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.

Read our full review
Is my child ready for Nick Jr. and the Disney Channel?

Early elementary school is all about getting along with others. Kids' TV has role models that are positive and some with iffy social behavior. As kids move past “kid” shows on Nick to Nick Jr. and the Disney Channel, beloved characters change. Kids watch and learn from the way that new favorite characters behave.

A good place to start: Invest in a TiVo or DVR so you can watch and record shows that model the kind of social behavior that's right for your family.

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New TV Reviews for Kids (ages 5-8)

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Merry Madagascar (NBC)
Parents Need to Know...

that this holiday special sequel to the popular Madagascar films has strong positive messages about generosity and goodwill. Expect some very mild flirting between a penguin and a reindeer and a reference to a character’s “booty,” ... read more

Age 6+
Merry Madagascar
4
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Fanboy and Chum Chum (Nickelodeon)
Parents Need to Know...

that there’s little depth to this over-the-top show about two friends who fancy themselves superheroes, but their thrill-seeking adventures will appeal to young tweens with vivid imaginations of their own. Exaggerated, comic-style ... read more

Age 7+
Fanboy and Chum Chum
3
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The Garfield Show (Cartoon Network)
Parents Need to Know...

that this CGI-animated series based on the long-running comic strip by Jim Davis offers more of the same exaggerated antics that viewers have come to expect from the infamously greedy orange tabby. Garfield is a model of irksome behavior, ... read more

Age 6+
The Garfield Show
3
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Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space (NBC)
Parents Need to Know...

that this Halloween special is far less intense than the Monsters vs. Aliens movie. Violence is limited to the self-imposed implosion of mutant pumpkins from eating too much candy, and the only weapon in use is a machine gun that’s used ... read more

Age 6+
Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space
2
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Weird Creatures (Science Channel)
Parents Need to Know...

that this educational series -- which follows naturalist Nick Baker as he travels the world looking for unusual animals -- delivers its information in a way that's both funny and easy to follow. Kids used to nature shows will probably be ... read more

Age 8+
Weird Creatures
3
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Shelldon (NBC)
Parents Need to Know...

that the characters in this underwater-set series are a quirky group of aquatic creatures with extreme personalities, including a few who are chronically grouchy/rude and at least one who picks on and intimidates his peers. Although the ... read more

Age 7+
Shelldon
2
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Gormiti (Cartoon Network)
Parents Need to Know...

that this action cartoon will appeal to kids' sense of fantasy. Since Gormiti centers on ongoing battles between good and evil over the domination of a mystical world, expect plenty of cartoon-style violence (explosions, collisions, ... read more

Age 7+
Gormiti
3
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Casper's Scare School (Cartoon Network)
Parents Need to Know...

that this enjoyable animated series (based on the movie of the same name) features an appealing cast of kid-friendly versions of traditionally creepy creatures like ghosts, vampires, and zombies -- with very little of the scary content ... read more

Age 6+
Casper's Scare School
4
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SuperFetch (Animal Planet)
Parents Need to Know...

that this series about "extreme" dog training is a fun choice for the whole family. Professional trainer Zak George takes on each new challenge with excitement and shows respect and affection for every animal he works with -- ... read more

Age 6+
SuperFetch
4
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BrainSurge (Nickelodeon)
Parents Need to Know...

that this game show makes it easy for kids to play along with the contestants, testing their listening comprehension and visual recollection skills in a series of puzzles and quizzes. Players are eliminated at the end of each of three ... read more

Age 6+
BrainSurge
3
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The National Parks: America's Best Idea (PBS)
Parents Need to Know...

that this stunning historical look at America’s national parks from award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns is an excellent pick for families. More than just a collection of awe-inspiring sights, the series is also a gripping history lesson ... read more

Age 7+
The National Parks: America's Best Idea
5
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The Super Hero Squad Show (Cartoon Network)
Parents Need to Know...

that this action-packed, tongue-in-cheek cartoon skewers the traditional image of superhero teams saving the world. The heroes in this show (all drawn from the vast Marvel Comics universe) constantly bicker over who gets to take on the ... read more

Age 7+
The Super Hero Squad Show
2
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RollBots (CW)
Parents Need to Know...

that this animated cop series for kids doesn't have any sex, drinking/smoking, or swearing, but there’s plenty of fighting and many chase scenes. The main characters are all robotic balls that can turn into spheres and quickly roll ... read more

Age 7+
RollBots
2
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The Troop (Nickelodeon)
Parents Need to Know...

that this fantasy/sci-fi adventure series is a generally worry-free choice for the grade schoolers it will appeal to. Very young kids might be frightened by the concept of monsters living among the general population, but tweens should be ... read more

Age 8+
The Troop
3
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Extreme Cuisine with Jeff Corwin (Food Network)
Parents Need to Know...

that this reality/food series -- in which biologist Jeff Corwin explores delicacies from around the world -- includes a bit of very mild sexual innuendo that will go over kids' head and infrequent uses of words like "ass." ... read more

Age 8+
Extreme Cuisine with Jeff Corwin
3
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Coolfuel (Planet Green)
Parents Need to Know...

that this fun, informative series -- which follows Australian Shaun Murphy as he travels across America in alternative fuel-powered vehicles -- is pretty mild overall. The only stuff you might want to watch out for are occasional ... read more

Age 8+
Coolfuel
4
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Eco Company (Syndicated)
Parents Need to Know...

that this kid-friendly educational series is intended to encourage young people to learn about and participate in protecting the planet. The show’s teen hosts promote green living and profile people and organizations that also support ... read more

Age 8+
Eco Company
4
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Hot Wheels: Battle Force 5 (Cartoon Network)
Parents Need to Know...

that this animated series inspired by Hot Wheels toys has plenty of high-speed automotive action and cartoon violence. The Battle Force 5 team's ultra-high-tech cars have computerized weapons systems -- which come in handy when they visit ... read more

Age 6+
Hot Wheels: Battle Force 5
3
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Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (Disney Channel)
Parents Need to Know...

that this movie offers more of the tween-friendly content that families have come to expect from Wizards of Waverly Place. Teenage Alex gives her parents and siblings fits with her rebellious -- and often disrespectful – behavior (she ... read more

Age 7+
Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie
4
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Ruby & the Rockits (ABC Family)
Parents Need to Know...

that this upbeat sitcom’s generally worry-free content makes it a fine choice for tweens and teens. The mildly dysfunctional Gallagher clan deals with common family issues like differences of opinion and effective communication, but the ... read more

Age 8+
Ruby & the Rockits
4
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Time Team America (PBS)
Parents Need to Know...

that this fascinating series is a great choice for curious families. Experts draw on their knowledge and clues they unearth to draw new conclusions about the past, demonstrating effective teamwork and use of the scientific method while ... read more

Age 7+
Time Team America
4

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