James' World 2

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There’s no denying that PBS Kids, the home of Daniel Tiger, was once the gold standard for children’s programming. Unfortunately, many of their shows now feel recycled or like they’re spoon-feeding their audience. For example, they’ve turned Elmo and Cookie Monster into transforming robots. A parent can’t help but wonder if they’re more interested in selling toys than entertaining kids. Apple TV+ has quickly (and quietly) been overtaking PBS’ throne in quality programming for kids, bringing considerable value to this parent’s dwindling streaming budget. Several creatives behind Sesame Street and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood have their own programs on the streaming service, and the shows are targeted toward specific age groups, not just preschoolers.

After playing 30 Rock‘s Kenneth Parcell with “aw-shucks” aplomb, Jack McBrayer practically seemed destined to host a Mr. Rogers Neighborhood-type show. Here, he plays a version of himself, who also happens to be the kindest resident of Clover Grove, and spreads his fondness for others around his colorful hometown. Behind the scenes, McBrayer co-created this musical show (with songs by pop group OK Go) with Angela C. Santomero, the mind behind Blue’s Clues and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. According to my oldest son, this program is strictly for preschoolers, as he doesn’t enjoy the show as much as his younger brother does. 

Frog and Toad

Every streaming service has a children’s series based on a book. Netflix has Captain Underpants, and Prime Video has If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and each show translates its source material to the screen with varying degrees of success. Apple TV+ has Frog and Toad, which captures what made Arnold Lobel’s award-winning series so delightful to read, from the color palette of its illustrations to its contagious positivity. The show moves at the same pace as your preschooler, so their senses aren’t overloaded, and its core themes about communication and embracing differences are slipped in subtly. Both my sons love it. Don’t be surprised if this becomes the next kids’ show you watch without your kids

Older kids

Stillwater

From each hair on the titular panda’s face to the blades of grass that move with the breeze, Stillwater is far too beautiful for children’s television animation. Even its sound design is soothing, which is on purpose, given the show’s premise. Each episode deals with a problem that one of Stillwater’s child neighbors brings to them. Rather than letting their emotions take over, he supports them in finding a solution by taking a deep breath and looking at the problem from a different perspective, offering a way to navigate complicated feelings so viewers can work on becoming more self-aware humans. Surprisingly, my kids love this show, particularly the beautiful fables Stillwater tells his young neighbors to get his point across.

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Credit: AppleTV

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