TV That Inspires Compassion

Developing character strengths and life skills is essential to kids' overall growth and success. These TV shows help kids learn the value of caring about others and behaving toward them with affection, generosity, and concern. The character strength of compassion surfaces in these titles by being intrinsic to the story and being repeated several times in the actions of a lead character, and it "wins" over character flaws such as intolerance. (See even more movies and TV shows that inspire compassion.)

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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)
Esme & Roy Poster Image
TV

Esme & Roy

age 3+

Caring friends help cute kid monsters conquer challenges.

Network: HBO (2018)
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Poster Image
TV

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

age 3+

Excellent lessons from Mister Rogers' next generation.

Network: PBS Kids (2012)
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Poster Image
TV

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

age 3+

Beloved book characters entertain in delightful series.

Network: Amazon Prime Video (2017)
Maya the Bee Poster Image
TV

Maya the Bee

age 3+

Gentle animated show has lessons about nature, friendship.

Network: Universal Kids (2012)
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Poster Image
TV

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

age 3+

Classic series gently promotes social skills, imagination.

Network: PBS (1968)
Sheriff Callie's Wild West Poster Image
TV

Sheriff Callie's Wild West

age 3+

Friendly frontier town teaches kids about strong character.

Network: Disney Junior (2013)
Sofia the First Poster Image
TV

Sofia the First

age 3+

Spunky, well-rounded princess celebrates individuality.

Network: Disney Channel , Disney Junior (2012)
Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins Poster Image
MOVIE

Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins

age 3+

Trains' sweet origin story promotes friendship, cooperation.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Thomas & Friends Poster Image
TV

Thomas & Friends

age 3+

Thomas and his train friends huff and chuff around.

Network: PBS (1984)
Corn & Peg Poster Image
TV

Corn & Peg

age 4+

Eager best friends do good, promote safety in community.

Network: Nick Jr. (2019)
Doc McStuffins Poster Image
TV

Doc McStuffins

age 4+

Excellent preschool series has positive messages for kids.

Network: Disney Junior (2012)
Goldie & Bear Poster Image
TV

Goldie & Bear

age 4+

Sweet preschool show blends fairy tale characters' stories.

Network: Disney Junior (2015)
Lily's Driftwood Bay Poster Image
TV

Lily's Driftwood Bay

age 4+

Girl's simple, homegrown adventures celebrate imagination.

Network: Universal Kids (2014)
The Rocketeer Poster Image
TV

The Rocketeer

age 4+

Go-getter girl fills big shoes in next-gen superhero tale.

Network: Disney Junior (2019)
The Smurfs Poster Image
TV

The Smurfs

age 4+

Little blue gnomes share, care, and learn.

Network: Boomerang (1981)
Wishenpoof! Poster Image
TV

Wishenpoof!

age 4+

Sweet magical series illustrates joys of helping others.

Network: Amazon Prime Video (2014)
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)
Mia and Me Poster Image
TV

Mia and Me

age 5+

Fantasy series has positive themes, intimidating villains.

Network: Nick Jr. , Nickelodeon (2014)
Molly of Denali Poster Image
TV

Molly of Denali

age 5+

Alaska Native character's adventures celebrate heritage.

Network: PBS Kids (2019)