TV Shows That Defy Gender Stereotypes

Last updated: October 7, 2025

There are so many ways to be a kid. And research has proven that it's important for kids of all ages and identities to see themselves reflected in the media they view, especially when it comes to gender. Our own research shows that these messages influence kids as early as preschool, which makes it even more important to look for positive gender portrayals in our kids' media. On television, it can be difficult to find girls and boys (and men and women!) who defy gender stereotypes. Luckily, we've got lots of picks that offer balanced and positive gender representations. For even more great choices for your family, check out Movies That Defy Gender Stereotypes and TV Shows with Positive Role Models for Boys.

Filter by:
Sort by:
Sesame Street Poster Image
TV

Sesame Street

age 2+

Classic show endures changes, but learning content remains.

PBS , Max Educational (1969)
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Poster Image
TV

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

age 3+

Excellent lessons from Mister Rogers' next generation.

Pinkalicious & Peterrific: Cupid Calls It Quits Poster Image
TV

Pinkalicious & Peterrific: Cupid Calls It Quits

age 3+

Sweet preschool Valentine special spreads love, gratitude.

Sofia the First Poster Image
TV

Sofia the First

age 3+

Spunky, well-rounded princess celebrates individuality.

Trash Truck Poster Image
TV

Trash Truck

age 3+

Gentle preschool buddy tale celebrates imagination.

Doc McStuffins Poster Image
TV

Doc McStuffins

age 4+

Excellent preschool series has positive messages for kids.

Julie's Greenroom Poster Image
TV

Julie's Greenroom

age 4+

Delightful series teaches young kids about performance arts.

Annedroids Poster Image
TV

Annedroids

age 5+

STEM learning, positive role models in well-rounded series.

Odd Squad Poster Image
TV

Odd Squad

age 5+

Lively mixed-media series solves mysteries with math skills.

PBS Kids Comedy (2014)
Super Sema Poster Image
TV

Super Sema

age 5+

Fun Africa-set STEM superhero series has great role models.

WordGirl Poster Image
TV

WordGirl

age 5+

Brainy heroine uses vocab to outwit bad guys.

Project Mc2 Poster Image
TV

Project Mc2

age 7+

Whiz kids break stereotypes, make being smart cool.

Netflix Drama (2015)
Max & the Midnights TV Show Poster: Max, a 10-year-old White girl knight, runs away from a dragon with her friends
TV

Max & the Midknights

age 8+

Girl power and positive messages in epic medieval tale.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Poster Image
TV

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

age 8+

Likable 1980s reboot has strong hero, diverse characters.

Steven Universe TV poster: Steven floats in space with Gems
TV

Steven Universe

age 8+

Quirky cartoon values diversity, friendship, and purpose.

The Legend of Korra Poster Image
TV

The Legend of Korra

age 8+

Strong heroine, positive messages make great fantasy series.

The Owl House TV Poster Image
TV

The Owl House

age 8+

Engaging, quirky fantasy series has diversity, LGBTQ+ leads.

Andi Mack Poster Image
TV

Andi Mack

age 10+

Heartwarming, diverse coming-of-age story best for tweens.

How It Feels to Be Free Poster Image
TV

How It Feels to Be Free

age 10+

Clear-eyed docu celebrates talented women facing racism.

PBS Educational (2021)
Avatar: The Last Airbender TV show poster: Aang walks into the sunset
TV

Avatar: The Last Airbender

age 11+

Vibrant, intense live-action adventure tale has violence.

Netflix Action (2024)
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.