The Best TV Shows For Black Kids of All Ages (2024)

When we say representation matters, it really does. Just as deaf children need to see deaf characters (shout out to Dougie on Bluey) and LGBTQIA+ kids need to see LGBTQIA+ characters, Black children need to see visual representations of themselves to understand their identity better. Importantly, they must see themselves as the main protagonist, not just as token side characters.

Research has found a strong correlation between self-esteem and media portrayals. Unsurprisingly, the misrepresentation of Black people and other minorities can cause confusion among children regarding their identity. Research also shows that strong identity formation is associated with positive outcomes for psychological well-being. Furthermore, past analysis highlights that poor representations of Black people and Black culture in children's TV shows have a potentially negative influence on Black children's development of self-concept.

In light of the importance of your kids being able to see themselves on screen, here are our top suggestions for kids' TV shows that feature Black main characters.

Young Love

Produced by Matthew Cherry, who wrote and co-directed the Oscar-winning short film Hair Love, this empowering cartoon is all about what happens next in Stephen, Angela, and Zuri's lives in Chicago. Angela is just starting to work again as a hairstylist after months of cancer treatments and audiences get a peak into Zhuri's life at school. This 12-episode series, starring big names like Issa Rae, Loretta Devine, and Kid Cudi is one that'll warm the hearts of kids and parents alike.

Ada Twist, Scientist

With a focus on STEM topics, this Netflix show explores the life of Ada Twist, an eight-year-old Black scientist, as she utilizes science and the help of her two best friends to figure out how to solve different issues. In some episodes, real-life experts in different fields help her understand how things work by explaining it with fun and simple visual examples.

JoJo & GranGran

JoJo and Gran Gran is an adorable series that you can find on Noggin and YouTube. It follows a five-year-old Black girl as she spends quality time with her grandmother. It's lovely to watch their bond as well as the planned activities they do together, such as visiting the zoo, building things together, and cooking together. It highlights the importance and preciousness of generational family bonds.

Cody Time

Created as a spinoff to Cocomelon, Cody Time follows Cody Green, his friends, and his family as they do routine daily activities such as cooking breakfast, celebrating birthdays, buckling into car seats, going shopping, going to the beach, and more. Everything is explained through visuals and song so your children will definitely learn and be inspired by Cody.

Rhymes Through Times

Rhymes Through Times is an animated series that explores different important people throughout Black history, including Ruby Bridges, Katherine Johnson, and Thurgood Marshall. It uses songs and simplicity to talk about racism and equality while teaching children about the important contributions made by these historical figures.

Doc McStuffins

Your children will undoubtedly enjoy watching Dottie “Doc” McStuffins set off on adventures and save the day whenever she activates her magic stethoscope. She aspires to be a doctor, like her mom, and helps her toy patients recover from different issues with the help of her stuffed animal friends.

Gracie's Corner

Created in 2020, Gracie's Corner showcases fun songs that emphasize learning, featuring Black main characters. It uses songs and dancing to help your kids learn the alphabet, colors, counting, days of the week, and more. Father-daughter duo Javoris and Graceyn create all the content for the channel which features popular videos like "I Love My Hair," and remixes to some nursery rhyme classics.

Big Blue

This Canadian series is set in an underwater universe and follows Captain Lettie and the Calypso Crew as they go on missions to protect the ocean and its residents from various threats. One of the threats (The Blegh) is a personification of a real-life issue faced by oceans and its marine life–pollution.

Circle Time With Ms. Monica

When remote learning and homeschooling became the only option in 2020, Ms. Monica took to YouTube to give parents relief. Circle Time With Ms. Monica was born! As an early childhood educator for over 20 years, Circle Time With Ms. Monica features learning content for toddlers and preschoolers that is fun, engaging, and takes the guilt out of screen time. Ms. Monica's channel helps children explore, grow, and learn preschool basics like shapes, numbers, and letters.

OmoBerry

OmoBerry is a musical, educational series that uses nursery rhymes and songs to entertain your children. A lot of the music has African beats and some of the places and words are very Afrocentric such as "z for zulu" and "x for xhosa” which is exciting for kids to learn. Exposing them to a different culture through the show is a great way for them to get a better understanding of the lives of Black children around the world.

Nella the Princess Knight

Your kids will enjoy following along the adventures of a princess called Nella as she helps her friends and saves the residents of her parents’ kingdom. She goes on quests, fights for justice, and learns valuable life lessons with her unicorn (Trinket), her friend (Sir Garrett), and his talking steed (Clod).

Bino and Fino

If your children like Dora the Explorer, they'll probably enjoy this next recommendation. Bino and Fino are a brother and sister duo from Nigeria who adventure together as they learn about Africa and the rest of the world with the help of Zeena the Magic Butterfly. It’s aimed at three to five-year-olds, and it’s a good way to show an alternative to stereotypical representations of Africa.

Motown Magic

Motown Magic is a Netflix show with strong positive themes of kindness, togetherness, and self-confidence. It follows Ben–who has a creative and big imagination–as he brings street art to life in his hometown. The show focuses on feeling the rhythm and vibes of music with many classic Motown songs being featured which is a treat not just for your children, but also for you!

Akili and Me

Akili is a four-year-old who travels to the magical world of Lala Land to learn with her animal friends. She can help your kids learn about letters, numbers, art, and more, as well as cover topics that will help them develop skills in kindness and handling emotions.

Jools TV

An animation series "for the kids, and for the culture," Jools TV's three-minute episodes teach all kinds of life lessons, often guided by guardian angel J.J. The channel was created by parents and features the animated adventures of the "J" brothers: J.J., Jaxon, Jett, and Jhy. The music is catchy and easy to sing along to—they have hip-hop remixes of "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes", "Three Little Pigs," and more.

Karma's World

Created by and featuring the voice of Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Karma's World follows Karma, a 10-year-old Black girl who dreams of being a rapper and changing the world with her music. Her message about achieving anything you want and perseverance is important and encouraging for young Black children with big dreams of their own!

Craig of the Creek

Craig of the Creek is a fun, adventure-filled series about a ten-year-old Craig and his friends discovering the secrets of the wilderness, having playful tribe wars with other kids and just generally enjoying their childhood freedom. We also get regular insight into his family life at home which reveals a loving Black family.

Super Sema

Tab Time

Tab Time is an Emmy nominated and NAACP Image Award winning series for kids aged three to five. The main character, Ms Tab, gives children life education lessons such as how to take care of pets, the importance of sharing, why it’s good to try new things, and much more. It’s inspiring, informative and rooted in emotional sensitivity.

Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes

This TV show follows Kiya, a seven-year-old African girl, who loves dancing and martial arts. Along with her two friends, they use their superpowers to stand against bullies and save locals in need. The show is very upbeat with fun music and colorful visuals.

Goose Goose Duck

It's never too early to learn about history and Goose Goose Duck makes sure children know just that. The channel features Black history for toddlers and pre-k and kindergarten-aged children, expressed through nursery rhymes, educational songs, preschool games, and kids' bedtime stories shared in full color for home, school, and lifelong learning.

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures

It’s always so refreshing to see a lead Black character in sci-fi related media because representation is typically scarce! This children’s spinoff is a great way to get your young kiddies into the Star Wars franchise. Follow Kai and the rest of the characters as they learn how to become master fighters and deal with villains (in a child-friendly way).

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur

Geared towards slightly older children (around the 8+ mark), Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is a super fun, super colorful, musical, and soulful TV show from Marvel. It follows an intelligent science nerd called Lunella Lafayette and her dinosaur as they fend off villains. One of the standout parts of the show is definitely the music which is made by Raphael Saadiq.