You've heard of Jersey Shore and Dora the Explorer: Maybe your teen's started calling his friends "meatballs," or your preschooler shouts "backpack, backpack!" every time she gets dressed in the morning. But there's a lot of television out there that doesn't get much attention and has something valuable to offer our kids. Taking the time to seek out quality programming -- shows with a unique perspective or the ability to expand kids' minds a bit -- can pay off. We're here to save you a little time. We've sifted through thousands of our TV reviews to highlight some staff favorites that we think have merit -- and that might otherwise be off your radar.

Around-the-World TV for Preschoolers

Franny's Feet (local PBS stations/DVD), 3+ 

Adorable 5-year-old Franny takes magical adventures to far-off lands when she steps inside shoes from her grandfather's repair shop. Vacation sandals transport her to Jamaica, while zori take her to a Japanese tea ceremony. In each new locale, Franny meets characters who are very different from her. The show's messages about appreciating differences and being respectfully curious about others' lives are great for wee ones.

Kipper (DVD/streaming), 3+

This low-key series based on an award-winning book collection is perfect for kids (and parents) who prefer mellow preschool TV. No screeching characters here; instead, Kipper's British accent gently guides kids through stories that incorporate messages about being courteous, thoughtful, and kind -- great lessons for tiny tots.

Fireman Sam (Sprout/streaming), 3+

Another UK import, this Welsh series might remind kids of Bob the Builder, but it focuses on firefighters instead of construction workers. With charming stop-motion animation, Sam and his buddies teach preschoolers about fire safety in an age-appropriate and entertaining way.

Majors and Minors (Hub), 6+

Young kids with a flair for the dramatic will love this musical competition show that brings all the fun of more mainstream shows like American Idol, but without the negativity. Talented tweens and teens are mentored by professional performers to hone their skills, and while one lucky kid wins a contract at the end, there's no elimination process to sour the camaraderie along the way.

Learning and Growing TV for Tweens

SciGirls (online/local PBS stations), 7+

This is one of those great shows that's both educational and offers real-life role models. Girls will see their tween cohorts brainstorm about things they're curious about -- from fashion to puppetry to amphibians -- and then work with female professionals to turn their own ideas into reality. The girls model positive conflict resolution and look like regular people -- no sparkly make-up or designer duds in sight.

Little House on the Prairie (Hallmark Channel/DVD), 7+

Yes, parents have certainly heard of this show, but most 7-year-olds haven't. This classic airs frequently on basic cable, and its nine seasons and multiple specials are all available on DVD. Young kids will be fascinated by the frontier lifestyle and the still-relatable issues of peer pressure, choosing between right and wrong, and managing family relationships. Kids might just be inspired to pick up the original books, too.

H20: Just Add Water (DVD/streaming), 7+

Mix mermaids with positive messages about being yourself, and you get some great tween television. Sure, the acting in this Australian import is cheesy, but tweens won't care. They'll love the fantasy of three teen girls who magically transform into sea creatures when they touch water but still have to deal with mild pressures from friends, teachers, and parents.

Culture Click (ABC), 8+

This unique investigative series makes learning about history and culture an intriguing process. By finding connections between current pop culture trends (Justin Beiber, for example) and historical figures or events (like Cleopatra), the engaging host offers eye-opening discoveries that kids can impress their friends with.

Good Eats (Food Network/Cooking Channel/DVD), 8+

Kids who are interested in food and science will find a goofy teacher in host Alton Brown, whose mix of curiosity and play-acting make him fun to watch. Whether he's talking about milk pasteurization or the chemical breakdown of protein, both kids and parents will likely learn something new. With more than 250 episodes available in reruns and on DVD, you'll probably never get to the bottom of this delicious series.

Expand Your Middle Schooler's TV Horizons

Nick News with Linda Ellerbee (Nickelodeon), 11+

Since this news-oriented show geared toward tweens and teens has received multiple prestigious awards, somebody has evidently heard of it ... but it doesn't get the attention it deserves. Legendary news reporter Ellerbee has a way of talking about serious topics like September 11, plastic surgery, war, and AIDS in a way that's respectful of kids and also helps them open up their minds about unfamiliar topics. Not just for kids, this fascinating show can be an eye-opener for parents about what kids are thinking about the world.

Everybody Hates Chris (Nickelodeon/DVD/streaming), 12+

Creator Chris Rock captures the agony of middle school and mixes in thoughtful and funny commentaries about race in this sitcom set in the 1980s and based on the comedian's real upbringing. Still in constant reruns and also available on DVD and streaming online, this smart show is one that kids and parents can enjoy together.

Psych (USA/DVD/streaming), 13+

Older tweens and teens who enjoy mysteries but who are too young or sensitive for the graphic elements of most mainstream crime shows will find this clever whodunit a winner. It mixes witty jokes and missing persons for a lighthearted but just complex enough story for something that older tweens/young teens and parents can watch together.

Thought-Provoking TV for Teens

If You Really Knew Me (MTV), 13+

This unusually emotional reality series follows teens as they experience an intense school-based workshop aimed at breaking down stereotypes and crushing the negative power of cliques. Teens will find something to relate to in every episode as high schoolers reveal their struggles with depression, fitting in, losing a parent, and much, much more.

Futurama (Fox, DVD), 14+

Matt Groening's other animated project never got as much attention as The Simpsons, but it's full of the same offbeat humor and witty references to pop culture as its predecessor. Teens who get a kick out of quirky humor with a deeper message will enjoy this one, and parents who want to steer these same teens away from the crass humor of Family Guy-style shows might appreciate its ability to be edgy without getting too raunchy.

30 Days (DVD/streaming), 15+

From Morgan Spurlock, the director of Super Size Me, this docuseries follows a person as he or she spends 30 days doing something completely out of their comfort zone in the hopes of gaining important insights and teaching viewers something in the process. From the very uncomfortable experience of a conservative Midwestern farm guy who moves in with a gay roommate in San Francisco's Castro District to the materialistic Manhattanites who move to an eco-village for a month, this series is eye-opening, controversial, and thought-provoking stuff for mature teens.