50 TV Shows Every Kid Should See at Least Once

Last updated: January 9, 2026

Just because they're streaming it on a phone screen doesn't mean kids don't still love TV. When finding good shows becomes a challenge, why not share some of your old faves? If you think back over the past, oh, 60 years or so, you're bound to come up with shows that affected you in some way. Maybe it was the amiable leadership of Captain Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation or a groundbreaking cartoon like The Simpsons. Watching older shows can give your kids, tweens, and teens a new sense of pacing – plus, perspective on issues that may remain timely today. Below are 50 shows that can help kids see the world in new ways (NOVA), ask questions (Black Mirror), or just have some good old-fashioned fun that we promise still holds up (The Muppet Show). Hopefully this list will help you and your kids bond while you enjoy and discuss.