What's on the TV radar?
Spring is in the air -- and on your TV! Plenty of new shows for kids, tweens, and teens will be popping up on the small screen between now and the end of the school year. Check out some of our top picks, and get ready to set your DVR.

FOR KIDS

The Penguins of Madagascar
Network: Nickelodeon
Premiered: March 28
Why kids will want to watch: The scene-stealing penguins were many kids' favorite part of the Madagascar movies.
Parents need to know: Some cartoon violence and potty humor pops up as the penguins plan and conduct their madcap schemes, but overall this is harmless entertainment for young fans of the movies.

Special Agent Oso
Network: Playhouse Disney/Disney Channel
Premiered: April 4
Why kids will want to watch: Stuffed bear hero Oso (voiced by Sean Astin) is cuddly yet resourceful, tackling dilemmas that kids can relate to.
Parents need to know: This colorful, upbeat show pays homage to classic spy films but is thoroughly kid-friendly, with interactive elements that will keep young viewers engaged.

Also new this winter: Olivia, The Electric Company

FOR TWEENS

Sonny with a Chance
Network: Disney Channel
Premiered: Feb. 8
Why kids will want to watch: Star Demi Lovato is Disney's latest "it" girl.
Parents need to know: This series about a teen sketch comedy show has been described as a kid version of 30 Rock. Lovato's character, Sonny, shows strong character and good sense, and while the teen characters play some mild practical jokes, nothing gets too mean.

JONAS
Network: Disney Channel
Premieres: May 2
Why kids will want to watch: Three words: Nick, Joe, and Kevin.
Parents need to know: Touted by Disney as a cross between The Monkees and Flight of the Conchords, the series stars the shriek-inducing trio as a thinly veiled -- but still totally tween-friendly -- version of themselves. Expect lots of goofy comedy and music.

Aaron Stone
Network: Disney XD
Premiered: Feb. 13
Why kids will want to watch: The show is being heavily promoted as the cornerstone of Disney's new Disney XD channel launch.
Parents need to know: Kids will be able to identify with main character Charlie, an "every teen" who gets recruited for a real-life adventure thanks to his video game skills. Consequently, there are lots of gaming references -- and plenty of action and combat, too. (Click here for our interview with star Kelly Blatz.)

Spectacular!
Network: Nickelodeon
Premiered: Feb. 16
Why kids will want to watch: It could be the next High School Musical!
Parents need to know: Like HSM, this music-heavy TV movie presents a sanitized view of teen life that's age-appropriate for kids. It has a little more edge than its Disney cousins, but nothing most tweens can't handle.

Dadnapped
Network: Disney Channel
Premiered: Feb. 16
Why kids will want to watch: Hannah Montana's BFF Lilly (Emily Osment) stars.
Parents need to know: Disney's latest original movie is sure to be as kid-friendly as releases like Camp Rock and Minutemen. This one veers more toward action and comedy than music and romance, so boys might be more interested.

Also new this winter: Wolverine and the X-Men

FOR TEENS

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Network: HBO
Premiered: March 29
Why kids will want to watch: Actually, they might not -- at first. But this thoughtful mystery drama about life in Botswana could win them over with its unique rhythms and strong characters.
Parents need to know: Based on Alexander McCall Smith's best-selling book series, this is one of the few HBO offerings that's actually age-appropriate for most teens. There are some adult situations, but very little of the sex, violence, and strong language the network is known for.

Glee
Network: Fox
Premieres: Sneak preview May 19; official premiere this fall
Why kids will want to watch: It's like High School Musical crossed with Juno.
Parents need to know: This quirky, smartly written series about an underdog high school choir is from Ryan Murphy, the creator of both Popular and Nip/Tuck. Thankfully, it promises to be much more like the former than the latter; Murphy has said he hopes it's a show teens and parents will watch together.

Sophie
Network: ABC Family
Premiered: March 23
Why kids will want to watch: Thanks to hit shows like Greek and The Secret Life of the American Teenager, ABC Family is very popular with teens.
Parents need to know: Like those other shows, Sophie -- which follows the ups and downs of a newly single first-time mom -- has a bit of an edge. You might want to preview this one first.

Get reviews of all of this spring's latest shows in our TV section!