Handpicked by Our Editors

True Jackson, VP
Age 8+
3

True Jackson, VP

Why We Recommend It

The aptly named heroine of this show demonstrates how to overcome obstacles by staying true to yourself.

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showing: children's live action
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The Fresh Beat Band (Nickelodeon)
Parents Need to Know...

that this upbeat series treats preschoolers to a music-filled good time while promoting kid-friendly messages about friendship, imagination, self-expression, and cooperation. Kids are also exposed to a spectrum of musical instruments and ... read more

Age 3+
The Fresh Beat Band
4
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Sprout's Wiggly Waffle (Sprout)
Parents Need to Know...

that this programming block starring The Wiggles is a high-energy way to get preschoolers started in the morning. The upbeat songs are sure to get kids moving, and the abbreviated episodes of kid-friendly series like The Mighty Jungle ... read more

Age 3+
Sprout's Wiggly Waffle
4
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The Mighty Jungle (Sprout)
Parents Need to Know...

that this live-action puppet series for preschoolers encourages kids to explore their own imaginations. The series' format reinforces kids' natural inclination toward make believe and shows them the entertaining potential of their own ... read more

Age 3+
The Mighty Jungle
3
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Roxy Hunter and the Horrific Halloween (TeenNick)
Parents Need to Know...

that this fourth installment in the Roxy Hunter series offers tween fans more of the same adventure, suspense, and mostly worry-free fun they've come to expect. Roxy still breaks the rules at times (breaking into private property, for ... read more

Age 8+
Roxy Hunter and the Horrific Halloween
4
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Imagination Movers (Disney Channel)
Parents Need to Know...

that, like The Wiggles, this series stars a lively musical quartet whose tunes are catchy and kid-friendly, so young fans might start asking for the band's CDs after hearing the songs. (At least in this case, parents probably won't mind ... read more

Age 3+
Imagination Movers
4
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Fraggle Rock (HBO)
Parents Need to Know...

that mild cartoonish violence -- some of which doesn't seem to have immediate, negative consequences -- is the only thing that makes Jim Henson's classic 1980s kids' series iffy for the youngest viewers, who might get the idea that it's ... read more

Age 6+
Fraggle Rock
5
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Bunnytown (Disney Channel)
Parents Need to Know...

that preschoolers will be drawn to the cheerful characters, vibrant environment, and music-laden storylines of this high-energy puppet variety show. There's no shortage of fun to be had with the zany bunnies, but don't expect the show to ... read more

Age 3+
Bunnytown
3
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Goosebumps (Cartoon Network)
Parents Need to Know...

that this tween-and-teen-targeted horror anthology series is based on R.L. Stine's popular books of the same name. Everything you'd expect from "regular" horror shows (sinister characters, creepy creatures, and spine-tingling ... read more

Age 9+
Goosebumps
3
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Musical Mornings (Sprout)
Parents Need to Know...

that this three-hour programming block for preschoolers intersperses musical segments and footage of live kids doing morning and daily activities (some of which -- going to the zoo, for example -- may be more exciting to kids than the day ... read more

Age 2+
Musical Mornings
4
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Yo Gabba Gabba! (Nickelodeon)
Parents Need to Know...

that this colorful preschool series highlights life lessons young viewers can relate to, like sharing, being a good friend, trying your best, and being polite. In short, there's nothing to worry about. The energetic puppet characters ... read more

Age 2+
Yo Gabba Gabba!
3
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Sheira & Loli's Dittydoodle Works (PBS)
Parents Need to Know...

that this lively series for preschoolers mixes relatable storylines with award-winning music and positive life lessons about topics like self-esteem, healthy living, and respecting differences. Kids will easily relate the issues the ... read more

Age 3+
Sheira & Loli's Dittydoodle Works
3
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Johnny and the Sprites (Disney Channel)
Parents Need to Know...

that this colorful, high-energy series will engage preschoolers through song, dance, and entertaining storylines that kids can relate to. In each episode, kids learn important lessons about respecting others and themselves, sharing, ... read more

Age 3+
Johnny and the Sprites
4
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The Upside Down Show (Nickelodeon, Nick Jr.)
Parents Need to Know...

that this terrific series for preschoolers uses silly humor, imaginative play, language play, and whimsical storylines to stimulate young minds to be curious and creative and to think critically about the world around them. The show's ... read more

Age 3+
The Upside Down Show
5
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Pee-wee's Playhouse (Cartoon Network)
Parents Need to Know...

that Pee-wee often behaves disagreeably. He is greedy (when friends come over with presents, he tells them to "fork it over!") and often rude to those who visit his playhouse. Some of the show's humor is a bit subversive, but that part ... read more

Age 5+
Pee-wee's Playhouse
5
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Balamory (Discovery Kids)
Parents Need to Know...

that this wildly successful, popular show produced by BBC Scotland has recently been brought to the States. It's geared toward younger preschoolers because of its silly characters, catchy songs, simple problem-solving opportunities, and ... read more

Age 3+
Balamory
4
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Nanalan' (PBS)
Parents Need to Know...

that even though this very kid-friendly program is intended for preschoolers, it's charming enough that parents will get a giggle as well. Kids learn about love, patience, cooperation, and respect through funny skits and games. The show ... read more

Age 3+
Nanalan'
4
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The Doodlebops (Disney Channel)
Parents Need to Know...

that this series is relatively harmless. With their colorful costumes, psychedelic house, very special bus, and eternal cheeriness, the Doodlebops could be the most annoying characters ever -- for adults. But ultimately, they're sincere ... read more

Age 4+
The Doodlebops
3
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Hi-5 (Discovery Kids)
Parents Need to Know...

that this series offers engaging singing and dancing, yet the quality of the material is sometimes sacrificed for the quantity of material. Colorful sets and the enthusiastic cast will be enticing for young viewers, but parents might find ... read more

Age 3+
Hi-5
3
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Brum (Discovery Kids)
Parents Need to Know...

that this live-action show focuses on the importance of fulfilling civic duty and respecting other people's property. Although this series is suitable for all ages, parents might want to help viewers under 4 understand the difference ... read more

Age 4+
Brum
3
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The Big Comfy Couch (PBS)
Parents Need to Know...

that this old-fashioned live-action kids' series ruminates gently on real-world challenges such as being kind to people or having patience. read more

Age 3+
The Big Comfy Couch
3
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Animal Jam (Discovery Kids)
Parents Need to Know...

that this live-action musical program encourages preschoolers to exercise with coordinated movement and learn about their own emotional and social development (as well as a few silly dance moves and songs about the animal kingdom). The ... read more

Age 3+
Animal Jam
3

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