6 Kids Shows That Have Changed The Conversation

Doc McStuffins Logo. Image via DisneyJunior

Nothing beats a good pep talk from Danny Tanner or Mr. Feeny, but today’s kids are still getting some important messages.

It’s a chant that every generation eventually perfects: “Kids shows are just not as good as they used to be!” There are classics for every age group that seem impossible to live up to. With all the reboots and revivals in the works, that almost seems true to networks too.

There are plenty of factors that play into making a great show: the actors, the jokes, the basic story. But at the heart of it all, the thing that makes shows memorable are the lessons they teach. We’re suckers for a good set of hijinks followed by a heartfelt message. So what’s changed? Realistically, not much. If we truly look at some of the shows on kids networks right now, there are amazing things that are starting to happen again.

More and more shows are tackling important topics. Showrunners are breaking down barriers and getting back to those lessons that we loved as kids. Now, kids are facing much different obstacles, and those messages are more important than ever. Thanks to these six shows, those challenges might be a bit easier to handle.