Top TV shows on Sky Kids and NOW TV
David Farnor | On 17, Apr 2020
Need something to watch with the kids? From Netflix to BBC iPlayer, everyone has their own standalone kids' streaming service these days, stuffed with shows or films suitable for the little 'uns.
Sky's service, Sky Kids, took a step ahead of the competition a while ago, when it signed a deal with Cartoon Network for its vast library of shows, which includes the rights to the infamous Adventure Time and more.
Looking for the best things you can watch with the kids, or the shows that won't drive you insane? With the service also available for non-Sky customers (using contract-free subscription service NOW) for £3.99 a month, we round up the best kids' series available on Sky and NOW. For more information or to sign up for a Kids Membership, click here.
SpongeBob Squarepants
He had us at "lives in a pineapple under the sea". No matter what age you are, this one of the most surreal, strange and silly TV programmes ever created.
Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
Because you're never too old (or young) to try out new episodes of Pokemon.
Blaze and the Monster Machines
Go on an adventure in Axle City with Blaze, the world's most amazing monster truck, and his driver and best friend AJ. Come for the truck-based action, stay for the subtle lessons on STEM subjects, including engineering and maths, as well as the female characters who prove that girls are smart about mechanics and science too.
Morph (The Amazing Adventures of Morph)
Ever since Morph first appeared on Tony Hart’s TV show in the 1970s, Aardman’s claymation character has been a joy to watch. Resurrected 20 years later with Neil Morrisey as narrator, and now again, for some Sky original episodes, our orange hero is as spellbinding as ever - and still forms an enjoyable introduction to the creative world of stop-motion, and a testament to the infinite possibilities of imagination.
Tom & Jerry
If you haven't raised your kids on YouTube clips of these classic cat-and-mouse shorts, this is the perfect chance to introduce them to the slapstick, wit and suspense of Hanna Barbera's duo - with the new Tom and Jerry Show also available.
Scooby-Doo Where Are You!
Zoiks!
The Looney Tunes Show
Don't have those battered VHS tapes of all the kids series you watched in the 1990s? Don't miss the opportunity to pass on the tradition to the next generation, with Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes gang all here - and even, for fans of niche sci-fi pastiches, the entertaining Duck Dodgers.
Thomas and Friends
Trains are awesome. Especially those called Thomas. So if your kids are familiar with Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s books, these are a must. Those keen on colourful urban adventures may well enjoy the similarly cute Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder. But while one is the hero next door and the other features a chart-topping theme song, they have one thing in common: they’re not trains. Plus they don’t have Ringo Starr as a narrator. Is there a more relaxing sound than the drummer from The Beatles saying the words “Sir Topham Hatt”?
Ben 10
A young boy with a magic watch that lets him transform into different aliens? If that premise sounds disturbing, your kids have clearly not been through the Ben 10 phase, which will run from watching episodes non-stop to asking for all the merchandise that goes with it.
The Powerpuff Girls
Because who doesn't love The Powerpuff Girls? Candy-coloured, hyperactive, and irresistibly upbeat.
The Legend of Korra
If you've seen the fantastic animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender (no, not film), then make sure you check out its sequel. The Daytime Emmy Award-winning series follows Avatar Korra trying to defend Republic City from spiritual and physical evil forces. The result is epic, stunning, ambitious and brilliant. Not bad going for a kids' series.
Peppa Pig
First created in 2004, Peppa Pig has wasted no time in becoming a modern children’s classic. It’s educational and teaches valuable social lessons, but the secret lies in its simplicity: unfussy animations and everyday stories make up the action, which sees young Peppa Pig go to school or ride a bike. Low-key, charming and – proof of it’s success – appealing to both boys and girls of pre-school age.
Adventure Time
Finn, possibly the last human alive, and Jake, a shape shifting dog, live together in a tree-house in the land of Ooh, made up of multiple fantasy kingdoms (for instance., the Candy Kingdom and the Ice Kingdom). They go on journeys through these kingdoms, often battling the Ice King (who steals princesses) and trying to win the heart of Princess Bubblegum. Most episodes, they just want to have a good time. It’s got that wonderful, free-wheeling spirit of youth: it has no morals or lessons, rarely bothering with arcs and big climaxes where everything works towards a dramatic conclusion. It’s just two best friends doing cool things.
Regular Show
Two friends, Mordecai (a blue jay) and Rigby (a raccoon), work as groundskeepers at a park, spending their days trying to avoid doing any real work. Enjoyably relatable viewing.
We Bare Bears
Three bears live together in a cave near San Fran in this endearingly warm series, which combines the relatable concerns of a modern audience (trying to go viral online, flat-sharing websites) with a cute message of support, kindness and friendship. Also, they travel around by standing on top of each other, which is just adorable.
PAW Patrol
Six heroic puppies are led by a tech-savvy 10-year-old in this animated series that follows a string of high-stakes rescue missions using brains, cool vehicles and humour. Warning: once you introduce them to it, younger kids will be hooked.
Octonauts
The Octonauts explore the ocean, rescue creatures and protect the environment - all in an admirable day's work for this aquatic, educational preschool show, which is fun, safe and probably already familiar to any family with a young child.
Moominvalley
Based on the cherished Moomin stories by Finnish-Swedish artist Tove Jansson, this charming new animation brings the beloved characters to life with a star-studded cast, including Taron Egerton and Rosamund Pike.
Operation Ouch!
This enjoyably accessible series is educational as well as fun, as identical twins Dr.Chris and Dr. Xand van Tulleken introduce the family to facts about the human body – a good way to demystify hospitals for kids afraid of them.