Classic TV

TV trends come and go, but there's really nothing like the classics. These shows all stand the test of time, no matter what decade they were filmed or take place in -- from television's earliest years to more recent must-see hits. Whether you're learning with Mister Rogers or laughing with Lucy, these nostalgia-sparking favorites are great to share with kids.

Browse Classic TV

  • Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Review
    Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

    Classic series gently promotes social skills, imagination.
    AGE
    3
     
    Learning Select
  • Sesame Street Review
    Sesame Street

    Come and play on everyone's favorite street.
    AGE
    3
     
    Learning Select
  • Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends Review
    Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends

    Thomas and his train friends huff and chuff around.
    AGE
    3
     
    Learning Select
  • Reading Rainbow Review
    Reading Rainbow
    Encouraging kids to read, one book at a time.
    AGE
    4
     
    Learning Select
  • The Electric Company (1970s) Review
    The Electric Company (1970s)
    Sesame Street/Laugh-In hybrid taught Gen X to read.
    AGE
    5
     
    Learning Select
  • Doug Review
    Doug

    Low-key '90s cartoon has good lessons for grade-schoolers.
    AGE
    6
     
    Learning Select
  • I Love Lucy Review
    I Love Lucy

    Classic clowning from comic genius; for all ages.
    AGE
    6
     
    Learning Select
  • The Andy Griffith Show Review
    The Andy Griffith Show
    Cheery classic has positive, kid-friendly lessons.
    AGE
    6
     
    Learning Select
  • Leave It to Beaver Review
    Leave It to Beaver

    Classic '50s sitcom is dated but still appealing.
    AGE
    6
     
    Learning Select
  • Happy Days Review
    Happy Days

    Aaaaay! Classic feel-good sitcom is hokey but fun.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning Select
  • The Cosby Show Review
    The Cosby Show

    Classic family sitcom offers fun with its lessons.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning Select
  • The Dick Van Dyke Show Review
    The Dick Van Dyke Show

    Kennedy-era comedy series offers good family fun.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning Select
  • Little House on the Prairie Review
    Little House on the Prairie

    Classic pioneer drama is one for the books.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning Select
  • Clarissa Explains It All Review
    Clarissa Explains It All

    Fun '90s show deals thoughtfully with coming-of-age issues.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning Select
  • Family Ties Review
    Family Ties

    Classic 1980s sitcom's messages still ring true today.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning Select
  • The Honeymooners Review
    The Honeymooners

    Classic couples' comedy bears sexist signs of the times.
    AGE
    9
     
    Learning Select
  • The Wonder Years Review
    The Wonder Years

    Nostalgic coming-of-age sitcom still charms.
    AGE
    12
     
    Learning Select
  • My So-Called Life Review
    My So-Called Life

    Mature teen angst at its best.
    AGE
    14
     
    Learning Select

More for you and your family

Other great lists from our editors
All-American TV
Best Classic Comedy Films
Advice on the big issues
3 Simple Rules for a Healthy Media Diet
About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
Best: Really engaging, excellent learning approach.
Very Good: Engaging, very good learning approach.
Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines
 

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