The Best TV Shows For Kids To Stream On Netflix Right Now
Siriol Dafydd
Entertainment Writer | Urban List, Sydney
While screen time (or too much of it) might be a polarising topic, most parents would probably agree that it’s good to have a go-to kids' show on Netflix for those just-in-case moments. And anyway, who said that light entertainment that gives you a bit of peace and quiet can’t also teach them valuable lessons or spark their imaginations?
So, whether you want to snuggle up and watch together or relax knowing that you can wash the dishes for 10 minutes while your little ones are safe and entertained, here are our picks for the best kids' TV shows to stream on Netflix right now.
Booba
If you want something silly, safe, and slapstick to chuck on the TV as you half-watch and half-do errands… Booba is a great shout. Each episode follows a curious, hobgoblin-like creature as he clumsily encounters everyday objects and situations, like vacuum cleaners and supermarkets. It’s lighthearted, has zero dialogue, and will probably induce a super cute giggle from your toddler every few minutes, so there’s really no way you can go wrong here.
Carmen Sandiego
This stylish reboot reimagines the master thief from the original video game as a Robin Hood figure who steals from the evil organisation V.I.L.E to return artefacts to their rightful owners. The plot follows Carmen (voiced by Gina Rodriguez) and her tech-genius partner Player (Finn Wolfhard) as they travel the globe, staying one step ahead of both V.I.L.E. and the detectives hunting them down along the way. This one’s been a hit with critics and won a Primetime Emmy Award for its art direction, too. Not that your kids will care, but it’s still good to know these things.
The Bad Guys: The Series
This is a prequel to the 2022 animated crime comedy, The Bad Guys (which, if you haven’t seen it, is pretty enjoyable for adults as well as kids). The story follows the gang’s early days as notorious criminals, when their frustration at the lack of media attention inspires them to attempt increasingly daring heists to land a spot on the "Worst of the Worst" news list. Like the movie, it’s fast-paced, snarky, and has a fun heist vibe.
The Creature Cases
This "edutainment" mystery series follows a duo of agents working for the Covert League of Animal Detective Experts (C.L.A.D.E.) as they travel around the globe to solve mysteries using real-life zoological insights and high-tech gadgets. It’s adventurous, inquisitive, and aimed at a preschool and primary school audience. You might also learn some random facts along the way that may or may not come in handy for your next child-free trivia night.
PAW Patrol
If you have children and have never heard of PAW Patrol, we’re not sure whether we should be impressed or concerned. This globally popular animation follows a tech-savvy boy named Ryder and his team of search-and-rescue dogs. Using their wits, unique talents, a bunch of specialised vehicles, and their trademark “no job is too big, no pup is too small" mantra, they handle local emergencies and protect their community from all sorts of threats and mishaps. It’s one of the most successful preschool franchises in history, so once you introduce your kids to this, be prepared to invest in PAW Patrol-themed birthday cakes, toys, pyjamas, and backpacks for the foreseeable future.
SpongeBob SquarePants
A cartoon that needs no introduction, SpongeBob SquarePants has remained an absolute classic for the better part of the last 25 years. With great character designs, clever gags and an overall vibe of silly fun, your kid is bound to have a good time with this cartoon.
SpongeBob SquarePants has been running since 1999, so there's a good chance that some parents who are reading this recommendation remember watching it when they were kids. If you are one of those parents, sorry for making you feel so old.
Hilda
Based on a popular graphic novel series, Hilda follows the titular blue-haired girl as she explores the mysteries in and beyond the city of Trolberg. Visually stunning with some tip-top creature designs (like Hilda's trusty deerfox companion), this show is a charming watch and perfect for kids with big imaginations. It's the kind of kids' show that does everything right and makes you feel jealous that it wasn't around when you were younger.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
One of the most popular kids' cartoons of the past two decades, Avatar: The Last Airbender is an absolute blast of an adventure series. Set in a fantasy realm where certain people can control one of the four elements—water, fire, air and earth— it follows Aang, the current incarnation of the Avatar, a mystical figure who can 'bend' every element.
After being frozen in an iceberg for 100 years, Aang must learn to master his powers to help bring peace between the four warring nations. Joined by Katara and Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, the trio set off on Aang's flying bison while pursued by Zuko, the disgraced prince of the Fire Nation.
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous
Yes, the youngins’ will never quite understand the thrill of watching Laura Dern and Sam O’Neil on screen with the original motion picture soundtrack thanks to John Williams, so they may as well settle with Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, a Netflix original series which, we hate to say…is actually pretty good. No one will have nightmares, but we do recommend this one for ages five and up.
Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
If you were raised right, you’d know Jack Black is absolute royalty in the grand scheme of children’s shows and movies. From voicing the sabre-tooth tiger Zeke in the first Ice Age film to starring in Gulliver’s Travels and the GOAT movie of all time, School Of Rock. Basically, the next generation’s entertainment is in good hands whenever he’s around. Black reprises his role as Po in this spin-off series, and you will regain some free time for more important things thanks to the show’s 11 episodes.
Oni Thunder God’s Tale
While you’ll only find four episodes of Oni Thunder God’s Tale, this is a great Netflix show for kids. In a world filled with the oddball gods and monsters of Japanese mythology, one of the creature's free-spirited daughters, Onari, is determined to follow in the footsteps of the mighty heroes of lore, but her unique powers are yet to be revealed.
Spirit Rangers
Inspired by stories from Native American tribes and the majestic landscapes of national parks of America, Spirit Rangers explores the adventure and beauty of nature through the eyes of Kodi, Summer and Eddy Skycedar, Chumash/Cowlitz siblings who share a secret. The kids are a trio of kids are “Spirit Rangers” who help protect the land and spirits of the national park tha—and who are we kidding? The plot doesn’t matter. All you need to know is Spirit Rangers has seriously changed the game for Indigenous representation in animation, and the little ones are going to love it.
Watch on YouTube
Spirit Riding Free
Spoiler alert, the Dreamworks movie that introduced you to real, hardcore tears as a kid has a number of shows on Netflix and whether you watch them or the kids watch them, everyone’s happy. Yes, Spirit the almighty stallion has copped eight seasons of Western adventures, but if that’s not enough and you seemingly have a bona fide series-binger on your hands, you can also hit play on Spirit Riding Academy and Spirit Pony Tales. Excellent school holiday watching, if you ask us.
Pup Academy
If you think we’ve slipped in Pup Academy for our own selfish reasons…you’d be right. This one’s giving new-age Milo And Otis, which obviously means all the cute animals. Will your kid want a puppy after watching? Likely. But that’s not our problem.
Image credit: Netflix
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