By Ryan Fretz
If you’re a parent of a certain age, chances are that you watched most of your favorite childhood TV shows on PBS, Nickelodeon, Disney, etc. We’re talking Playschool, Sesame Street, New Zoo Revue, and The Family Ness, to name a few. While most Kids' TV programming these days are a far cry from what PBS wanted, the truth is that preschool TV is pretty awesome these days, too. So if you’re feeling nostalgic for the likes of Clangers and Fred Penner’s Place, sit down with your little ones and tune into these great shows, all on TV Kids.
If you loved Playschool, now try Chris and Pui's Show Me, Show Me
Is there a parent who grew up in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, or Australia during the 70s and 80s who didn’t love Playschool? How many mornings did you spend watching Benita Collings, Floella Benjamin, Don Spencer, and co. looking at a live-action film through their shaped windows and telling stories with their clock? It was easy to love Playschool because the presenters spoke to us — literally — through our TV sets every day, inviting us to take part in crafts and sing songs. You’ll find that same spirit of interaction and imagination in Chris and Pui's Show Me, Show Me, starring Chris Jarvis and Pui Fan Lee, who helped the UK's very own CBeebies channel launch. Fans of Humpty and Jemima will be thrilled to see Chris and Pui's gang of stuffed toy characters, along with plenty of fun songs and colorful animations that transport kids into a world of adventure in every episode.
If you loved Fred Penner's Place, now try Jack's Big Music Show
First, a question: did anyone ever notice that Fred Penner crawled in one side of that hollow log during the opening credits wearing one thing, and crawled out the other side in a completely different outfit in every episode? Of course you didn’t, because you were probably way too busy dancing around the living room while Fred rocked out on his acoustic guitar to popular covers and original songs. Bring back those morning dance parties with a little help from Jack's Big Music Show, starring a group of puppets, Laurie Berkner, and daily musical guests. The songs are the perfect blend of catchy and educational.
If you loved Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, now try Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
Okay, so this one involves a bit of a history lesson. Mr. Rogers' characters originated on the 50s show Children's Corner and then got a new life on CBC, who designed the popular trolley, in Misterogers. These days you’ll find Trolley, and other familiar characters inspired by the neighbourhood of Make-Believe on the animated series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Much like Mr. Rogers, Daniel Tiger helps his neighbors learn about important life skills through a combination of imagination and music. (Be warned: you may find yourself humming these sweet tunes even when the kids aren’t around.)
Also Try: Bluey
Another great show with a focus on feelings is Bluey. In each episode, The parents of an Australian dog, titularlly named Bluey, help him develop a better understanding of his emotions and how to deal with them. Bluey is something Fred Rogers would've loved, as it's about children and helps them learn about emotions like fear, sadness, and anger. Plus, David McCormick of Custard fame voices his dad, you guys. It’s a must-watch for that alone (especially if you hate Peppa Pig).
If you loved Zoom, now try Zoom
70s kids will love this 90s reboot of their childhood, just without the windows, which have been left to rot on Tikkabilla. Needs no explanation, because you know what that show is! Now if we could just get that reboot of the Family Ness…
About TV Kids
Available in 13 million homes, TV Kids is a preschool channel on demand, online, and on-air. The linear cable channel launched on July 12th, 2019 alongside its companion website (tvkids.com). TV Kids follows the day of a preschooler from getting up to going to bed with its gold-standard programming and hosted blocks.
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