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How to know if a show Is “Good”

Use the 3S Rule:

  • Slow-paced (not full of cuts, noise, or chaos)
  • Story-driven (has characters who problem-solve or grow)
  • Safe & ad-free (or watched with an adult to filter what’s seen)

When in doubt, preview it yourself first, and co-watch when possible. And always trust your instincts – if a show feels “off” or makes your child more hyper, switch it.

What we recommend

Not all screen time is created equal. Some shows and channels are designed to engage young children’s minds, model empathy, and support language, literacy, and self-regulation. Others… are just noisy and addictive.

This section helps you cut through the clutter and find calm, educational, and age-appropriate content that aligns with the values of this guide.

Recommended TV shows

These shows are gentle, often slower-paced, and grounded in social-emotional learning.

  • Bluey (Disney+ / YouTube) – Play-based, emotionally rich, relatable for parents too
  • Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (PBS Kids / YouTube) – Teaches feelings, routines, problem-solving
  • Puffin Rock (Netflix) – Soothing narration, nature themes, sibling bonding
  • Trash Truck (Netflix) – Gentle storytelling, imagination + friendship
  • Elinor Wonders Why (PBS Kids) – Curious science questions, slow pace, kind characters
  • If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (Amazon Prime) – Based on classic books, simple cause-effect storytelling
  • Tumble Leaf (Amazon Prime) – Imaginative play, problem-solving, no fast cuts
  • Llama Llama (Netflix) – Family-centered stories about emotions and routines

  • Sarah & Duck (Youtube/ BBC) – Quirky, poetic, great for calm minds

  • Octonauts (Netflix) – Ocean-themed adventures with light educational facts

Youtube channels that are actually helpful

YouTube is a minefield – autoplay, ads, overstimulation – but when used intentionally and supervised, these channels offer high-quality content.

Pro Tip: Turn off autoplay. Use the “Watch Later” playlist to pre-select episodes, and sit nearby whenever possible.

  • Sesame Street – Timeless, diverse, teaches everything from kindness to counting

  • Cosmic Kids Yoga – Combines storytelling with movement, great for screen + body balance

  • Ms. Rachel – Great for speech development, especially for 1.5–3 year olds
  • Super Simple Songs – Slow-paced music and rhymes, perfect for toddlers
  • Peekaboo Kidz – Explains big questions in a simple way (“Why do we yawn?”)
  • Art for Kids Hub – Guided drawing activities – excellent for co-viewing and creativity

OTT content (Movies & Specials)

Save these for movie nights or travel days – longer content should feel special, not everyday.

  • My Neighbor Totoro (Netflix) – Calming, gentle exploration of emotions and family

  • The Gruffalo / Room on the Broom (Netflix / Prime) – Short stories based on beautiful books

  • Encanto (Disney+) – Vibrant, emotional, and has deep discussion themes for older 5–6 year olds

  • A Shaun the Sheep Movie (Netflix) – No dialogue, great for visual humor and attention skills

  • Moana (Disney+) – Adventure and courage – for slightly older preschoolers

  • The Snowy Day (Amazon Prime) – Quiet, cozy adaptation of a beloved book

  • Zog (by Julia Donaldson) (Netflix) – Teaches effort and empathy through dragon school tales

Pro tip

You may also want to be sure to set up timers. Read this guide on how to.

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