with new heroes, exploring themes of resistance, sacrifice, and hope.
Why Kids Will Love Star Wars: Rebels If They Love Star Wars: To put it bluntly, there’s a lot of Star Wars in this Star Wars show. Rebels not only introduces some of the best characters in the Star Wars lexicon, it also adds a great deal to the Lore of Star Wars. Following the template laid out by the excellent Clone Wars, Star Wars: Rebels touches on places, battles, and elements of the Star Wars universe that fans had only heard about in passing, filling in many blanks. Coupled with its thrilling lightsaber battles, space chases, and brave, relatable heroes, Star Wars: Rebels perfectly captures the spirit of Star Wars while adding much to the universe.
Age: 8–12
Streaming: Disney+.
