Recommended by Common Sense Media
Little Einsteins
Ages 3-6, Arts and Reading, Disney, Recommended by Common Sense MediaWhat’s Smart About It: Four precocious preschool friends make discoveries, work as a team and use their special musical talents. Each episode has a mission and journey of discovery that incorporates a celebrated piece of classical music and a renowned work of art or world culture.
American Experience
Ages 9-11, History, PBS, Recommended by Common Sense MediaWhat’s Smart About It: Do your kids need a history refresher but don’t want to watch some “boring” documentary? PBS put together an excellent docu-series that combines reenactments, historical footage and commentary to paint America’s past with vibrant colors.
Russell Simmons Presents Brave New Voices
Recommended by Common Sense MediaWhat’s Smart About It: This is not for the little ones but this show can be very moving and perhaps uplifting for teenagers. On the show youth use poetry and music to deal with the struggles they face in often violent inner city environments. The language can be strong but the messages are powerful. For Ages 14 and up.
The Upside Down Show
Ages 3-6, Good Ol' Values, Nickelodeon, Recommended by Common Sense Media, Safe and FunWhat’s Smart About It: Two brothers that don’t get out much (literally) take preschoolers on adventures in every episode in this live action show. There are lessons taught such as cooperation, meeting friends and thinking about the world around them.
Oobi
Ages 3-6, Nickelodeon, Recommended by Common Sense MediaWhat’s Smart About It: Yup, they’re just hand puppets, but their cute simplicity is just the start of this fun and supportive world for preschoolers. Show themes are focused om making friends, good habits and dealing with problems.
Charlie & Lola
Ages 3-6, Disney, Good Ol' Values, Recommended by Common Sense Media, Safe and FunWhat’s Smart About It: Adorable British siblings are having fun learning about new foods, getting a haircut and losing a tooth. The show is simple, and kind, the characters are articulate and provide a great example for kids.
History Detectives
Ages 9-11, History, PBS, Recommended by Common Sense MediaWhat’s Smart About It: History is alive and well with this team of experts that track down the stories, people and places of objects that are brought to them. Letters, paintings, weapons, jewelry all have an interesting past on this show. Watch as experts, appraisers and researchers all work to uncover the real story.
Antiques Roadshow
Ages 9-11, History, PBS, Recommended by Common Sense Media, Safe and FunWhat’s Smart About It: This parent’s favorite just might get the kids hooked on antiques and history. The slower pace of the program might be difficult for some younger viewers but there’s nothing like guessing the right price of a 18th century French oak desk.
Cool Fuel
Ages 6-9, Ages 9-11, Discovery, Recommended by Common Sense Media, ScienceWhat’s Smart About It: Did you know used french fry oil can power a truck? A wily Australian and his scrappy dog travel around the US on homemade zero emission vehicles and teach great lessons about energy and the environment. The science is easy enough for a child to follow but captures the interest of nearly everyone who watches.
The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
Ages 9-11, History, PBS, Recommended by Common Sense Media, SubjectWhat’s Smart About It: Take a stroll through America’s most amazing places with a story teller that provides the incredible histories of the people and events that helped create our National Parks.
