Children’s entertainment has gone through big changes through the decades. TV shows and movies used to appeal to kids with colorful, simplistic visuals and safe stories. Nowadays, emotionally-charged TV shows for kids are common ground, and epic adventures are no longer reserved for teenagers and adults. What better time is there to go through Netflix’s vast catalog and pick the best TV series for kids? There is something in this list for everyone, from educational, PBS-style animated shows about magic buses to live-action shows about fighting evil and classicanime. If you’re looking for the next series that will both entertain your kids and get them to appreciate a good story, you’ve come to the right place!
So check out our list of the best kids shows on Netflix below. And for movie recommendations, check out our list of thebest shows on Netflix,best family movies on Netflix, or best children’s films onPrime VideoorHBO.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
Editor’s Note: This list was most recently updated November 2023 to include The Worst Witch.
Related:The Best Movies on Disney+ Right Now
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
Creator:Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino
Cast:Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack DeSena, Dante Basco
Arguably one of the all-time greatest animated shows,Avatar: The Last Airbenderpushed boundaries for what a TV show made for kids could do. The show follows a young boy who is tasked with bringing balance to a world in war. The show featured an epic serialized story with heavy themes such as genocide and totalitarianism while maintaining a playful humor. The characters are well-developed and have their own interesting arcs, and we get perhaps the best redemption story in decades. And the show actually builds up to a concrete endingthat ties all the themes and stories in a near perfect bow. If you haven’t seen this modern classic, now is your chance.Watch on Netflix
The Worst Witch (2017-present)
Developed by: Emma Reeves
Cast: Bella Ramsey, Raquel Cassidy, Jenny Richardson, Clare Higgins
Based onJill Murphy’s 1974 novel of the same name, this Netflix series follows the trials and tribulations of young Mildred (Bella Ramsey), whose life is turned upside down one unexpected day, which soon leads to her introduction to a life of magic and mystery at Cackle’s Academy. With thematic similarities to theHarry Potterseries,The Worst Witchis a family-friendly fantasy adventure with important messages of kindness and friendship at its heart. Although investing in its magical lore, the depth of the fantasy elements are considered secondary in favor of the drama at the story’s heart. A tale about the struggles many children feel when trying to fit in,The Worst Witchis both poignant and a whole heap of fun. -Jake HodgesWatch on Netflix
Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse (2012)
Creator: David Wiebe
Cast: Kate Higgins, Sean Hankinson, Paula Bodin, Paula Rhodes, Laura Gerow
Kate Higginsstars as the voice of Barbie inBarbie: Life in the Dreamhouse, an animated series from creatorDavid Wiebe. Joining the iconic blonde in these short stories are Barbie’s sisters, Chelsea (Laura Gerow), Skipper, and Stacie (both voiced byPaula Rhodes), as well as her boyfriend, Ken (Sean Hankinson). Set in a distant future where sentient dolls inhabit the planet after humans are extinct,Barbie: Life in the Dreamhousefocuses on the doll family and their friends as they go on numerous adventures where they learn life lessons intended for their young-skewing audience.– Yael TygielWatch on Netflix
Gabby’s Dollhouse (2021-present)
Creators: Jennifer Twomey, Traci Paige Johnson
Cast: Laila Lockhart Kraner, Tucker Chandler, Juliet Donenfeld
Gabby’s Dollhouseis an adorably vibrant preschool series from co-creatorsJennifer TwomeyandTraci Paige Johnson.Gabby’s Dollhouseis a feel-good show that joins Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) and her sidekick Pandy Paws (Tucker Chandler) on mixed media adventures through a magical world bursting with whimsy.Gabby’s Dollhouseleans heavily into cat puns and modern internet culture, with Gabby unboxing irresistible treasures in each episode before diving into a colorful experience, creatively merging educational moments with quirky storytelling and cute crafts.Gabby’s Dollhousefeels like a unique combination ofMr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,Dragon Tales, andThe Magic School Bus.– Yael TygielWatch on Netflix
No Good Nick (2019)
Creator: David H. Steinberg, Keetgi Kogan
Cast: Siena Agudong, Melissa Joan Hart, Sean Astin, Lauren Lindsey Donzis
No Good Nickis an unexpectedly complex family series from creatorsDavid H. SteinbergandKeetgi Kogan. Featuring a slightly darker storyline and edgier tone than traditional family-focused comedies,No Good Nickfollows a young and streetwise con artist (Siena Agudong) who infiltrates the loving Thompson family under the guise of a long-lost relative. Throughout the short-lived series,No Good Nickexplores themes of family, abuse, and flaws in the American foster care system. Starring former child actorsMelissa Joan HartandSean Astinstarring as the parents of the Thompson family,No Good Nicklaunches with a truly compelling concept.– Yael TygielWatch on Netflix
Julie and the Phantoms (2020)
Creators: Dan Cross, David Hoge
Cast: Madison Reyes, Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, Jeremy Shada
Based on a Brazilian series,Julie and the Phantomsis a delightful yet devastatingly short-lived musical fantasy series starringMadison Reyesas the titular Julie. Supporting Reyes are a trio of young ghosts played by the charmingCharlie Gillespie,Owen Patrick Joyner,andJeremy Shada(Adventure Time). CreatorsDan CrossandDavid Hogehighlight their immensely talented cast by utilizing directors like the legendaryKenny Ortega(Hocus Pocus), who also produced the series. Blending supernatural elements, high school drama, and catchy, toe-tapping bops,Julie and the Phantomsis the ideal series for graduates of the Disney Channel Original Movies and those who aren’t ready to say goodbye to theHigh School Musicalvibes. – Yael TygielWatch on Netflix
The Baby-Sitter’s Club (2020-2021)
Created by: Rachel Shukert
Cast: Sophie Grace, Momona Tamada, Shay Rudolph, Malia Baker
Based on the beloved book series by Ann M. Martin,The Baby-Sitter’s Clubcombines the classic charm of the 80s and 90s novels while touching on relevant present-day issues. With an impressive young cast, includingDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of MadnessbreakoutXochitl Gomezas Dawn in season 1, as well as 90s iconAlicia Silverstoneas Kristy’s (Sophie Grace) mom, the show has been praised for its layered characters and refreshingly authentic feel. Sincere but not saccharine, this series is a truly remarkable adaptation that is sure to appeal to kids and nostalgic adults alike. –Taylor GatesWatch on Netflix
Alexa & Katie (2018-2020)
Created by: Heather Wordham
Cast: Paris Berelc, Isabel May, Jolie Jenkins, Emery Kelly, Eddie Shin, Finn Carr, Tiffani Thiessen, Jack Griffo
The first multi-cam sitcom produced by Netflix,Alexa & Katiewon an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program in 2018. The show centers around Alexa (Paris Berelc), who discovers she has cancer right before her freshman year. Together with her family and best friend Katie (Isabel May), Alexa navigates her illness as well as all the normal issues every teenager must deal with when entering high school.Alexa & Katiemanages to tackle serious issues in a heartwarming and hopeful way, making the show a powerful, uplifting, and often even hilarious watch.- Taylor GatesWatch on Netflix
PJ Masks (2015-present)
Creator:Romuald Racioppo
Cast:Kyle Breitkopf, Addison Holley, Jacob Ewaniuk, Alex Thorne
Superheroes are everywhere, there’s no denying that. But where the Marvel and DC movies are aimed towards older kids, here comesPJ Masksto introduce the younglings to the exciting world of superheroes. We follow three 6-year-olds who become superheroes at nighttime, and get together to fight crime as the titular superhero team, facing villains and having to work as a team to defeat them.PJ Maskscombines all the superheroics of a big-budget movie, with the vast imagination of its target demographic, resulting in a kid-friendly action-adventure show that’s both entertaining and an effective morality tale.Watch on Netflix
Green Eggs & Ham (2019-present)
Creator:Jared Stern
Cast:Adam Devine, Michael Douglas, Diane Keaton, Jeffrey Wright, Jillian Bell
Just like Dr. Seuss' stories function as bridges for kids to be introduced to the English language, or how to read, Netflix’sGreen Eggs & Hamfunctions as an excellent introductory course to TV storytelling, and comedy. A kind of kid-friendly version of the comedy classicPlanes, Trains and Automobiles, we follow Sam-I-Am and Guy-Am I, who are tasked with guarding and transporting a wild chicken/giraffe hybrid, and end up on a roadtrip of self-discovery. The animation is simply gorgeous, the star-studded cast will delight grown-ups, and the colorful, stylish, silly fun ride of a story will entertain kids as well as give them an excellent introductory course to comedy and TV. Plus, the show has a few surprisingly dramatic twists and turns that will keep you on your toes and teach you a thing or two.Watch on Netflix
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