TV Shows with Diverse Characters

Television hasn't always been known for its commitment to diversity. But that's changing fast, with some of primetime's most popular shows featuring African American, Latinx, and Asian families, and cable offering a wide variety of cultures to explore. It's great for kids and teens to see their realities mirrored on TV and see people and communities different from their own. Here are some of the best shows that celebrate our diverse world. For more media highlighting diversity and inclusion, try some of these Books with Characters of Color.

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Sesame Street Poster Image
TV

Sesame Street

age 2+

Classic show endures changes, but learning content remains.

Network: PBS , Max (1969)
3rd & Bird Poster Image
TV

3rd & Bird

age 3+

Colorful bird community celebrates diversity, cooperation.

Network: Disney Channel (2011)
Blue's Clues & You! Poster Image
TV

Blue's Clues & You!

age 3+

Engaging reboot teaches preschoolers prereading skills.

Network: Nickelodeon (2019)
Bubble Guppies Poster Image
TV

Bubble Guppies

age 3+

Cheerful aqua tots teach kids good social lessons.

Network: Nickelodeon (2011)
Dinosaur Train Poster Image
TV

Dinosaur Train

age 3+

Young dino's travels teach kids about science and diversity.

Network: PBS (2009)
Handy Manny Poster Image
TV

Handy Manny

age 3+

Friendly handyman teaches kids about cooperation.

Network: Disney Channel (2006)
Nella the Princess Knight Poster Image
TV

Nella the Princess Knight

age 3+

Well-rounded hero is great role model for preschoolers.

Network: Nickelodeon (2017)
Ni Hao, Kai-lan Poster Image
TV

Ni Hao, Kai-lan

age 3+

Cultural content, good messages make show a hit.

Network: Nickelodeon (2007)
Nina's World Poster Image
TV

Nina's World

age 3+

Strong diversity, community, family themes in superb series.

Network: Universal Kids (2015)
Super Wings Poster Image
TV

Super Wings

age 3+

Friendly planes' world travels teach kids multiculturalism.

Network: Universal Kids (2015)
Doc McStuffins Poster Image
TV

Doc McStuffins

age 4+

Excellent preschool series has positive messages for kids.

Network: Disney Junior (2012)
TV show poster reading, "Storytime just got fabulous." Two drag performers Fay and Fluffy stand behind a Vegas-style sign that says The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy.  Five small television screens with images depicting scenes from the show including a scene from the show, cartoon version of Fay and Fluffy in a car, children in the audience, a story-time performance, and Fay and Fluffy interacting with the children.
TV

The Fabulous Show With Fay & Fluffy

age 4+

Fab stories, social-emotional lessons with friends in drag.

Network: YouTube (2022)
Julie's Greenroom Poster Image
TV

Julie's Greenroom

age 4+

Delightful series teaches young kids about performance arts.

Network: Netflix (2017)
Mighty Little Bheem: Diwali Poster Image
TV

Mighty Little Bheem: Diwali

age 4+

Curious tot's Diwali adventures will enchant and entertain.

Network: Netflix (2019)
Mira, Royal Detective Poster Image
TV

Mira, Royal Detective

age 4+

Clever girl's adventures celebrate Indian culture.

Network: Disney Junior (2020)
Mouk Poster Image
TV

Mouk

age 4+

Gentle preschool series promotes cultural diversity.

Network: Kids Central , Kidstream (2011)
The Bravest Knight TV Poster Image
TV

The Bravest Knight

age 5+

Star power, stellar messages in charming animated series.

Network: Hulu (2019)
Dora and Friends: Into the City! Poster Image
TV

Dora and Friends: Into the City!

age 5+

School-age TV icon explores community service, friendship.

Network: Nickelodeon (2014)
Elena of Avalor Poster Image
TV

Elena of Avalor

age 5+

Spunky Latina princess is an excellent role model.

Network: Disney Junior (2016)
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child Poster Image
TV

Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child

age 5+

Diversity and cameos spice up familiar tales.

Network: HBO Family (1995)