Best News Shows for Kids

Last updated: March 27, 2026

Teaching kids how to be savvy interpreters of the news is more critical than ever. There's so much to sift through that even adults can feel overwhelmed -- and be misled. Luckily, there's a trend in programming designed to deliver essential information to kids in a way they can understand. These expertly vetted picks are a great way to turn kids on to news shows while providing them with the facts (with as little bias as possible). Whether it's a show bringing breaking news to families or a docuseries offering a retrospective look at social change, these picks will help keep kids informed. For more ways to build media literacy, check out Best News Sources for Kids and Educational TV Shows for Kids.

Filter by:
Sort by:
Sesame/CNN: Standing Up to Racism Poster Image
TV

Sesame/CNN: Standing Up to Racism

age 3+

Puppets, people tackle racism in great town hall special.

CNN Educational (2020)
The ABCs of COVID-19: A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids Poster Image
TV

The ABCs of COVID-19: A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids

age 3+

Upbeat special helps empower kids during uncertain times.

CNN Educational (2020)
NBC Nightly News Kids Edition Poster Image
TV

NBC Nightly News Kids Edition

age 7+

Kid-oriented newscast helps teach media literacy.

NBC Educational (2020)
Kids, Race and Unity: A Nick News Special Poster Image
TV

Kids, Race and Unity: A Nick News Special

age 8+

Star-studded special is a great conversation starter.

How's Your News? Poster Image
TV

How's Your News?

age 12+

Disabled reporters seek out news in honest reality show.

MTV Reality TV (2009)
The Weekly Poster Image
TV

The Weekly

age 12+

Smart, emotional news show digs into hot topics.

Hulu Reality TV (2019)
Where Do We Go From Here? Poster Image
TV

Where Do We Go From Here?

age 12+

Blunt, powerful Oprah-led panel about confronting racism.

OWN Reality TV (2020)
Seeing America with Megan Rapinoe Poster Image
TV

Seeing America with Megan Rapinoe

age 13+

Short, insightful convo about key issues to inspire change.

Max Reality TV (2020)
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart TV show poster: A middle-aged Steward looks at the camera
TV

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

age 13+

News made funny, absurd in sharp, often insightful show.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert TV poster: Colbert with head in his hands smiling, leaning on top of CBS logo
TV

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

age 13+

Razor-sharp sampler of celebs, politics, and pop culture.

CBS Variety Show (2015)
60 Minutes on ID Poster Image
TV

60 Minutes on ID

age 14+

Same in-depth reports as namesake show, but in 30 minutes.

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee Poster Image
TV

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee

age 14+

Fun, sharp late-night satire with Bee's usual smart humor.

TBS Comedy (2016)
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Poster Image
TV

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah

age 14+

Funny, satirical news softer than Stewart, best for teens.

Vice Investigates Poster Image
TV

Vice Investigates

age 16+

Edgy, insightful docu has mature themes.

Hulu Reality TV (2019)
Common Sense Media

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.