Yarrr!
It's time to check out the masters of children's entertainment!
These kids' shows intricately meld colors, characters, story-telling, intelligence, and earnesty to help build many of us into the people we are today!
They show that ust because your audience is under seven doesn't mean you have to make an intolerable, cringy, vapid show.
The best kid shows don't just teach kids. They can teach people of any age.
So, let's check out the top six best live-action kids' shows.
To make this list, the show has to be suitable for little, little kids.
Though, as I said, all ages may be able to enjoy them too.
Octagon!
Interestingly, this was the only really little kids' show I've ever actively watched as a teenager.
A freaking teenager: a cynical, misanthropic, socially, bizarre teenager!
Blue's Clues managed to be colorful and imaginative without ever getting too annoying.
Steve: (singing) We are going to play Blue's Clues, cause that's a really great game. Yea!
PhantomStrider: I always felt, honestly, invested in exploring Blue's unique world with the mild-mannered host, Steve.
I learned a surprising amount of problem-solving tricks in the show as a teenager.
Like in one episode, it shows Steve working through his angers and frustrations by stopping to just take a deep breath.
Steve: (deep breathing) I stopped, took a deep breath, and now I can think.
PhantomStrider: They even discuss advanced topics like body language.
I mean, most adult shows don't talk about body language, yet alone "under 7" shows.
And the songs were catchy and not overly saccharine.
Steve was a big part of the show for me. He was just an unforgettable host
Whenever I think of a general calm ambiance of Blue's world, I think of Steve.
His peaceful and quietly spoken behavior is part of what made this show such a pleasant experience.
Rather than being terrified like anyone else, he would just very calmly interact with this alive, living furniture
that's popping up all around him.
But did anyone else ever notice that Steve has appallingly bad hearing?
Kid: A clue! On the sink!
Steve: Oh, yeah you're right. We probably should wash this spoon in the sink because it fell on the floor.
PhantomStrider: Despite our young audience speaking very loudly and clearly to him, sometimes shouting at him,
it often took him 2 to 3 times to make out what they were actually saying.
I mean, how frustrating would that be on a daily basis?
Blue's Clues was a show that treated its young viewers to imagination and a colorful, vibrant world
that taught them a lot of important lessons on the side.
Octagon!
Mr. Rogers: (singing) It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Somehow, Fred Rogers' messages have remained just as relevant now as they were in the 1960s.
And this man touched the lives of so many people with his show.
Rogers' neighborhood focuses less on mathematics or literacy and more on just trying to be a good person.
Mr. Rogers: There are many helpful people in this world, aren't there?
The more you grow into a helpful person yourself, the happier you'll find this world of ours is.
PhantomStrider: When you see Mr. Rogers up there, it just feels like a real kind person talking.
It doesn't feel like he's acting or hamming it up.
Yet, what he's saying still affected so many people around the world.
Mr. Rogers is a prime example of one of Jim Henson's best phrases.
And kids remembered who Mr. Rogers was.
Just a pleasant, kind person that served as a great role model to people of any age he advocated focusing
He advocated focusing on good mental health in children's programming when mental health had even less attention than it does today.
This show is interesting because I actually think Rogers delivery was quite deadpan compared to a lot of other kids' hosts.
But the gentle, earnest character he was came through in his tone, his body language and everything about him.
They say that if a child can be given one positive role model in their life,
that alone can be enough for them to overcome a childhood of pain, hostility, shame, and fear.
And Mr. Rogers stood as that voice of stability and kindness for so many children, accepting them as they were.
Mr. Rogers: (singing) You do your hair, but it's you I like.
The way you are right now, the way down deep inside you.
But it's you I like.
PhantomStrider: And he did this for 40 years! Rogers didn't treat children like children.
Rather than being condescending, he treated children like equals.
Octagon!
Beakman: I'm Beakman, and you've just brken into Beakman's world!
PhantomStrider: Only Beakman could manage to make nuclear fusion interesting to a six-year-old.
Although not as well-known as Bill Nye, each episode was packed to the brim with enthusiasm and energy.
Actors like Lester and Beakman gave such energized performances that they turned science into a fascinating journey of discovery!
They were so packed with charisma and excitement, but often forgot they were even talking about science.
While Bill Nye's show was well made and well edited,
I just never felt like Bill had quite the charisma and excitement of Beakman.
The camera angles, the energy, the pure charisma of Beakman just flew off the screen.
He was constantly changing costume, transforming himself from old history icons to ancient Greek characters who never even lived.
Beakman: An explosion is when stuff gets really big really fast. What did I say?
Audience: An explosion is when stuff gets really big really fast.
Beakman: Ya sound sound like a bunch of old ladies!
PhantomStrider: I've heard that every episode had at least a thousand sound effects packed into it.
And you can tell from every moment of its 20 minute run-time.
So much effort went into making each moment as exciting as possible.
Sadly, the show was cancelled in 1998 but Paul Zaloom continues to do live Beakman shows around the world.
Even appeared in a recent YouTube video.
I've linked it in the description in case you're interested.
Beakman: Making me look a little different.
(Darker) Octagon!!!
Old Guy: I always dreamed we'd be back here.
PhantomStrider: What can be said about The Muppet Show? It's the Muppets!
The Muppets are specifically designed to appeal for the young kids with their bright, colorful puppetry and movements.
But at the same time, a lot of the dialogue is very much designed with adults in mind.
Gonzo: Look at me!
John Cleese: Yes, it's horrible, isn't it? So not to worry. I've got a plastic surgeon who can fix you up.
Give you a little Roman number? Something cute?
Gonzo: No! Mr. Cleese, it's not my nose, it's my arm!
John Cleese: It is? Well, why is it the middle of your face?
PhantomStrider: There really is something unique and timeless about the Muppets.
They're sharp, self-deprecating, fourth wall breaking humor has always been so well
combined with just the silliness of felt puppets.
The Muppets is one of those shows that has always been there because Jim Henson's creations have stood the test of time.
Ever since they were first created in the 1950s, every Muppet from Kermit to Miss Piggy
just emanates such unique character and personality.
When I see Kermit chatting onstage, I don't just see a puppet flapping its mouth. I see Kermit.
Like to the point that I probably feel heartbroken if I saw his operator.
I mean, that's Kermit!
Kermit: (singing) Why are there are so many songs about rainbows?
PhantomStrider: The Muppets are as close to alive as puppets can get.
They are alive in so many of our minds.
Even when I don't recognize celebrities they invite onto the show,
I always have such a cheery time watching the Muppets and the celebrities as they just dance, prance, and joke together.
And all of it's always done in that affectionate, self-aware, tongue-in-cheek way that the Muppets do.
If the Muppets have proved anything, it is that you can put them in any setting,
from Treasure Island to Christmas carols or Russian maximum security prisons.
The Muppets: Gee, it is good to be together again! Again!
And they'll make it their own interesting, unique Muppet experience.
For me, The Muppets Show, and the Muppets in general, easily make me to the best kids' shows.
Octagon!
(best upbeat music ever)
Wow, just wow! This show is so good, so unique, so carefully colored and detailed that it's spooky.
Lazytown teaches kids through actions rather than words about being active and healthy.
The statistics of how much this kids show has changed the world is frankly staggering.
It was so successful that it actually lowered the child obesity rate in Iceland, it's originating country,
and fruit intake has increased by 13%. according to Department of Health.
The founder and main hero, Magnus, is basically a brilliant acrobatic
entrepreneur who decided there weren't enough athletic role models for children.
So, he turned himself into one. The hero of Lazytown, Sportacus.
Sportacus: Someone's in trouble!
Rather than Sportacus doing what a mentally challenged show like "Toopy and Binoo" might do,
just saying, "I luv eating broccoli", he will actually demonstrate through actions in sports prowess
the benefit of eating the brilliantly named "sports candy", aka fruit!
The actors are all superb and perfectly chosen for their role.
Robby Rotten (RIP) the villain, particularly, as a habit of stealing the show with his beautifully hammy performance.
In fact, fans have loved him so much they started a crowdfunding for his medical bills when he went to the hospital.
While he was in the hospital, fans started endless memes of him just to raise awareness.
And frankly, I'm not surprised there're memes.
Some of these songs remain among the catchiest music videos I've ever heard on YouTube.
I mean, is it even possible to not start dancing when you hear this song?
Robbie: Do what you want 'cause a pirate is free. You are a pirate! Aargh, aargh, fiddly-dee!
Being a pirate is alright to be. Do what you want 'cause a pirate is free.
You are a pirate! You are a pirate! Yea!
Lazytown is so intricately designed, so thoughtfully colored and performed
that it's hard not to be taken back by the finished product.
Every episode of Lazytown just leaves me saying "wow". It easily makes spot two on this list.
You are a pirate!
And as is our tradition, I'd like to go through a few quick honorable mentions.
This was a surprisingly fresh, talented, American interpretation of the British "Thomas the Tank Engine".
The actors were charming and the songs are memorable, even to adults.
Just a simple good few laughs with a duo of talented actors who looked like they had a lot of fun with the show
and really made it their own thing.
"The Upside Down Show" was imaginative and unique.
A great host with memorable lessons.
And just looking at the amazing things this guy could do with a canvas inspired a lot of young people and lessons in art that carry on today.
I'd say a lot of people on deviantART wouldn't be as inspired as they are today if not for "Art Attack".
Bill loves his science.
And even today, I found myself really invested in learning what Bill had to say about all sorts of things.
From farming to nutrition to dinosaurs to bones and muscles.
His analogies were steady and understandable.
Bill Nye helped bring science alive and inspired a lot of kids in science today
Anyway, here we go
Octagon!!!
There was no other choice.
Sesame Street just has to be number one.
as much as I applaud the sheer effort, time, and money that goes into Lazytown,
there is just nothing quite like Sesame Street out there.
Sesame Street has such timelessly endearing characters so they can be enjoyed by both kids and adults of all ages.
Elmo: Hi! Welcome to Sesame Street!
It has countless memorable songs over its 48 year history that taught me so much growing up.
From the alphabet to new rules to science to culture to observation to investigation skills.
Also, octagons!
They taught every life lesson you could think of from not wasting water to even learning it's okay to cry.
They even discuss grieving at one point, and they did it very respectfully and well.
Somehow, Sesame Street has always very organically incorporated a diverse variety
of both human and puppet characters who interact so naturally.
A new puppet might randomly move to town 20 years into the show.
Old Puppet: Hey there, wee little one! I'm Old McDonald!
PhantomStrider: And before we know it, we got a new likable Sesame Street host.
Countless hours have consistently gone into keeping the show perfectly balanced for 46 years!
That perfect balance of colorful, intriguing, yet positive and educational,
but most importantly it always teaches through believable and clever situations.
Some of the most important lessons we're ever taught.
Showing compassion and empathy to others, accept others as they are and seek out the best in them.
If "Toopy and Binoo" were to do this scene, they would say, "I'm going to pull out this seat for you and be nice."
Elmo might not necessarily directly say "I'm going to be nice to you, Maria",
but instead it might be the small things he does.
Like say, pulling out a chair for Maria when they go to lunch together.
Somehow, when I see the Sesame Street puppets interact or get sad or confused,
I feel like I can actually see it in the puppet's eyes and faces.
I cannot imagine the sheer amount of experience the puppeteers must have to do that,
And they've made some beautiful decisions recently.
Like introducing Julia, who has autism.
And through this character, they're teaching kids to accept those with personal challenges
and support them and help them and accept them as they are.
Sesame Street inspires integrity, heart, and finding the positive in the darkest of situations.
Sesame Street's characters share the best in every person.
To me, it easily remains the absolute best live-action kids' show of all time.
Count von Count: Well, Sesame Street changes the world by showing people the best in every one of us.
PhantomStrider: Whether the viewer is 3-years-old, 6-years-old, or 60-years-old,
we can all tell when a show has conviction, heart, and treats its viewers with respect.
Children are much more emotionally in tune than we give them credit for,
and can tell where to show is pandering to them or treating them as an equal.
Our young friends don't have an easy future ahead of them,
and it's important that we show them the kind and gentle, but realistic side of the world,
so they're cautious and ready to face it head-on when they grow up.
Do you think I missed a particularly really good kids' show?
If you've got a show I missed feel free, to leave it in the comments.
And a big thanks to my patrons.
If you'd like to get videos a little earlier, check out hidden videos, v-logs, or bloopers,
you can check out my Patreon at patreon.com/phantomstrider.
Josh: Kids don't remember what you say, they remember who you are.
And as always, thanks for watching! And I'll see you next time!