Gentle lessons with some music, entertainment, and popcorn? Why not. Find out which top guilt-free tv shows you should binge-watch with your little ones. We’ve compiled a list of ten great guilt-free Tv shows for 2-5 years old for some quality family time. You’ll love to see what we have from classics like Sesame Street to newer shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood!
We’ve all been there when our toddlers are having a meltdown and we’re left scrambling for the remote to put on something, anything, that will calm them down. So, when you let your toddlers watch television, it can be tempting to give in and let them enjoy some quality entertainment. But before we do that (you know there’s no turning back after this), make sure the shows are gentle with age-appropriate content and lessons.
Moms and dads, if you’re looking for some shows to watch with your tot that will keep them entertained for hours on end and you relaxed, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 10 family-friendly shows with every small detail that is both mindful and easy to watch for 2 to 5 years old. From cartoons to comedies, there is something for everyone on this list. So, grab some popcorn and enjoy these shows with your little one!
Related Articles in this blog:
- 10 Best Family Movies For 7 Year Old
- Top 10 Family TV Shows to Watch with Your 5-7-Year-Old
- 10 Best Movies for Father and Son
Table of Contents
1. Beat Bugs (2016-2018)
This Emmy award-winning show is all about five charming bugs who live in an overgrown suburban backyard and learn life lessons while singing along to the music of The Beatles. Themes include friendship, tolerance, sharing, cooperation, imagination, and creativity.
The show teaches simple life lessons such as the importance of cooperation, teamwork, and friendship. The catchy tunes of The Beatles make it an addicting watch for toddlers and parents alike. Call it a perfect treat to the eyes on weekends!
Best part? All three seasons with almost 40 episodes are available on Netflix.
Top-picked reviews from the parents:
“My son loves this show and I love that he is learning about The Beatles! The stories are wholesome and the songs are great.”
“This show is so stinkin’ cute! We love it and my kids love to dance along with the songs.”
“I love that this show is teaching my toddler about classic rock music. It’s also super cute and well-made.”
2. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (2012-)
Running for more than 10 years, it’s a cute show about a tiger who lives in a neighborhood with his friends and family. This top-rated show on Netflix is set in the present day and focuses on teaching kids social skills and emotional intelligence.
The show has a slow pace which is great for your kids, and each episode focuses on teaching a specific moral lesson such as sharing, being helpful, dealing with disappointment, etc. The catchy songs will stay in your head for days, but they’re also a great way to help your kids remember the lessons from each episode.
Best part? Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is one of the few shows that’s still going strong after over ten years, with no signs of slowing down. If you’re looking for a show with a strong message that your kids will love, this is it. All 5 seasons and 113 episodes are up and running on Netflix.
Top-picked reviews from the parents:
“My toddler loves this show, and I love that it is teaching him valuable life lessons.”
“I love the message this show is sending to kids. It’s so important for them to learn emotional intelligence at a small age, and this show does a great job of teaching that.”
“The songs are catchy and my kids always remember the lessons from each episode. Highly recommended!”
3. Sesame Street (1969-)
A true classic and nostalgic, Sesame Street is a timeless show that has been entertaining and educating kids for over 50 years. The show follows a group of friends as they live and learn on Sesame Street. The focus is on teaching numbers, letters, and basic life lessons in a fun and entertaining way.
Even though it’s an educational show, Sesame Street is also a lot of fun. The characters are lovable and the songs are tuneful. It’s the perfect shows to watch with your kids for 2-5 years if you want to have a good time.
Sesame street shares real-life teachings with your kids. All about respecting diversity, learning about culture, autism, early literacy, basic math concepts, and exploring emotions.
Best part? With over 50 seasons and striking 4,591 episodes, there is no shortage of Sesame Street content on HBO max to watch with your kids. And if you’re a fan of the classics, then it is highly recommended.
Top-picked reviews from the parents:
“Sesame Street is a classic for a reason. It’s educational, entertaining, and my kids love it.”
“I grew up watching Sesame Street, and now my kids are growing up watching it. It’s such a special show.”
“This show has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I’m so glad that my kids can enjoy it too. It’s a true classic.”
4. Bubble Guppies (2011-)
A fun and educational show about fish who go to school.
Bubble Guppies is a musical comedy show about a group of guppy friends who go on adventures and learn life lessons in their undersea world.
The show focuses on teaching preschoolers about science, math, and literacy. In each episode, the Bubble Guppies learn about different subjects such as dinosaurs, knights, pirates, and more. This fish-tailed show is filled with groovy songs, humor, and lovable characters.
Best part? With 6 seasons and insightful 102 episodes, the Bubble Guppies make learning easy, admiring, and entertaining. Each episode is packed with facts about the subject matter and leaves toddlers and their parents in awe-struck.
You can stream it on Amazon Prime, Paramount+, and FuboTV.
Top-picked reviews from the parents:
“My kids love this show! They are always asking to watch it, and I don’t mind because I know they’re learning something.”
5. PAW Patrol (2013-)
This adventure-fueled show is about a group of puppies who help people in their town. PAW Patrol is great shows for 2-5 years old because it teaches them the importance of helping others and being responsible.
Each episode follows the pups as they go on rescue missions to help people in their town. They use their unique skills to solve problems and save the day. The show is also packed with humor and adventure.
Best part? With PAW Patrol, your kids will never get bored. There are currently eight seasons of the show with over 200 episodes.
You can stream PAW Patrol on Nickelodeon, Amazon Prime, and Netflix.
Top-picked reviews from the parents:
“This show is my kids’ favorite! They love watching the pups go on adventures and help people.”
6. The Boss Baby: Back in Business (2017-2021)
This show is a spin-off of the hit movie, The Boss Baby. The Boss Baby: Back in Business follows the adventures of a Boss Baby as he tries to balance work and family life. In this show, you’ll see an adorable baby who wears a suit and has the mind of an adult.
The show is a great mix of humor and heart. Boss Baby is a lovable character who is always trying to do his best. The show also has a great message about family and working together.
Best part? The Boss Baby: Back in Business is a great show for kids of all ages. It’s entertaining and educational, and it will keep your kid’s belly laughing from beginning to end.
You can stream all of its 4 seasons on Netflix. But be aware, this show is recommended for children above 4 years old.
Top-picked reviews from the parents:
“I love this show! It’s funny and my kids love it. It’s also educational, which is a bonus. I mean a little kid much more genius and experienced than a lot of us adults. Intriguing!”
“This show is so funny! My kids laugh every time we watch it. It’s also a great way to teach them about family and working together.”
7. Peppa Pig (2004-)
A British cartoon about a family of pigs that is wildly popular with toddlers all over the world. Peppa Pig is an adorable character who goes on unforgettable adventures along with her Daddy Pig, Grandpa Pig, Mummy Pig, and her 2-year-old little brother: George Pig.
Each episode follows our very sweet Peppa as she learns about different things like going to the dentist, visiting the doctor, and going to school (kids can find these episodes super relatable). The show is also packed with humor and life lessons. Peppa pig teaches kids about family values, friendship, and working together.
There are currently six seasons of Peppa Pig with over 200 episodes. That’s a lot of content to keep your kids entertained.
Best part? There is also Peppa pig theme park located both in UK and US (Florida), your little one can enjoy it same as Disneyland.
Top-picked reviews from the parents:
“This show is so cute and my kids love it. It’s also a great way to teach them about different life experiences.”
“My kid has started learning her family importance, she is just 3 years old but I can see her growing up and becoming a problem-solver.”
8. Doc McStuffins (2012-)
A young adorable girl who becomes a doctor for her stuffed animals. Doc McStuffins is a huge boon show for toddlers because it teaches them about being responsible, kind, and taking care of others.
In all 136 episodes, Doc McStuffins uses her magic stethoscope to bring her stuffed animals to life. She then diagnoses and treats them for their various ailments. The show is also filled with catchy songs and important skills like critical thinking.
Best part? The show star is an African-American empowered girl as the lead character, which is super important for young kids to see. Doc McStuffins is a great role model for kids of all colors.
You can stream all of its 5 seasons on Disney+ and Hulu.
Top-picked reviews from the parents:
“This show is so cute and my kids love it. It’s also a great way to teach them emotional connections with other beings.”
“My twin daughters absolutely love this show! They love the songs and the characters. And I love that both of these princesses of mine enjoy it.”
“I’m a single dad and this series makes me cry. My little one died when she was 3 years old, it’s been 6 months since she is gone. It was her favorite show. Whenever I miss her, I watch this show. It reminds me of her heavenly good heart and smile.”
9. Magic School Bus (1994-1997)
This science-animated show is about a group of kids who go on adventures on their magic school bus. The Magic School Bus takes the kids with their favorite science teacher Ms. Frizzle on crazy, wild, and exciting trips where they learn about science, nature, and other academic subjects.
Moreover, this Emmy-winning series also teaches kids about important topics like the solar system, the human body, and animals.
Best part? The Magic School Bus is a classic show that has stood the test of time. It’s both: entertaining and educational, and it will give your kids a love for learning.
You can stream all of its four seasons on Amazon Prime.
Top-picked reviews from the parents:
“I’m a mother and a school teacher, so this show is like icing on the cake! It’s fantastic to learn more about kids and their brains.”
“After watching this, my son started liking his school. It’s amazing how a good script and visuals can change their perspective.”
10. Puffin Rock (2015-2016)
We just love Puffin Rock! The overloaded cuteness and basic exploration, all together.
An Irish preschool cartoon set on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland. It follows the everyday adventures of two young puffins, Oona, and her baby brother: Baba. The show is very cute and charming, and it’s perfect for 2-5 years old kids. It’s also packed with beautiful, soul-soothing music and stunning visuals.
Puffin rock teaches kids about nature, friendship, and family. Each episode is only 11-19 minutes long, which makes it perfect for young attention spans.
Best part? Puffin Rock is a must-watch show for kids who love animals. Each episode follows Oona and Baba as they explore the island, meet new friends, and learn about nature.
You can stream all of its 2 seasons on Netflix.
Top-picked reviews from the parents:
“Puffin Rock is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. The music, the colors, everything about it is perfect.”
“My kids and I love this show! It’s not just a show but an emotion, and the music is gorgeous.”
“This show is so peaceful and calming. It’s the perfect show for kids who need to wind down before bed.”
That’s All for Now
These are only a few of the Shows for 2 to 5 year old is sure to love. So put on your PJs, snuggle up with your little one, and enjoy some quality family time in front of the TV. After all, there’s nothing better than spending time with the ones you love!
We’d hope you find this blog helpful and exciting! Let us know in the comment section which show is your toddler’s favorite.
Tips! Normally I only give them 2 episode to watch, 3 times per week (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
About Me
Hi, there. I am Lin. Together with my husband and two kids, we live in the beautiful Netherlands in Europe. I am dedicated to self-development, creating quality time for the whole family, and fully supporting kids with their potentials and possibilities with all I have learned from engineering, MBA, and 10+ years of working experience in the energy sector.
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