15 TV Shows Millennials Grew Up On That Are Still Great For Toddlers Today

First kid? I cringed if I saw a screen even in the vicinity of her eye line. Second kid? My TV is my beloved babysitter. As a fellow millennial parent, like me, have probably thrown up your hands and surrendered to the beauty of screen time. And  you’ve probably had it up to here with the new guard of children’s entertainment. I can only stomach so much Miss Rachel (and can’t stomach Blippy AT ALL). And the animated shows? They all seem AI-rendered and straight-up eerie. Not to get all “back in my day,” but…but in my day, we had real animation, puppet artistry and thoughtful, gentle programming. Good thing, some of my personal childhood favorites—and maybe yours—are still just as magical for toddlers today as they were for us back in the 80s and 90s. Here are some of the best old-school TV shows to watch with your kids and where to stream ‘em.

• Number of seasons: 24
• Original air date: 1984
• Best for ages: 2-5
• Topics explored: Friendship, problem-solving, teamwork

Thomas the Tank Engine chugs along with stories about life on the Island of Sodor. Featuring iconic narration from the Ringo Starr and George Carlin, this show teaches young viewers about working together and overcoming challenges. Plus, the catchy theme song will have your kids humming in no time. Pair with a Thomas the Tank train set to really practice that railroad-building muscle. 

• Number of seasons: 31
• Original air date: 1968
• Best for ages: 3-6
• Topics explored: Empathy, feelings, community

Fred Rogers’ gentle voice and kind spirit are a balm for toddlers and parents alike. The series explores themes of kindness, emotional regulation and curiosity about the world around us without ever talking down to its viewers. From the Land of Make-Believe to his iconic sweaters, every episode feels like a hug in TV form. Start with this show before getting into Daniel Tiger, a modern spin-off, which also teaches some great social-emotional skills. 

• Number of seasons: 6 (original run) + rebooted as "Blue’s Clues & You!"
• Original air date: 1996
• Best for ages: 2-5
• Topics explored: Critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity

It’s the show that put mail on the map. “It makes me wanna wail MAAAAILLL!” Anywho, who can resist Blue’s paw prints? Blue’s Clues’ interactive format encourages kids to think critically as they solve puzzles alongside their host (Steve 4eva!). Bonus: Adults can enjoy the nostalgia of the original episodes while introducing their kids to the reboot.

• Number of seasons: 25
• Original air date: 1996
• Best for ages: 4-8
• Topics explored: Family, friendship, diversity

This aardvark has been delighting kids for decades. Each episode explores relatable challenges—from sibling spats to navigating school life. And let’s not forget the endlessly catchy theme song, "Believe in Yourself." I will say, the episodes I recently re-watched were probably a little over my toddler’s head, so I’d say this is kids’ programming geared toward 4-year-olds and up.

• Number of seasons: 5
• Original air date: 1976
• Best for ages: 4+
• Topics explored: Humor, creativity, teamwork

Kermit the Frog really knows how to put on a great show. In this Muppet-led variety show from Jim Henson, every episode features a truly legendary host (a la Saturday Night Live)—like Julie Andrews, Elton John, Liza Minelli, Diana Ross, Gene Kelly and Rita Moreno. But the real stars are the puppets, including Kermie, Fozzie, Miss Piggie and more, who bring humor and heart to the screen. While toddlers will adore the colorful puppets and slapstick comedy, adults will catch the clever jokes and avant garde performances that you just don’t see in kids’ programming these days.  

• Number of seasons: 53+
• Original air date: 1969
• Best for ages: 2-6
• Topics explored: Letters, numbers, social skills

No childhood is complete without Big Bird, Elmo, and the rest of the gang from Sesame Street. This iconic series blends education with entertainment, teaching kids everything from the ABCs to how to handle emotions. The diversity and inclusivity on display make it a timeless treasure. And while I’m sure any parent of young children has put on Sesame Street for their kids, I really implore you to watch the earlier seasons before Abby and Elmo are shoe-horned into every scene. 

• Number of seasons: 21
• Original air date: 1983
• Best for ages: 4-8
• Topics explored: Literacy, imagination, storytelling

Hosted by LeVar Burton, this beloved series encouraged generations of kids to pick up a book and dive into the world of reading. Each episode features book recommendations that are still totally relevant today, engaging storytelling and interviews with authors. It’s a perfect way to inspire your toddler’s love for stories, and the theme song alone will be a lovely time capsule for you. 

• Number of seasons: 5
• Original air date: 1983
• Best for ages: 4+
• Topics explored: Teamwork, ecology, problem-solving

Another Jim Henson project, Fraggle Rock is a whimsical series filled with music, colorful characters and life lessons. The show’s themes of cooperation and environmental awareness resonate just as much today as they did decades ago. Plus, the quirky humor keeps it fun for all ages.

• Number of seasons: 4
• Original air date: 1988
• Best for ages: 3-6
• Topics explored: Friendship, kindness, imagination

The Hundred Acre Wood is the perfect backdrop for gentle adventures with Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore. This series’ focus on kindness and problem-solving makes it ideal for toddlers. The soft animation and soothing tone make it a calm viewing option for winding down. It’s also a lovely gateway into the A.A. Milne books.

• Number of seasons: 3 (original series) + reboot
• Original air date: 2000
• Best for ages: 3-6
• Topics explored: Kindness, community, responsibility

As an adult, caring for a dog as big as your house is more of a nightmare than sweet story. But as a kid, Clifford’s adventures on Birdwell Island are full of lessons about being a good friend and neighbor. The series’ simple yet heartwarming stories are relatable for young viewers, and Clifford’s larger-than-life size adds a fun twist to everyday situations. Just be prepared to answer all the “can we get a dog” pleas. 

• Number of seasons: 9
• Original air date: 1991
• Best for ages: 3-7
• Topics explored: Imagination, family, problem-solving

For me, this was the gold standard. So why not let my toddler in on the fun to follow Tommy, Chuckie and Phil and Lil as they embark on adventures fueled by their vivid imaginations. The show captures the world from a toddler’s perspective, teaching valuable lessons about friendship, family and resilience. I love how Rugrats strikes a balance between silly fun for kids and clever humor for parents, but while rewatching as a parent, I am curious when they’re gonna pottytrain Tommy. 

• Number of seasons: 14
• Original air date: 1992
• Best for ages: 2-5
• Topics explored: Sharing, kindness, basic learning skills

Maybe a bit too saccharine for me growing up, now, I see Barney the purple dinosaur as a lo-fi show with sing-alongs that teaches kids valuable social skills. It’s certainly cheesy, but the simple music and life lessons of it all are perfect for younger toddlers. Parents might find the repetition amusingly nostalgic—or even catch themselves singing along.

• Number of seasons: 4
• Original air date: 1994
• Best for ages: 5-8
• Topics explored: Science, exploration, teamwork

Climb aboard with Ms. Frizzle and her class as they explore everything from the human body to outer space. The Magic School Bus is both educational and wildly entertaining, making it a great pick for curious kids and science-loving parents alike. Plus, since it’s based on the book series, you’ve got all the ancillary content to work with if you want some screen-free time. 

• Number of seasons: 4
• Original air date: 1997
• Best for ages: 2-5
• Topics explored: Emotions, self-care, problem-solving

This gentle, music-filled show follows Bear and his friends as they navigate everyday life in their big blue house. The calming tone and engaging characters make it a soothing choice for toddlers, while the positive messages resonate with parents. In a word, it’s a lovely antidote for the sensory overload of Cocomelon.

• Number of seasons: 8
• Original air date: 2000
• Best for ages: 3-6
• Topics explored: Problem-solving, language, geography

Dora’s interactive adventures encourage young viewers to solve puzzles and learn new words in Spanish and English. Will your kid become bilingual by binging all eight seasons? Eh, probably not. But they’ll learn a few new words in Spanish. Plus, Dora’s upbeat attitude and catchy songs make this a hit with toddlers, while the educational elements provide a bonus for parents.