British cartoons for kids: 7 Cute British Cartoons To Check Out, Because You Love Your Kid’s Peppa Pig Accent
Posted on7 Cute British Cartoons To Check Out, Because You Love Your Kid’s Peppa Pig Accent
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Youtube.com/HeyDuggee
by Cat Bowen
I am obsessed with British television, and have been since I was a little girl and PBS ran BBC shows at night. I fell in love with shows like Keeping Up Appearances and Eastenders, and to this day, some of my favorite shows come from across the pond. My children seem to be no different. It’s to the point where my kids have watched so much Peppa Pig, that they pronounce tomatoes «toe-mah-toes.» I love it. Alas, one cartoon is never enough, and we’ve started searching out more shows. So far I’ve found 7 cute British cartoons that are really fitting the bill.
British television has been gaining popularity in the United States since BBC America and Netflix have made access to this entertainment all the simpler. In the United Kingdom, they have what’s known as CBBC, or children’s BBC, which functions much like Nickelodeon or Disney Kids channel. It’s quality content, well-regulated, and the shows are extremely creative. Because there are fewer of them, they tend to be highly curated, which explains why they’ve become so popular in the U.S.: They’re just that good. Shows like Fireman Sam and Peppa Pig are perennial favorites, but others are gaining popularity in their midst.
1
‘Hey Duggee’
This show has several episodes available on YouTube, making it a perfect entry point to British television. Kids know YouTube, and love it even more than television. It’s also available on NickJr, if you have cable. Perfect for your little ones aged 2 to 5 years old, the show is all about kids in The Squirrel Club trying to earn badges and going on adventures.
2
‘Danger Mouse’
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I remember the original Danger Mouse, and his evil nemesis, Baron Greenback, from my childhood. It’s a cross between Pinky and The Brain, and Mighty Mouse, and while that sounds really strange, it works. This one is available on Netflix, thank heavens, and each episode is chock full of intrigue and the workings of the super spy mouse.
3
‘Alphablocks’
I remember when I was learning to read, we had a show called The Letter People, and it was from about 20 years before I was born, but they played it in school, anyway. It was creepy as heck, and I think I still have scars from Mr. T. The Alphablocks are decidedly less 1970s terrifying, and kids absolutely love them. They also have a really great educational website and merchandise tie-in you need to check out.
4
‘Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom’
Showing on Nick Jr, Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom was a favorite of my daughter for years. It’s made by the same people who created Peppa Pig, so you know that children will absolutely adore it. There is always a lesson learned, but each show has enough magical hijinks, that it’s not overly-pedantic.
5
‘The Ooglies’
If Ridiculousness had a child with Veggie Tales, and they divorced it from religion, that is what The Ooglies would be. It’s part disaster show, part Fruit Ninja, and it’s weirdly addictive. You’ll have to head to YouTube for your fix right now, but hopefully, with the relaunch, it’ll make its way to Netflix, soon.
6
‘Hilda’
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Based on the wonderful graphic novel Hilda and The Troll by Luke Pearson, Hilda was imagined by the BBC in all of her free-spirited glory. The artistry and graphics on this one are beyond gorgeous. I found myself utterly captivated by the show, and my daughter and son were, too. It’s one of my little girl’s absolute favorites.
7
‘Dennis and Gnasher Unleashed’
This is the British version of the classic Dennis the Menace, fully realized for the twenty-first century, complete with Gnasher, his canine companion. Dennis faces challenges every day, and he does so with plenty of attitude. The difference between this and previous iterations is that he’s viewed through a lens of compassion, which is novel and needed. It’s available in the states on Beano.
50 best kids’ TV shows on Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, NOW TV, Disney Plus
Features
From across the UK’s streaming platforms, here’s our pick of the best kids’ TV around. ..
This list applies to UK streaming services
In these most indoors of days, television isn’t only a pal,
it’s a lifeline. Especially for families, especially in a time of school and
playgroup closure (stay strong, people. You’re doing great.)
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgia hit, some quality family viewing or a bit of headphones-and-bowl-of-sliced-apple alone time for your youngest, we’ve collected up 50 top children’s TV shows from across the UK’s major streaming platforms. (As well as the 50 best British TV dramas and British TV comedies available.) Find a few old classics and plenty of new favourites below…
Adventure Time
Pendleton Ward’s endlessly inventive fantasy cartoon about the adventures of Finn and his magical dog Jake is streaming exclusively on Sky and NOW TV, where all ten seasons are available. Each episode is a short, sweet 11-minute burst of colourful invention and blessedly stupid jokes for both adults and kids. A joy.
Where to stream? NOW TV (seasons 1-10)
A Series of Unfortunate Events
There are 25 episodes of this solid three-season Lemony Snicket adaptation, which brought the Baudelaire orphans’ travails to their full conclusion last January. Neil Patrick Harris plays the dastardly Count Olaf, who schemes to get his hands on the Baudelaire fortune while Violet, Klaus and Sunny thwart him at every turn. Colourful, funny and more than a shade dark, it’s very good stuff.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (seasons 1-3)
Avatar: the Last Airbender
Nickelodeon’s fantasy series about 12-year-old Aang, a youngster with a world of responsibility on his super-powered shoulders, is critically acclaimed, award-winning and beloved by fans for its beauty, warmth and characters. Its 24-minute episodes (followed up by acclaimed spin-off The Legend of Korra, see below) are a must-watch. Read more about it here.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (seasons 1-3), Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-3)
Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom
These 21-minute episodes about elf Ben and princess Holly’s magical fairy tale world are terrific British comedy featuring characters loved by adults and kids alike (Sarah Ann Kennedy’s Nanny Plum would make an excellent post-work pub friend, of this there is no doubt). As a schools-closed treat, Amazon has made all 10 seasons (and several others) free to everybody, not just Prime subscribers.
Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (10 series), Netflix UK (26 episodes)
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Bing
The calming tones of Mark Rylance as Flop are enough to recommend this one to adults, while kids will fall for toddler bunny Bing, whom Flop gently coaches through life’s difficulties. At only seven minutes long, the episodes are comforting slices of loveliness, even if you don’t necessarily have a particularly firm grasp on what the whole deal is.
Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (98 eps), Amazon Prime UK (series 1-8)
Clangers
When the remake of Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin’s The Clangers was first announced, fans of the much-loved early seventies stop-motion animation expressed doubts. Would a new version take away the original’s imagination, whimsy and homemade feel? No, is simple the answer. This new take on the strange race of pink, knitted space creatures is a charming and beautifully made tribute to the original, from the models to Michael Palin’s avuncular narration. At 11 minutes each, the episodes slot nicely into a pre-bedtime routine.
Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (22 episodes)
Creeped Out
A must for geek parents, this spooky British/Canadian anthology series for kids (eight years old and over for this one, but you know what your kids can handle) is jam-packed with nerdy 80s movie nods. Creeped Out’s 25-minute episodes range from sci-fi to fantasy to horror, and the first six chilling tales are available here.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (6 episodes)
Danger Mouse
This 2015 reboot of the Cosgrove Hall classic (all ten series of which are also available to stream on Netflix UK) featuring the voices of Alexander Armstrong, Kevin Eldon and Stephen Fry among others, is a total treat. At twice the length of the original episodes, these 22-minute instalments have room for more action and plotting, without ever overstaying their welcome.
Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (99 episodes), Netflix UK (48 episodes)
Doug
Jim Jenkins’ classic 1990s cartoon sees Doug Funnie navigate life, school and first love in the town of Bluffington after his dad is posted there for work. Introduce your kids to Doug’s love interest Patti Mayonnaise and this sweet, gentle cast of funny characters.
Where to stream? Disney+ (65 episodes and Doug’s First Movie)
DuckTales
This delightful reboot of the original Disney series boasts the voice of David Tennant as Scrooge McDuck, with Community’s Danny Pudi, SNL’s Bobby Moynihan and Parks and Recreation’s Ben Schwartz as Huey, Dewey and Louie. With season three soon on its way, it’s a fun, knowing show and still has a rockin’ theme song. Read more about DuckTales here.
Where to stream? Disney+ (100 episodes)
Gargoyles
The connoisseur’s choice of 1990s Disney series, Gargoyles follows the adventures of a group of nocturnal creatures who turn to stone during the day. It has a little fish-out-of-water comedy as the ancient creatures adjust to life in modern-day NYC, but is mostly dark, layered fantasy.
Where to stream? Disney+ (78 episodes)
Goosebumps
R.L Stine’s hugely successful series of spooky Goosebumps kids’ books found their way onto TV (and children’s nightmares) in the 1990s, and now the first series in this horror-for-kids anthology is streaming on Netflix UK. See also: Creeped Out (above). Be warned though, this one’s for older kids and tough-as-nails types only.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (13 episodes)
Gravity Falls
Alex Hirsch’s spooky-cute cartoon has plenty of draw for adults and kids alike. It’s the story of twins Dipper and Mabel, who are sent to stay with their great-uncle Stan in the town of Gravity Falls. An ancient text and a series of adventures later, and the twins learn more about the town, their family, and each other. Here’s more on why we love it.
Latest TV reviews
Where to stream? Disney+ (41 episodes)
Green Eggs and Ham
Goofy, quirky and exciting are Netflix’s descriptors of this new Dr Seuss cartoon, all of which seem fair. May we also add ‘a massive pleasant surprise’ and ‘honestly, it’s lovely weird stuff and totally justifies its existence’. Rhymes, jokes, colour and zing, these half-hour episodes have it all.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (13 episodes)
Hey Duggee
This CBeebies delight is very funny and extremely charming, with plenty for adults to enjoy. Hey Duggee is the story of The Squirrel Club playgroup and the seemingly endless list of activity badges its children earn under the supervision of their barking leader, Duggee. Over 100 of its seven-minute episodes are available on BBC iPlayer, with roughly half that on Netflix UK.
Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (106 episodes), Netflix UK (51 episodes)
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His Dark Materials
One for older kids and grown-ups, His Dark Materials is a BBC-HBO adaptation of Philip Pullman’s trilogy of the same name. It conjures a richly built fantasy world and boasts some excellent performances, not least from young Dafne Keen as lead Lyra. It’s the story of the epic journey Lyra undertakes to rescue her friend, and all the magic she encounters along the way. Perfect for sparking family conversations about good, evil, nature/nurture and what your daemon would be. (Mine’s a pigeon.)
Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (8 episodes)
Horrible Histories
One of the greatest children’s television programmes of all time, Horrible Histories is a work of comic brilliance. The TV show added songs and parodies to the premise of Terry Deary’s popular UK history book series, performed by a comedy cast well on its way to national treasure status. The first four of the five series featuring the original cast (Jim Howick, Mathew Bayton, Martha Howe-Douglas, Simon Farnaby, Ben Willbond, Laurence Rickard) are available to stream, which is where a lot of the best stuff resides. Here are the show’s top 15 songs.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (series 1-5), BBC iPlayer (series 1, 4, 6, 7, 8 plus extras), Horrible Histories: The Movie on Amazon Prime UK.
In the Night Garden
Nonsense names and strange creatures live in the Night Garden, and pre-schoolers can’t get enough of it. Climb on board the Ninky Nonk (a train) to meet Makka-Pakka (obsessive-compulsive… alien?), Upsy Daisy (she likes dancing) and whatever the hell else is going on. Luckily for parents of young children, Amazon has made all the episodes available to non-Prime subscribers. Whack them in a pair of headphones and have a biscuit, you’ll feel better.
Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (series 1-5), BBC iPlayer (29 episodes)
Jake and the Neverland Pirates
Not a cult classic for grown-up kids, but very popular with
actual children, Jake and the Neverland Pirates sends characters
from Peter Pan including Captain Hook, Smee and Tick-Tock the Croc into battle
with a band of young pirates on the search for treasure.
Where to stream? Disney+ (100 episodes)
Justin’s House
A variety show/live studio audience sitcom featuring CBeebies king Justin Fletcher (also to be seen in Gigglebiz and Something Special), Justin’s House is terrific nonsense. Come for Justin, but stay for Robert the Robot, played by Steven Kynman. The 25-minute episodes are a hoot.
Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (65 episodes)
Moominvalley
Another recent reboot that totally justifies its existence by being utterly charming and filled with love (see also: Clangers, Danger Mouse, DuckTales), Moominvalley brings Tove Jansson’s characters to life with very sympathetic CGI, and a voice cast including Taron Egerton, Rosamund Pike, Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry and more. It’s lush.
Where to stream? NOW TV (26 episodes)
Morph
Aardman’s little stop-motion animated plasticine character, recognised by a generation from his appearances on Tony Hart’s children’s television programmes, is back with 30 new episodes, all available to stream on NOW TV.
Where to stream? NOW TV (30 episodes)
Octonauts
Not just colourful and exciting for little kids, British animated series Octonauts also manages to be pretty educational. The marine creatures encountered by the underwater adventure gang all have something to teach little ones about the world under the sea. Read about more of our CBeebies favourites here.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (40 episodes)
Once Upon a Time… Life
Children of the 80s, prepare for a nostalgia jolt thanks to
the arrival of this 1986 French cartoon on Netflix UK. Remember? The one that
educated us all about how the body worked by depicting anthropomorphic red and
white blood cells running around inside a human’s veins? It’s here in full.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (26 episodes)
PAW Patrol
This Canadian series needs no introduction to parents of young children. Its merchandising has infiltrated every lunchbox, rucksack and pyjama set for years now. For everybody else, it’s about a pack of search-and-rescue dogs working missions in Adventure Bay, led by human boy Ryder. Paw Patrol to the lookout!
Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-6), Netflix UK (seasons 2-4)
Peanuts
About the time of the Peanuts movie, this French-Italian-American animation arrived featuring Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip characters. It does a nice job of capturing the hand-drawn charm of the original animations, and the voice work is pretty spot-on.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (34 episodes)
Peppa Pig
Again, not one that requires any introduction to parents of pre-schoolers. Peppa, George and co. are characters that have long loomed large, whether on merch or in the 18-minute episodes following the young pig’s experiences of playgroup, school, neighbours and her various animal friends. It’s all sort of baffling when you think about it, which we have. Amazon currently has all episodes free to view for everyone, even non-Prime customers.
Where to stream? 46 (series 1-5) on Netflix UK, 91 on Amazon Prime UK (series 1-7), NOW TV (41 episodes)
Phineas and Ferb
Irreverent, imaginative and packed with witty pop culture references, Dan Povenmire and Jeff Marsh’s Phineas and Ferb, about two step-brothers who undertake ambitious (some might say, impossible!) adventures is a joy.
Where to stream? Disney+ (136 episodes)
Pingu
Another pre-school classic, this stop-motion animated show about a cheeky penguin and his family remains a hit for its charm and silent movie sense of humour. Its six-minute episodes are popular all over the world, thanks to the lack of a real spoken language – we can all speak Pingu.
Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-5)
Round the Twist
All four series of this Australian’s children’s fantasy are
here, from the first two 1990s series (i.e. the ones you’ll remember) to the final
two 2000s instalments. It’s the story of three children and their widowed
father who live in a lighthouse and have a series of very strange, magical and
sometimes very spooky adventures. Cracking theme song too.
Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-4)
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Rugrats
The first two seasons, equalling almost forty episodes, of Klasky Gsupo’s hit children’s cartoon Rugrats, about the lives of a group of babies and one megalomaniac little girl, are available and they’re as much a delight as they ever were. Join Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, the fearsome Angelica and Spike the dog in imaginative adventures wittily based around domestic life.
Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-2)
Sarah & Duck
Like Hey Duggee, Sarah & Duck is a CBeebies cartoon well loved by adults and children alike. From its delightfully minimalist theme song (“quack!”) to the calming voice of Roger Allam as the narrator, Sarah & Duck is loveliness personified. Its stories of the friendship between a little girl and her mallard best friend are warm-hearted adventures with a beautifully British sense of humour.
Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (55 episodes)
Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated
Arguably the best TV incarnation Scooby Doo has ever had, this fast-paced, witty series won over fans of all ages with its fun pop culture references and wacky adventures. Beloved characters given a new lease on life – dig in! Here are ten reasons you should be watching.
Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (52 episodes)
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
Noelle Stevenson’s reboot of the 1980s Filmation cartoon about Princess Adora and her superpowered alter-ego is a hit. With layered writing and convincing characterisation over its four seasons, not to mention bright, dazzling visuals, kids could do a lot worse than get hooked on this. Read more about the series here.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (39 episodes)
Shaun the Sheep
More great work from Aardman Studios in the A Close Shave spin-off stop-motion series that paved the way for the terrific 2015 Shaun the Sheep feature film. Featuring the baas of Mr Tumble’s Justin Fletcher as Shaun, and Vic Reeves on the theme song, these twenty-minute adventures are great fun.
Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK until 31/03/20 (87 episodes), Netflix UK (35 episodes), BBC iPlayer (23 episodes)
Something Special
Another from the king of CBeebies, Mr Justin Fletcher, Something Special packs its 20-minute episodes with songs, rhymes and laughter, using Makaton sign language to help young viewers communicate and share the fun.
Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (97 episodes)
SpongeBob SquarePants
Less a cartoon than a religion to some, this cult Nickelodeon cartoon follows the adventures of peppy SpongeBob and his pals in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. Its 24-minute episodes are zany, colourful and delightfully bonkers.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (70 episodes, seasons 5-7), Amazon Prime UK (40 episodes, seasons 1-2)
Star Trek: the Animated Series
Both seasons of the original 1970s animated Star Trek series are available to stream on Netflix, continuing the story of The Original Series in the 23rd century, and following the progress of the USS Enterprise in its exploration of space. Here are the top 25 episodes of the original and animated series.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (seasons 1-2)
Steven Universe
Created by former Adventure Time writer and storyboard artist Rebecca Sugar, Steven Universe is huge fun. Airing on Cartoon Network in the US, it’s the story of a boy who lives with three super-powered aliens, Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl. They protect Earth from attack while Steven struggles to activate and control the power of his magical gem. It’s inventive, kind-hearted and seasons one to three are available to stream.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (seasons 1, 4, 5)
Teen Titans Go!
This comedic spin-off from Teen Titans follows the Titans in their downtime from saving the world. and is packed with self-deprecating humour, nerdy DC cameos and fun in-jokes. The original voice cast are all present and correct, while the series also welcomes a number of special guests including more than a few Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossovers.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (seasons 1-4), Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-4), NOW TV (seasons 1-3)
The Amazing World of Gumball
This Cartoon Network show blends a variety of animation styles to relay the stories of 12-year-old Gumball, his 10-year-old brother, and his best friend (a goldfish). Light and playful and always colourful, with simple comedic storylines that are packed with stuff, it’s currently Cartoon Network’s longest running show. Read more about it here.
Where to stream? NOW TV (160 episodes)
The Demon Headmaster
This continuation of the 1990s The Demon Headmaster TV adaptation is an apt satire of modern educational trends, while also being a roaring, intrigue-filled sci-fi-fantasy adventure. Based on Gillian Cross’ latest additions to her ongoing book series, it’s a treat of an update that features more than a few Easter Eggs for fans of the original. Read our creator interview here.
Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (10 episodes)
The Legend of Korra
The sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender (see above) and one season longer than it, The Legend Of Korra is an animated fantasy set in a world where the classical elements can be harnessed by those with special powers and training. This acclaimed series is available in its entirety to Amazon Prime subscribers.
Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-4)
The Smurfs
These are the original American-Belgian animated episodes from the 1980s, so no CGI and no winky self-referential nods or movie star cameos. Based on the Belgian Peyo comic, there are over 250 episodes in existence, around a fifth of which are here.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (57 episodes)
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The Worst Witch
Jill Murphy’s The Worst Witch book series was given another TV adaptation in 2017, with terrific results. Adapted by The Demon Headmaster‘s Emma Reeves (see above), it tells the story of hapless witch-in-training Mildred Hubble and her adventures at Cackle’s Academy, with Game of Thrones‘ Lyanna Mormont (Bella Ramsey) in the lead role.
Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (50 episodes), Netflix UK (series 1)
Thunderbirds are Go!
When the first image of the Tracy brothers emerged from this 2015 Thunderbirds revival, the reception from fans of the original wasn’t altogether positive. When the full series arrived though, many admitted that the new version captured something of the adventure and fun of Gerry Anderson’s beloved supermarionation 1960s series. The first two series of this CGI remake are available to stream.
Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-2)
Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia
Guillermo del Toro’s first Netflix children’s series, this animated fantasy adventure show sees teenager James discover a land of magical creatures when he stumbles into a secret realm after finding a mysterious amulet. Soon, he and his friends are tasked with protecting their small town from the mystical menace.
Where to stream? Netflix UK (52 episodes)
Twirlywoos
This stop-motion animated series is beautifully done and makes for highly relaxing viewing. Twirlywoos is about a family of four creatures who live on a boat and, in each 11-minute episode, travel to the live-action world where they cause a bit of lovely mayhem. It’s among our favourites.
Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (58 episodes)
Wolfblood
This CBBC show is a fresh twist on the werewolf mythology, which weaves in Celtic legend and supernatural powers around honest, powerful storytelling about the difficulties and joys of teenage life. With strong writing, a great cast and a cohesive world, Wolfblood is up there with the best of them.
Where to stream? BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-4) until 31/03/20
Yonderland
All three series of the brilliant fantasy puppet comedy Yonderland are available to stream on NOW TV. Created by and starring the original Horrible Histories cast, it’s a total hoot, bringing together a chosen one called Debbie, a mystical land, magical creatures and more brilliant comic characters than you can shake a wizard’s stick at.
Where to stream? NOW TV (3 series)
7 Shows Like Peppa Pig For Kids
By
Jayme Kennedy
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We love us some Peppa Pig, but kids need options, right? Here are seven shows your kids will love if they’re fans of Peppa.
Despite the fact that there are endless kids’ shows across all of the most popular streaming platforms, it seems like our kids seem to watch the same ones over and over again. Some of the shows have long since gotten on our last nerve (looking at you, Caillou). But others, like Peppa Pig, we don’t mind watching over and over again! That’s because Peppa and her family and friends and all the silly situations they get themselves into appeal to our sense of humor as well as our kids’. Admit it — you’ve laughed out loud at something Peppa has said or done, probably more than once. But even we need a break from our beloved Peppa. Lucky for us, there are some great replacements when our kids need a new show to watch!
These seven shows are similar to Peppa, but really amazing in their own unique ways. Some are available to stream on Netflix, but you can easily find episodes of all on YouTube, too. So queue up one of these awesome shows like Peppa Pig for kids.
1. Hilda
Hilda is an animated show exclusive to Netflix, based on the graphic novels of the same name by Luke Pearson. The show follows the adventurous of precocious Hilda, who has blue hair and lives in an enchanted forest with her mom and a deerfox named Twig. She’s often joined on her adventurous by her friends David and Frida. They befriend magical creatures, solve mysteries, and explore the world around the city of Trolberg. This show is seriously SO GOOD, and season two is scheduled to be released fall of 2020!
2.
Charlie and Lola
We like to think of Charlie and Lola as the OG British kids’ show, and this show is what got our own kids addicted to delightful British cartoons! Charlie is the patient and incredibly kind older brother of Lola, who is a bit of a firecracker. Many of the episodes revolve around Charlie explaining things to Lola, or fixing the inevitable messes she makes when she insists on getting her way. The TV series is based on the illustrated books by Lauren Child, and many of the episodes are taken directly from the books. You can stream Charlie and Lola on Hulu or Amazon Prime, or catch full episodes on YouTube.
3. Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom
Another of our fav British kids’ shows! Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom was actually created by the same people and companies who brought us Peppa Pig, and many of the voices crossover between the two shows. Holly is the daughter of King and Queen Thistle, and they live in a Little Castle in the Little Kingdom, along with Holly’s twin sisters Daisy and Poppy. Ben is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elf, and they live in Great Elf Tree #4. Ben and Holly are besties, and together they go on many magical adventures throughout Little Kingdom. You can stream episodes on Netflix and YouTube.
4. Hey Duggee
We know that Peppa appeals to a wide range of audiences, from the toddler set to moms and dads. But if you’ve got a toddler or preschool-aged kiddo who needs a new show to watch, look no further than Hey Duggee. This adorable British educational show is based around The Squirrel Club — think Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, but with fluffy animated animals. Duggee and his pals do activities, go on adventures, and earn badges for their efforts. You can watch episodes on YouTube, iTunes, or stream them on Nickelodeon’s streaming platform, NOGGIN.
5. Masha and the Bear
OK, we’ll fully admit that we were more than a bit puzzled by this Russian cartoon when we first started watching. It’s sort of a mash-up of Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Masha lives in a forest with her pets: a pig, a goat, and a dog. On an adventure, she stumbles across Bear’s home, makes a huge mess, and then when Bear returns, he and Masha become unlikely friends. Bear sort of adopts Masha and together they go on some pretty wild adventures. It’s pretty wacky, but a lot of fun. It’s available for streaming on Netflix.
6. Mighty Little Bheem
We love Mighty Little Bheem! This Netflix show is based off a popular animated Indian series called Chhota Bheem. The show follows Bheem, a precocious and insanely strong toddler, as he goes on adventures and gets into mischief in his small Indian village. It’s mostly without dialogue, but that doesn’t take anything away from the show in any way. Bheem’s expressive face and toddler-speak are so cute. You can stream both seasons of the show on Netflix.
7. Archibald’s Next Big Thing
Another Netflix exclusive, Archibald’s Next Big Thing follows Archibald Strutter, a chicken with a great outlook on life who often finds himself in weird and sticky situations. Archibald often wanders away from home, goes on mini-adventures, and inevitably finds his way back home where he belongs. You can stream both seasons of the show on Netflix.
READ NEXT: 3 Kids Shows Coming To Apple TV+ When It Launches
The 37 Best Kids TV Shows
Disney Junior»Bluey»
Here are the best TV shows for kids: From Ask the StoryBots to Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, we have it all!
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The best kids TV shows are never just for kids. As anyone raising a wee one knows, adults have to watch these things, too – or at least half-watch them while taking the opportunity to get some work done. That means that, at least in part, shows meant for children have to meet certain parental criteria, and not just rely on fart noises for entertainment. They need to relay important messages to kids, or inspire creativity — or at least have good jokes.
Each entry on this list of the best children’s shows currently streaming hits those marks. You’ll find cartoon classics and new-school gems, educational programs and totally bugged-out, wildly entertaining shows bound to make everyone in the room’s eyes pop. Check them out, then read our lists of the greatest animated movies and best Disney movies of all-time when you need something to keep the young’uns’ attention for a longer stretch.
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Courtesy: Netflix
1. Ask the StoryBots
Straight talk: StoryBots is one of the best kid’s shows around. The episodes follow Beep, Boop, Bing, Bang and Bo as they set out to answer a question such as: How do eyes work? Why do we recycle? How do you catch a cold? The silly storytelling is goofy and fun, but the answers are serious and scientifically sound—no wonder it won multiple Emmy awards. The cameos are especially delightful for grownups: John Legend, «Weird Al» Yankovic, Wanda Sykes, Snoop Dog. Watch on Netflix. Ages 3-8.
Courtesy: Age of Learning
2. Search and Explore
Your little one will love the global adventures of ABC Mouse, 123 Mouse and Do-Re-Mi Mouse as they explore and learn about the world . Each 12-minute episode is geared for curious young minds, and short young attention spans. Produced by ABCmouse Early Learning Academy, you can stream the two, eight-episode seasons for free. Watch on Tubi. Ages 2-8.
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Courtesy: Netflix
3. Beat Bugs
Beat Bugs follows the lives of bugs living in a Richard Scarry-like village. What do the bugs do in such a lively place with so much going on? Why, sing songs mainly written by the Beatles, of course. If it sounds silly, it is – and it’s this light-handed setup that lets this thoughtful Emmy-winning series address the life issues that engross young minds. Watch on Netflix. Ages 5-7.
Photograph: Courtesy Nickelodeon
4. PAW Patrol
Any parent of a young child knows the power of the PAW: This is pawsitively one cartoon canine-loving kiddies cannot miss. While highlighting the power of friendship and hard work, the beloved pups on PAW Patrol collaborate to protect Adventure Bay from all of the issues that arise. Who could possibly resist cute, crime-fighting pups like these? Watch on Sling. Ages 6 and under.
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Disney Junior
5. Bluey
This charming Aussie production, starring a family of anthropomorphic blue heelers, isn’t trying to teach your kids any huge life lessons, except one: no matter how old you get, always make time for play. In each bite-sized episode, Bluey and her younger sister, Bingo, indulge the whims of their imaginations, whether it’s pretending to be old ladies or getting into a dance-off with invisible fairies, and often draw their parents into the fun. It’s unerringly sweet, but also clever enough to wink at the adults watching along — a perfect family show. Watch on Hulu. Ages 5-7.
Courtesy: Netflix
6. Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
This fantastical anime series follows Kipo Oak, a 13-year-old girl forced to run away from the safety of an underground city to navigate the dangers of a dystopian world. The episodes are clever, creative, seriously weird and completely wonderful. If your kid has a taste for out-there sci-fi, this is the show for them. Watch on Netflix. Ages 7 and up.
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Photograph: Nick Jr.
7. Peppa Pig
Peppa is some pig! Along with a hit TV show, this anthropomorphic pig also has an album out and even a live show. The success is understandable: little ones love the brief, five-minute episodes of this Nick Jr. series, which follows Peppa and her friends and family. Pair that with the charming colour animations, which look like they could be children’s doodles, as well as those adorable British accents, and who can resist? Watch on Sling. Ages 3 and up.
Courtesy Universal Pictures
8. Shaun the Sheep
From the minds that brought you Wallace and Gromit, this series follows an unusually intelligent sheep who lives with his pals at Mossy Bottom Farm. Shaun always manages to find trouble, and get himself out of it in creative and hilarious ways—the claymation doesn’t hurt. Watch on Amazon Prime. Ages 4 and up.
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9. Sofia the First
If a show about an adorable young princess weren’t enough of a draw, peppering in appearances by the beloved Disney movie royals really sealed the deal for this series. 8-year-old Princess Sofia wins the hearts of youngsters everywhere with her sweetness and sense of adventure, and the well-known voices of Ariel Winter (Modern Family), Wayne Brady and Tim Gunn give the other characters palpable personality. Watch on Netflix. Ages 2-7.
Photograph: Courtesy Nickelodeon
10.
Hey Arnold!
With nods to Brooklyn and Seattle, this ’90s gem follows a young football-headed urbanite, his kooky grandparents, boarding house neighbors and buddies from P.S. 118. The kids’ shenanigans—whether it’s uncovering urban legends, helping neighborhood outcasts or pining over girls in the sixth grade—never seem to lose their charm, and the Nickelodeon classic has certainly withstood the test of time. All young New Yorkers need to experience this show, so set aside time for a Hulu marathon. We promise you won’t be sorry. Watch on Hulu. Ages 7 and up.
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Courtesy: Disney
11. Star Wars: The Clone Wars
This animated series is must-watch territory for Star Wars fans—which includes just about every kid (and parent), ever. The shows follow the Star Wars saga in microscopic detail—prepare for lots of dinnertime trivia about the whens and wheres of who did what. Note that this epic series was launched in 2008 and ran for seven seasons, wrapping up in 2020 with more than 100 episodes to enjoy. Fans should also check out the new spin-off series Star Wars: The Bad Batch, which premiered in 2021. Watch both on Disney+. Ages 8 and up.
Photograph: Courtesy Nickelodeon
12. Shimmer & Shine
Being twins is totally cool, but imagine being a twin genie?! Now that’s awesome! Shimmer and Shine are trying to make the most out of spells and wish-granting capabilities (with help from their non-genie BFF Leah) but naturally, these budding mythical ladies encounter a few problems along the way. Hey, they are learning the ropes, after all! Watch on Sling. Ages 3 and up.
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Photograph: Courtesy Sesame Workshop, 2017
13. Sesame Street
Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and the rest of the muppet gang have been telling families how to get to Sesame Street for decades and they’re still going strong. The show not only teaches kids how to count and read, but also about friendship, compassion, sharing and how to handle their emotions in different scenarios. And as the show has grown, more diverse characters and family units have made their way onto the cast. Watch on PBS Kids. All ages.
Nickelodeon©2011 Viacom International, Inc.
14. SpongeBob Squarepants
A fantastic Nickelodeon show if ever there was one, SpongeBob Squarepants plunges viewers into the depths of the ocean to the Bikini Bottom, the town that our beloved absorbent, yellow and porous protagonist calls home. You can find the sweet (yet naive) lead leaving his pineapple house to go jelly fishing in the park, assemble a delicious Krabby Patty, spend time with his partner in crime, Patrick Star, and, of course, annoy his curmudgeonly neighbor Squidward Tentacles. Watch out when he gets behind the wheel, though: As Mrs. Puff can attest to, SpongeBob is not the best boat driver. Watch on Paramount+. Ages 6 and up.
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15. Phineas and Ferb
There are lots of adventures to be had in this Disney Channel series as Phineas conjures up new hijinks to pursue and brainiac Ferb devises gadgets to make their ideas come to life. Meanwhile, undercover Perry the platypus is busy trying to keep Dr. Doofenshmirtz from carrying out his evil plans. Watch on Disney+. Ages 7 and up.
Photograph: ViacomCBS
16. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Cowabunga, dudes! Your favorite heroes in a half-shell have taken various forms throughout the years, becoming live-action movies, a CGI-animated series and, most recently, an anime-inspired cartoon with Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While it’s something of a soft-reboot, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello are still tasked with protecting NYC from the bad guys, but this show gives the franchise a renewed, fun energy. Stream on Paramount+. Ages 8 and up.
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Photograph: Courtesy Nickelodeon
17. Blaze and the Monster Machines
Prepare for a STEAM lesson thanks to Blaze and the Monster Machines. In this kids’ cartoon, viewers journey alongside AJ and his bright-red truck, Blaze, as they race cars and help other automobiles with their issues. Of course, fans will have to prepare themselves for the duo to go head-to-head with their rival, Crusher. Stream on Sling. Ages 4 and up.
Photograph: Courtesy Viacom
18. Dora the Explorer
This interactive show puts kids in charge right alongside Dora. While our beloved protagonist completes her missions and dodges run-ins with Swiper the fox, kiddies are asked to shout and sing along with her (and Boots) until the job is done. Stream on Sling. Ages 3 and up.
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19. The Adventures of Paddington
Ready the marmalade: Our favorite bear is starting off the new decade with an animated series on Nickelodeon. Voiced by Ben Whishaw, who also plays Paddington in the rather brilliant film series, fans can expect to go on adventures alongside a slightly younger Paddington, who begins and ends each episode by writing letters to his beloved Aunt Lucy. Watch on Nick Jr. Ages 5 and up.
Photograph: Courtesy Nickelodeon/Viacom
20.
Bubble Guppies
This adorable show features the Guppies, a group of preschool merpeople, who navigate an underwater universe. Each episode involves the guppies work through various issues with help from their school teacher, Mr. Grouper, singing songs about the day’s adventures along the way. Watch on Sling. Ages 3 and up.
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Photograph: Courtesy DreamWorks/Universal Kids
21. Where’s Waldo?
Channeling inspiration from the popular seek-and-find ’90s books, Where’s Waldo follows a young boy in a red and white-striped shirt who is always on adventure. With his pal Wenda by his side, Waldo is always game to take on any challenge the international wizard society sends his way. However, the magical, mystical and wicked Odlulu is out to wreak havoc, which certainly keeps these kids on their toes. Watch on Peacock. Ages 5 and up.
22. Vampirina
Fitting in is never easy, especially when you’re a vampire who’s made her way from Transylvania to Pennsylvania with her supernatural family. Talk about a twist on the coming-of-age trope! Will little Vampirina (Vee for short) be able to fit in with the mortals in her new nabe? Stream on Disney+ and Disney Now. Ages 5 and up.
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23. Wild Kratts
This 30-minute show gives little ones a taste of the world around them. Two brothers and vigilantes, Chris and Martin Kratt, work together to protect animals who are in danger of malicious villains or problems within their habitat. While fun and exciting, the program is also educational—kids get a 101 lesson in zoology and ecology by watching each episode. Stream on PBS Kids. Ages 5 and up.
24. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Classic Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy get an upgrade in this bright, computer-animated series. In each episode, young viewers are presented with a challenge, requiring basic problem-solving and sometimes math skills to complete. The upbeat theme and ending songs (performed by They Might Be Giants!) will definitely get kids singing, too. Watch on Disney+. Ages 2-5.
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25. My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
Twilight Sparkle and her magical pony BFFs are schooled on what it takes to be the ultimate friend in a series that adds a bit of whimsy and color to your TV time. Stream on Netflix. Ages 5 and up.
26. Doc McStuffins
Dottie’s dream is to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a doctor. The little lady is already bracing herself for the medical field by caring for her stuffed animals. But, with the help of a magical stethoscope, her beloved toys come to life! Expect to pick up a few tips and tricks for healthy living along the way. Stream on Disney+. Ages 4 and up.
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Nickelodeon
27. Rugrats
Look who’s talking now! Or rather, back in the ’90s. It’s Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica and the rest of the Pickles gang, whose baby-sized adventures thrilled elder millennials – and some Gen X-ers who were probably a bit outside the target demo. Watch on Paramount+. Ages 6-11.
28. Peg + Cat
In each 12-minute episode of the PBS Kids show Peg + Cat, the duo are faced with a math word problem that they must solve. Every whimsical story incorporates fun songs and encourages preschooler’s interest in basic math as the characters use charts and diagrams to find a solution. Stream on PBS Kids. Ages 3 and up.
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29. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
Introduce youngsters to Mister Rogers, the cardigan-clad grandfather figure we all know and love. The 30-minute episodes on PBS Kids feature puppets, characters and music, plus take kids on tours of factories, show them experiment demos, offer craft ideas and more—all with Mister Rogers speaking directly to them. Who wouldn’t want to be his neighbor? Stream on PBS Kids. Ages 4 and up.
30. Arthur
Airing on PBS Kids and based on the book series by Marc Brown, Arthur follows an 8-year-old aardvark named Arthur Read, who learns life lessons while growing up. As Arthur faces challenges such as school bullies and piles of homework he learns to overcome his problems with the help of his family and friends. Stream on PBS Kids. Ages 5 and up.
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31. Hotel Transylvania: The Series
If the kids loved Hotel Transylvania, the 2012 animated film about an ordinary boy who falls in love with Dracula’s daughter, they’ll enjoy this prequel series on the Disney Channel. Dracula’s fun-loving teen daughter, Mavis, takes the reigns at the hotel while her father is off on a business trip, but her plans are derailed when her strict aunt arrives for a visit. Stream the first season on Netflix. Ages 7 and up.
Photograph: Walt Disney Pictures
32. Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure
The feisty Disney princess Rapunzel leaps her way onto the television screen with her very own animated series. The golden-haired heroine sets off with her friends in a quest to learn more about who she is and what she can face before truly becoming Princess of Corona. Rapunzel is such a great role model and shows little girls that they can tackle obstacles just as well as any other prince. Watch on Disney+. Ages 5 and up.
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33. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Taking a page from Mister Rogers’ book, Daniel Tiger puts on his cute little red sweater and beckons kiddos to embark on his adventures in the Neighbourhood of Make-Believe. Watch on PBS Kids. Ages 3 and up.
34. Cyberchase
If you have kids already hooked on technology, they’ll probably enjoy this animated trip through cyberspace. When Matt, Jackie and Inez are zapped into another world from their library’s computer, they join Digit and Motherboard in the fight against Hacker and his evil sidekicks. Together, they solve math problems and overcome obstacles. Watch on PBS Kids. Ages 8 and up.
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35. Blue’s Clues
Steve might have left the picture long ago and replaced with his brother Joe, but Blue the adorable pup is just as curious and playful as ever. Kids will have to chime in with their responses to help Joe figure out what Blue wants to do based on the clues. Blue is definitely a longtime Nick Jr. favorite with the young ones and engages them in fun ways. Watch on Sling. Ages 3 and up.
36. Thomas & Friends
Beloved by children for generations, you can’t go wrong with Thomas the Tank Engine and his engine friends from the island of Sodor. Originally filmed with model trains, the series has since been updated with more modern CGI animation, although it’s lost none of its whimsy charm or heartfelt storytelling. Watch classic episodes and newer seasons on Amazon Prime. Ages 3 and up.
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37. Team Umizoomi
After a few episodes of Team Umizoomi on Nick Jr., little kids will start zooming through their own homework assignments. The series follows little Milli and Geo and their robot Bot as they solve all kinds of math problems and help the tots of Umi City with counting, shapes and other mathematical fun. Watch on Sling. Ages 3 and up.
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Top 10 Educational Cartoons for Kids in English
Best Educational Cartoons for Kids
A list of the best educational cartoons for kids in English that kids will love to watch.
Most parents are looking for educational cartoons in English that are both fun and have a learning element.
But with the huge variety of kids cartoons available these days, it is hard to decide which are the best for your child to watch.
There are some kids cartoons that have been linked to bad behaviour and attention problems in children. So it is important that you do let your children watch cartoons, you know what they are watching, and that the cartoon is ok for them to watch.
Here is a list of English kids cartoons for kids that are educational and fun.
They will not only keep your child entertained, but they will learn a thing or two in the meantime.
1. Little Einstein’s
Four little explorers go on world wide missions with their rocket ship. Each episode is a different mission somewhere in the world where children learn about geography and culture. This educational cartoon for kids also includes classic music and famous art.
The Little Einstein’s is an American English cartoon that you can find free on Youtube
2. Blues Clues
Blue’s Clues is a childhood favourite of many. The show follows an animated blue-spotted dog named Blue who leaves a trail of paw prints which are clues so that the host and viewers can try to guess her plans for the day.
You can find many episodes of Blaze on Youtube in American English.
3. Blaze and the Monster Machines
youtube.com/embed/jfsXKoDkfWE?feature=oembed» frameborder=»0″ allow=»accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture» allowfullscreen=»»>
An educational cartoon for kids about group of nine friendly trucks, who all have different abilities. Each episode is fun, interactive and filled with educational opportunities for kids to learn.
The cartoon focuses on learning about STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) so when your child is watching Blaze, at least they will be learning something worthwhile.
Blaze and the Monster Machines is an American English Cartoon you can find on Youtube.
4. Dinosaur Train
Dinosaurs climb abroad a train to embark on an adventure through prehistoric jungles and swamps, visiting volcanoes and other parts of mother nature.
In this educational kids cartoon, children not only learn about the different types of dinosaurs and trains, but also about natural history and palaeontology. This exciting and fun cartoon for kids encourages basic scientific thinking skills.
Dinosaur Train is an American English cartoon that you can find on Youtube
5. Octonauts
Captain Barnacles and his eight member adventure team love to save the day when there is trouble in the ocean.
These little hero’s work together to protect habitats under the ocean and on the shore. In this fun kids cartoon, children learn about sea life and how to protect the environment.
Octonauts is a British English cartoon available on Youtube
6.
Sid the Science Kid
Based on a young inquisitive kid named Sid and his group of school friends, this kid’s cartoon uses children’s natural curiosity to introduce science into every day life.
Each episode of this educational kids cartoon explores the every day questions that children have, and encourages them to think, and work like scientists do to work out the answers.
Sid the Science Kid is an American English cartoon you can find on Youtube.
7. Word World
This is a cartoon for kids where words come alive. With a narrator and animal characters, the simple storylines creatively contain the use of letters and words all through out the episode. Children will learn letter recognition as well as the sounds and spelling.
World Word is an American English cartoon you can find on Youtube.
8. Paw Patrol
The Paw Patrol are a group of rescue pups led by a little boy Ryder who love to “save the day”. Each dog is from a different breed and has a special skill based on a real life profession. Eg. Chase is a German Shepherd who acts like a police officer, Rubble is a construction Bulldog, and Zuma is a Labrador water rescuer.
In this fun cartoon for kids, these characters protect the community by working together to solve any problems that arise. Children learn about problem solving, and teamwork.
Paw Patrol is a Canadian English cartoon you can find on Youtube.
9. Super Why
Super readers to the rescue! Whyatt, Red Riding Hood, Princess Pea and Super Readers Pig, are the characters in the re-telling of popular fairytales.
They jump into books to solve all the problems of the fairy tale characters living in Story Book village. In this fun kids cartoon, children learn real life lessons such as being kind, telling the truth, and being yourself.
Super Why is an American English cartoon you can find on Youtube.
10. Dora the Explorer
Educational cartoons for children are designed to help you learn English from the alphabet to free speech.
You can supplement your lessons by learning proverbs and sayings, as well as songs and phrases. Then the learning process will become even easier and more exciting, both for kids and adults.
Now, let’s move on to the list of cartoons.
We recommend reading: English via Skype for children — will it help?
Read also
Right now: Idioms of time in English
Top 10 educational cartoons for children in English
Happy Rhymes
Cartoon in English with music. In it you will find funny rhymes and songs that you can easily learn and sing with your baby.
Nursery Rhymes for Babies
If you want to create an English language atmosphere for your little one, this 54-minute collection of fun English songs is a must.
Gogo Loves English
This cartoon about Gogo the dragon, who came from another planet, met friends and wants to learn English so he can communicate freely. There is nothing superfluous in the cartoon — only life situations are shown.
New words and phrases are repeated enough times during the series for the baby to remember them. The cartoon series are short (about 5 minutes), so the child will not have time to get bored.
Muzzy in Gondoland
An animated series from the BBC TV channel, created specifically for learning English by foreigners. Muzzy is an alien for whom English is not just a foreign language, but also an alien one.
Crawford the Cat
Cartoon for learning English is useful in every way. In addition to popular English words (“hello”, “thank you”, “you are welcome”, etc.), Crawford the cat teaches kids to behave, be polite, brush their teeth and clean up their toys.
You may also be interested in: The best English video lessons for children
Cartoons for learning English for older children
Little Bear
A multi-part cartoon of Canadian production that tells about the main character, Little Bear, and his friends exciting adventures. It is best to watch it after 4 years.
Super why!
The characters in this cartoon teach grammar and introduce your child to new words.
At the same time, the program is designed for those kids who are already familiar with English. Therefore, it should not be chosen as the first lesson.
Peter Rabbit
This is another cartoon that can captivate even an adult, this is an adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s fairy tales about Peter Rabbit.
The animated series turned out really great. We recommend that you start watching no earlier than 5 years old — for younger children, both the plot and the picture can be difficult.
Also, in 2012, Nick Jr. revived the animated series in computer graphics format. The new «Peter Rabbit» got a very dynamic and no less pleasant picture. Looks modern, kids love it.
At the zoo
A fascinating cartoon about the adventures of a boy and his mother at the zoo. After viewing it, the child will learn the structure of the past tense, the basic vocabulary for animals and emotions, as well as basic grammatical constructions.
For those who already know how to read English, subtitles will help to understand British speech.
English Singsing. Collection of Easy Dialogue
The complexity of the information in these cartoons is approximately at the level of «Elementary», that is, young viewers should understand at least a little in English.
Usually these cartoons for learning English are recommended to be used after 5-6 years.
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Conclusion
In fact, there are a lot of cartoons with subtitles that will serve you well in learning English. It is only important to understand that these cartoons will bring results only if the young viewer likes them.
It’s worth sorting through a few works and finding «your own», then the new format of lessons will take root in your family for a long time.
In addition, this is a great addition to learning English in courses for children!
Big and friendly family EngLishdom
Author
Irina
Article rating:
Thank you, your voice Considered
11 best cartoons to learn
for babies
“Word World” 9
Word World
American-Canadian series for teaching English to toddlers. Suitable for the little ones — a magical universe where everything consists of letters. Each episode is a mystery. To solve it, you need to make a word from the letters seen in the cartoon. Perfect for learning the alphabet and the first steps in reading.
«Gogo’s Adventures with English»
All episodes are united by one story about the adventures of the dragon Gogo. For 24 episodes, you can learn to talk about yourself and your family, count, talk about hobbies and favorite food, learn colors and names of animals.
“A cartoon in which all the main topics for the entry level are worked out in a fun and playful way.
Ideal for children aged 5-7.
Natalia Zverbulis, Skysmartteacher
Muzzy in Gondoland
BBC
The legendary cartoon from which many of us learned English as children. The series about the alien Muzzy, who accidentally got involved in the court intrigues of the kingdom of Gondoland, was created by BBC experts specifically for teaching kids the language. The first episodes aired at 1986, but have not lost their relevance at all. Even simple and minimalistic drawing still looks unusual and fresh.
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
A popular animated series about the friendship of magical unicorns. The dialogues of Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are relatively slow and use very simple vocabulary. «My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic» is great for practicing listening comprehension skills.
Peppa Pig
Channel 5
Peppa is the most famous pig in the world. The animated series about her is ideal for the little ones, but it can also be a useful tool for adults in the initial stages of learning English. Not only do the pigs in the cartoon use simple words, they also often repeat individual expressions, so it’s easy to hear and understand them.
School
How to Train Your Dragon
The story of a young viking who befriends a dragon is good for beginners — Pre-Intermediate level is enough to understand all the dialogues. The characters speak very clearly, but at the same time naturally. So «How to Train Your Dragon» is the perfect choice for those who want to improve their spoken English and imagine how native speakers actually speak.
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
DreamWorks Pictures
An appropriate cartoon for anyone who is just starting to watch movies in the original. First, one of the main characters is a dog that doesn’t talk. Secondly, the second character, the inventor Wallace, speaks with a noticeable British accent — and after all, many people want to learn British English. And thirdly, it’s just a funny plasticine cartoon — a rare genre in today’s computer times.
Wreck-It Ralph
Ralph, a computer game character, decides he no longer wants to be a villain and sets out to seek his fortune in other video games. The cartoon is worth watching not only for the sake of the original plot. It will also come in handy for those who want to expand their vocabulary — Ralph’s vocabulary covers almost all of the 1000 most commonly used words in English. If you understand all the dialogues of this cartoon, you will be able to understand most of the conversations of native speakers. And after watching you will learn to talk about computer games.
Toy Story
Pixar Animation Studios
Toy Story is almost a classic animated film and a rare example of sequels that are not inferior to the first series. The language here is simple, and the vocabulary is quite basic, but each toy has its own origin, its own voice and even accent. This helps to learn to listen to different manners of speaking. Plus, Toy Story is a treasure trove of words and phrases related to space, cowboys, dinosaurs, soldiers, fairy tales, and more.
«Lion King»
An old Disney cartoon or a fresh remake — it doesn’t matter, both are good for pumping English. The story that power is responsibility is good for all ages, but in the original it will be appreciated by those who are already approaching the Intermediate level. Don’t forget to translate the lyrics of great songs!
«Finding Nemo»
Pixar Animation Studios
Nemo the clown fish gets into the aquarium and his dad Marlin has to go to the rescue. On the way across the ocean, he will meet a variety of creatures, from the silly fish Dory to the mysterious herrings and travel turtles. So kids can learn common greetings and phrases to ask for directions and ask for help.
10 cartoons in English that will help you improve your language
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Almost any cartoon filmed in the original language is good for learning English. But still it is better to adhere to the following rules:
- Do not delay viewing. Long stories where everyone speaks in an unfamiliar language are tiring even for an adult. Therefore, the format of series with episodes from 5 to 25 minutes will be optimal.
- Watch cartoons in English regularly. Better every day. Little by little, your child will get used to the intonations of the characters, and it will be easier for him to distinguish phrases, and then use them.
- Help the child. Ideally, if you watch the cartoon together and explain incomprehensible moments. Does your English level leave much to be desired? Then join even more! Learn a lot.
- Start with educational cartoons. Those that were originally conceived as assistants in learning the language. The characters in them speak in shorter and more understandable phrases. And many words and expressions are specially repeated from series to series for better memorization.
- Use subtitles.
If you still don’t understand anything, be sure to watch the cartoon in the Russian version.
- Have fun. Don’t make browsing a torture. If you don’t like the cartoon in English at all, find another option.
And now from words to deeds. That is to view.
English cartoons for children aged 5-8
1. Gogo Loves Englishfive minute episodes. The main character, the dragon Gogo, recently arrived on Earth and is now learning American English with the help of his friends, Tony and Jenny.
Each episode is devoted to a dialogue on a specific topic: acquaintance, colors, animals, and so on. It’s best to watch the episodes in order so you don’t miss anything.
2. Dora the Explorer
Nickelodeon series is known to Russian-speaking children as “Dasha the Traveler” or “Dasha the Explorer”. But for immersion in English, it’s better to watch the original version of Dora the Explorer with subtitles.
At the beginning of the episode, seven-year-old Dora is about to travel. Along the way, she has to complete several tasks. Dora is accompanied by a faithful monkey, and Backpack and Map help to overcome difficulties. The characters communicate in short phrases, and the audience learns colloquial speech.
The cartoon has been on screens since 2000 and currently has 8 seasons, where 178 episodes are approximately 25 minutes long.
3. Bob the Builder
In each of the more than 250 episodes of the British TV series Bob the Builder, the main character Bob and his machine friends help local residents solve a problem. For example, to remove garbage or repair the fence.
There are a lot of short set expressions in the cartoon that will be useful in everyday situations. And besides, the child will accurately learn constructions with the verb can — “to be able”. Because nothing is impossible for Bob and his team.
4.
WordWorld
Thanks to the World of Words educational animated series, a child will be able to remember how to write and pronounce simple English words. And the Duckling, the Frog and other funny little animals will help him in this difficult task.
All 45 episodes of 12 minutes are also in Russian voice acting, but it’s better to stick to the original or watch both versions.
Cartoons in English for children aged 8-12
1. Martha Speaks
The main character of What Martha Says is a talking dog who once swallowed alphabet soup. The plot of each story is built around several key words that Martha, her ten-year-old owner Helen, and other characters use in dialogue. As a result, it becomes clear exactly how to use new vocabulary in a conversation.
Total US/Canadian/Philippines co-produced series 8 seasons and 96 episodes. The episodes consist of two stories of 13 minutes each.
2. Muzzy
The BBC Children’s TV Course has been helping foreigners learn the basics of classic British English for over 30 years. The audience learns grammar rules and vocabulary together with the alien Muzzy, who looks like Bigfoot, for whom all words and phrases are new. The characters speak in well-trained voices of famous English actors, so you can improve your pronunciation along the way.
There are two seasons in total: the first, Muzzy in Gondoland, was released in 1986, and the second, Muzzy Comes Back, in 1989.
3. The New Adventures of Peter Pan
The action of the animated series «The New Adventures of Peter Pan» takes place in contemporary London. The language is not adapted for beginners, but the context is clear to any student. As you watch, it will be easier to understand and absorb colloquial phrases. All episodes are stored and waiting for their viewers on the YouTube channel of the cartoon.
Cartoons in English for children aged 12 and over
1. Phineas and Ferb
Disney’s Phineas and Ferb animated series follows the antics and adventures of two restless stepbrothers living in the non-existent town of Denville. Each 23-minute episode is filled with witty situational dialogue. If you manage to catch and appreciate humor, consider that English is in your pocket.
From 2007 to 2015, 4 seasons were released, where 222 episodes are enough to get used to the intonations of the characters and thoroughly expand the stock of spoken English.
2. Lassie
«The Simpsons» is already top notch both in terms of language perception and immersion in US culture. An animated sitcom about the life of a family from the American hinterland raises serious topics like political correctness, bullying, excess weight or feminism.
You can watch The Simpsons endlessly while learning English with the whole family. The series is now in its 31st season and the number of episodes is inexorably approaching 700.
English
15 best educational cartoons in English for children
Learning a language is not always just reading textbooks. One of the best ways to speak a language is to immerse yourself in the culture and environment where it is spoken. If there is no opportunity to go to English-speaking countries, you can use other sources of living English, for example, cartoons.
In this article we will find out why watching cartoons can be not only interesting, but also a useful pastime, and how English cartoons can help in learning the language.
Watching cartoons as a way to learn a language
It is difficult to learn a foreign language only from texts and exercises. The ability to speak a language is primarily a conversational practice and the ability to perceive speech by ear. One of the best ways to improve your English level is to surround yourself with English words and expressions in your daily life. This can be done, among other things, with the help of original British and American cartoons.
Watching cartoons is useful because it trains the ear and creates an idea of intonation and pronunciation in the language. In addition, translations cannot always convey the original meaning of words or phrases, so many language learners tend to study foreign content in the original.
Children’s cartoons effectively help in learning English also because they present the language in a playful manner. In addition, now it has become much easier to learn the language in alternative ways: all series of cartoons can be found on the Internet and, if necessary, reviewed several times.
15 English cartoons for kids
In this section we will get acquainted with some of the most interesting and useful cartoons in English and see how they can help you learn the language.
1. Hello Happy Rhymes
Cartoon «Hello Happy Rhymes» means «hello, happy rhymes» in English. He is perfect for children who are just starting to get acquainted with the English language . The cartoon consists of 14 episodes, each of which lasts only 3 minutes, and therefore it is easy and interesting to watch.
«Hello Happy Rhymes» is a series of colorful and short cartoons, each with its own simple and memorable story. The peculiarity of the cartoon is that at the end of each story there is a song that repeats the main events of the plot. Thanks to the rhythm and rhyme, English words are remembered much better.
There are many different characters in the cartoon: these are children — for example, Jack and Jill — their parents and animals. The first part of the video is always devoted to the story of events from a third person — the narrator: with him the viewer is immersed in the plot. The cartoon teaches to consistently describe events in the same way as the narrator himself does in each episode.
2. Gogo Loves English
The cartoon «Gogo loves English» consists of 39 episodes and tells the story of the dragon Gogo, who came to Earth and began to learn English. When viewing, it seems that you are learning English with the main character. In the cartoon, characters often repeat lines and phrases so that the child can remember them better and faster.
The main character is an inquisitive and sociable dragon Gogo. Together with him you have to go on a journey to learn English from the very first phrases. Each episode lasts approximately 5.5 minutes, which is enough to immerse yourself in the plot and not get bored.
The cartoon teaches basic English dialogues and topics such as «greeting», «description of an object» and «telling about yourself». The material in the Gogo dinosaur series will be useful for children with basic English skills.
3. Dora the Explorer
Another useful American animated series in English is Dora the Explorer. This cartoon is well known in Russia under the name «Dasha the Traveler». The protagonist of the series is the girl Dora, who loves to travel. Her friends help her in this: a monkey named Slipper, Backpack and Map.
The peculiarity of the cartoon is that it is interactive and involves the direct participation of the child in the plot and what is happening on the screen. Dora constantly interacts with the audience: asks questions, explains and discusses what is happening in the series. Often, Dora or other characters in the cartoon give the audience tasks, for example, «finish the rhyme» (in Russian, «to complete a rhyme, poem») from the Dora in Troll Land series.
The cartoon consists of 8 seasons, each of which has 19-40 episodes of 23 minutes. The story about Dora is designed for an audience up to 6 years old and with basic skills in English .
4. Martha Speaks
This is a cartoon whose main character is Martha the dog. Once she ate alphabet soup (Russian for «alphabetic soup») and learned to speak English. Despite the fact that this way of learning is possible only in cartoons, by her example Marta shows how the ability to speak the language “opens doors”, that is, opens up new opportunities. In total, the cartoon consists of 6 seasons and 111 episodes, each episode is divided into 2 stories and lasts about 25 minutes.
«Martha speaks» is already aimed at advanced students : the series touches on more serious topics, such as «bad habits» or «game addiction». Therefore, the cartoon is worth watching for children who have already mastered the basic dialogues and want to improve their skills.
In the cartoon you can find useful idioms: in one of the episodes «Martha speaks» you will hear the phrase «you’ve got a frog in your throat», which in Russian means the inability to speak due to hoarseness. Martha speaks has other features that make the series educational. For example, heroes use synonyms to describe a concept — this helps them remember it better and at the same time expand their vocabulary on the topic.
5. Muzzy
This is a cartoon created by the BBC in the 80s of the last century especially for those who study English as a foreign language. It introduces viewers to the basics of English, so is suitable even for those who are just starting to learn the language. The cartoon consists of 1 season and 20 episodes, their duration is short — from 9 to 15 minutes.
«Muzzy» is the story of a friendly alien, Muzzy, who arrives in the land of Gondoland. Here he finds himself in various unusual situations. For example, he is imprisoned for eating parking meters, and then he has to intervene in a court conflict and help his beloved Bob and Sylvia reunite.
The main feature of the cartoon is the repetition of phrases and words spoken by the characters. The repetitive lines serve the educational purpose of the cartoon very well, as they help you memorize new words faster. In addition, the episodes have special educational inserts that explain the spelling and use of words. For example, in one of these inserts, the viewer learns that «I’m» is an abbreviated form of «I am».
6. Peppa Pig
In Russia, the cartoon is known as «Peppa Pig» — perhaps this is one of the most popular English cartoons among children. A total of 6 seasons have been released about the adventures of Peppa Pig, each of which has approximately 52-54 episodes. Peppa Pig is designed for children who are just starting to get acquainted with English, but it is also suitable for those who already speak it well . Beginners will be able to learn new words and phrases with original British pronunciation, while advanced students will be able to hone their listening skills.
The main characters of the cartoon are Peppa Pig, her younger brother George and their parents. In Peppa Pig, many episodes are devoted to games, from which you can learn their names and features: for example, «marble race». In addition, many everyday situations and traditions are played out in the cartoon, which you need to be able to talk about when learning English.
7. Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom
In Russian, the cartoon is called Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom, and it is quite famous among the Russian-speaking audience. The cartoon was released in 3 seasons: 52 episodes in the first and second, only 9 in the third. The episodes are short — they last 10 minutes, so it won’t take much time to learn and practice English while watching. However, for comfortable viewing of the animated series , we recommend that you have basic English skills .
The cartoon introduces viewers not to real situations, but to the magical world of elves and fairies, the main characters of which are the little fairy Holly and the elf Ben. But even magical stories can help children learn English: for example, in the episode «No magic day» the fairies lose their magical abilities and their elves friends have to teach them how to do household chores. For example, get water in the bathroom or comb your hair. Thus, the viewer, together with the fairies, learns to name objects and actions in English.
8. Over the Garden Wall