Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

This endearing show was inspired by the award-winning Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and its relationship to this iconic kids' series gives parents good reason to tune in with their tots. Kids who are brand new to the Mister Rogers characters will take an immediate shine to this modern animated generation, and moms and dads who cut their teeth on King Friday, X the Owl, and Lady Elaine Fairchilde will delight in the touches of the classics noticeable in those characters' preschool-age kids, nieces, and nephews. And the parallels don't stop there; Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood pays respectful homage to Mister Rogers with its music, its stories, and, of course, its very welcoming host.

And, not content to just look and sound like the original, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood appeals to preschoolers on a level that only animation can, taking the opportunity to teach them important interpersonal and pre-reading skills. Because Daniel speaks directly to his audience, kids feel like they're part of the story from the beginning, and they'll feel his disappointments, share his joys, and learn lessons along with him. Need another reason to love it? Its seamless incorporation of preschool skills like counting and phonics is a good reminder of how easily these can be practiced when you're playing with your kids.