TV That Inspires Empathy

Last updated: July 4, 2026

When kids practice empathy, they can better understand and connect with others' feelings, nurture strong friendships, and build important life skills. TV shows can be a powerful tool in teaching empathy by portraying characters who show care and understanding of others' emotions. By watching TV shows with empathetic characters who navigate difficult situations, kids can learn how to better recognize and respond to the feelings of those around them. For more examples of empathy in media, check out Movies That Inspire Empathy.

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Duck & Goose TV Poster Image

TV

Duck & Goose

age 2+

Gentle series promotes empathy, understanding, and fun.

Network: Apple TV (2022)

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Slumberkins TV Poster Image

TV

Slumberkins

age 2+

Cuddly, gentle puppets teach social-emotional skills.

Network: Apple TV (2022)

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Woolly And Tig Poster Image

TV

Woolly And Tig

age 2+

Sweet series teaches kids about working out feelings.

Network: Comcast Kid Central (2012)

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TV

Baby Riki

age 2+

Teamwork and problem-solving lessons for preschoolers.

Network: Prime Video , YouTube (2015)

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Bea's Block TV: Block friends Bea, Lexie and Ty stand in a line outside the treehouse that hosts the Kindness Club.

TV

Bea's Block

age 2+

Neighborly kindness, empathy shine in fab preschool series.

Network: Max (2024)

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Get Rolling with Otis Poster Image

TV

Get Rolling with Otis

age 2+

Sweet, gentle barnyard show teaches preschoolers empathy.

Network: Apple TV (2021)

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Hello, Jack!: The Kindness Show Poster Image

TV

Hello, Jack!: The Kindness Show

age 2+

Sunny show helps preschoolers practice kindness.

Network: Apple TV (2021)

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Carl the Collector TV Series Poster Image: Carl, a cartoon raccoon, sits outside with a few of his collections in jars

TV

Carl the Collector

age 2+

Adorable animal friends and positive autism representation.

Network: PBS Kids (2024)

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Eva The Owlet Holiday Special TV show poster: Eva flies above a snowy scene

TV

Eva the Owlet Holiday Special

age 2+

Positive messages in festive winter adventure.

Network: Apple TV (2024)

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Wonder Pets in the City TV Show Poster: Izzy, Zuri and Tate (a bunny, guinea pig, and snake) fly in a homemade airplane over New York City

TV

Wonder Pets: In the City

age 2+

Sweet reboot with musical, empathetic, and helpful pets.

Network: Apple TV (2024)

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Dr. Panda poster: A group of cute animated animal characters are in a park.

TV

Dr. Panda

age 2+

Children explore jobs and careers in this preschool show.

Network: Prime Video , YouTube (2019)

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Sesame Street Poster Image

TV

Sesame Street

age 2+

Classic show endures changes, but learning content remains.

Network: PBS , Max (1969)

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Barney's World TV Show Poster: Barney, a purple dinosaur, holds a glowing heart with Baby Bop and Billy dinosaurs in the background

TV

Barney's World

age 2+

Iconic dino returns with positive social-emotional lessons.

Network: Max (2024)

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Sago Mini Friends poster

TV

Sago Mini Friends

age 3+

Wholesome and funny show teaches kids about gratitude.

Network: Apple TV (2022)

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Allegra's Window poster

TV

Allegra's Window

age 3+

Sweet puppets teach kids about emotional intelligence.

Network: Paramount+ (1994)

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Kiri & Lou TV show: poster

TV

Kiri & Lou

age 3+

Uniquely charming friendship story has positive messages.

Network: Nickelodeon , Apple TV (2019)

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Clifford the Big Red Dog Poster Image

TV

Clifford the Big Red Dog

age 3+

Favorite canine returns in exceptional series reboot.

Network: PBS Kids , Prime Video (2019)

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Duck & Goose TV show: Duck leaps with a butterfly on his nose, and Goose watches, on a grassy hill with a bright blue sky in the background.

TV

When Duck Met Goose

age 3+

Adorable story about how differences make friends special.

Network: Apple TV (2023)

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My Big Big Friend Poster Image

TV

My Big Big Friend

age 3+

Sweet kids and their imaginary friends find adventure.

Network: Kidstream (2010)

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Care Bears & Cousins Poster Image

TV

Care Bears & Cousins

age 3+

Classic fuzzy crew teaches empathy, kindness, friendship.

Network: Netflix (2015)

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