TV That Inspires Empathy

Developing character strengths and life skills is essential to kids' overall growth and success. These TV shows help kids learn the value of putting themselves in someone else's shoes to understand the feelings and perspective of another person. The character strength of empathy surfaces in these shows by being intrinsic to the story and by being repeated several times in the actions of a lead character, and it "wins" over character flaws such as focusing only on one's own needs. (See even more movies and TV shows that inspire empathy.)

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Clangers Poster Image
TV

Clangers

age 3+

Endearing remake of classic has a galaxy's worth of charm.

Network: Universal Kids , CBeebies (2015)
Curious George Poster Image
TV

Curious George

age 3+

Notorious monkey amuses and teaches preschoolers.

Network: PBS Kids (2006)
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Poster Image
TV

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

age 3+

Excellent lessons from Mister Rogers' next generation.

Network: PBS Kids (2012)
The Daniel Tiger Movie: Won't You Be Our Neighbor? Poster Image
MOVIE

The Daniel Tiger Movie: Won't You Be Our Neighbor?

age 3+

Daniel helps a nervous new neighbor friend feel at home.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Franny's Feet Poster Image
TV

Franny's Feet

age 3+

Girl's magical travels teach about other cultures.

Network: PBS Kids , Kids Central (2006)
Maya the Bee Poster Image
TV

Maya the Bee

age 3+

Gentle animated show has lessons about nature, friendship.

Network: Universal Kids (2012)
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)
Llama Llama Poster Image
TV

Llama Llama

age 4+

Beloved books inspire charming, family-friendly series.

Network: Netflix (2018)
Ruby's Studio: The Friendship Show Poster Image
MOVIE

Ruby's Studio: The Friendship Show

age 4+

Insightful, gentle lessons teach kids about relationships.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Tinga Tinga Tales Poster Image
TV

Tinga Tinga Tales

age 4+

African folk tales feed kids' curiosity, teach good lessons.

Network: Disney Channel (2011)
True and the Rainbow Kingdom Poster Image
TV

True and the Rainbow Kingdom

age 4+

Whimsical world's heroine helps her friends solve problems.

Network: Netflix (2017)
Wishenpoof! Poster Image
TV

Wishenpoof!

age 4+

Sweet magical series illustrates joys of helping others.

Network: Amazon Prime Video (2014)
Maya & Miguel Poster Image
TV

Maya & Miguel

age 5+

Engaging cartoon teaches cultural diversity.

Network: PBS (2004)
The Casagrandes Poster Image
TV

The Casagrandes

age 7+

Charming Loud House spin-off about Mexican American family.

Network: Nickelodeon (2019)
Kid President: Declaration of Awesome Poster Image
TV

Kid President: Declaration of Awesome

age 7+

Viral-video star brings inspiring messages to fun TV series.

Network: Discovery Family Channel (2014)
Ronja, the Robber's Daughter Poster Image
TV

Ronja, the Robber's Daughter

age 7+

Beautiful book adaptation with exceptional female lead.

Network: Amazon Prime Video (2017)
Good Witch Poster Image
TV

Good Witch

age 8+

Family-friendly series centers on charming, helpful witch.

Network: Hallmark Channel (2015)
Invisible Sister Poster Image
TV

Invisible Sister

age 8+

Funny, feel-good movie has excellent messages for kids.

Network: Disney Channel (2015)
Star Trek: The Next Generation Poster Image
TV

Star Trek: The Next Generation

age 10+

Still going boldly, updated series is fun for all.

Network: Syndicated (1987)