Sesame Street

Why We Like It

Sesame Street invented educational children's television in 1969, and it still sets the standard. The curriculum — letters, numbers, social skills, emotional intelligence — is backed by more peer-reviewed research than any other show on this list, and it shows in the results. Elmo, Big Bird, and the rest of the cast have introduced generations of children to their first concepts and their first feelings of belonging. It's a classic for a reason.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• More research-backed than any other children's show in history — the curriculum is genuinely rigorous
• Introduces diversity, inclusion, and real-world topics with warmth and age-appropriate honesty
• Enormous back catalog means parents can always find something new to explore

Cons

• Newer episodes on Max require a paid subscription
• The variety-show format can feel disjointed compared to modern story-driven toddler shows

Score Breakdown

Shows evaluated on educational content, engagement and entertainment, production quality, parent-friendliness and values, and age-appropriateness.