TV That Inspires Empathy

Last updated: July 24, 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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TV

Baby Riki

age 2+

Teamwork and problem-solving lessons for preschoolers.

Prime Video , YouTube Kids' Animation (2015)

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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.

Max Educational (2024)

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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.

Max Kids' Animation (2024)

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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.

PBS Kids Educational (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.

Prime Video , YouTube Kids' Animation (2019)

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Duck & Goose TV Poster Image

TV

Duck & Goose

age 2+

Gentle series promotes empathy, understanding, and fun.

Apple TV Kids' Animation (2022)

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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.

Apple TV Kids' Animation (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.

Apple TV Educational (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.

Apple TV Educational (2021)

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Sesame Street Poster Image

TV

Sesame Street

age 2+

Classic show endures changes, but learning content remains.

PBS , Max Educational (1969)

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Slumberkins TV Poster Image

TV

Slumberkins

age 2+

Cuddly, gentle puppets teach social-emotional skills.

Apple TV Kids' Animation (2022)

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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.

Apple TV Educational (2024)

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Woolly And Tig Poster Image

TV

Woolly And Tig

age 2+

Sweet series teaches kids about working out feelings.

Comcast Kid Central Educational (2012)

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A Fuzzytown Halloween TV: The hands of Carl, The Collector hold a white pot with a yellow lid that says "A Fuzzytown Halloween"

TV

A Fuzzytown Halloween

age 3+

Lovely special reminds us to make Halloween inclusive.

PBS Kids Kids' Animation (2025)

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Allegra's Window poster

TV

Allegra's Window

age 3+

Sweet puppets teach kids about emotional intelligence.

Paramount+ Educational (1994)

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Alma Nochebuena poster

TV

Alma's Nochebuena

age 3+

Discover Hispanic traditions at Alma's Nochebuena.

PBS Kids , Vudu Kids' Animation (2021)

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TV

Ava Riko Teo

age 3+

Arts & crafts-driven show inspires creativity, imagination.

Online Kids' Animation (2008)

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Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom Poster Image

TV

Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom

age 3+

Charming British series promotes perseverance, friendship.

Nick Jr. Kids' Animation (2015)

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Caillou Poster Image

TV

Caillou

age 3+

Kids can relate to this sweet, curious explorer.

PBS Kids' Animation (1997)

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Care Bears & Cousins Poster Image

TV

Care Bears & Cousins

age 3+

Classic fuzzy crew teaches empathy, kindness, friendship.

Netflix Kids' Animation (2015)

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