TV That Inspires Gratitude

Developing character strengths and life skills is essential to kids' overall growth and success. These TV shows help kids learn the value of being aware of and thankful for the good things in their lives -- and of taking the time to return kindness. The character strength of gratitude 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 selfishness. (See even more movies and TV shows that inspire gratitude.)

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A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Poster: Charlie Brown holds a bowl of dog food while Snoopy and Woodstock sit at a table that has pie and turkey on it
MOVIE

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

age 3+

Classic Turkey Day special for all ages; some insult words.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1973)
Guess How Much I Love You Poster Image
TV

Guess How Much I Love You

age 3+

Endearing book-inspired series centers on curiosity, love.

Network: Disney Junior (2012)
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TV

Guillermina and Candelario

age 4+

Siblings learn to respect nature, elders, and culture.

Network: Starz (2010)
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TV

Helpsters

age 4+

Friendly monsters demonstrate critical thinking skills.

Network: Apple TV+ (2019)
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TV

Arthur

age 5+

A thoughtful cartoon for kids to grow up on.

Network: PBS (1996)
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TV

DuckTales

age 5+

Fun globetrotting '80s cartoon can spark kids' curiosity.

Network: Disney Channel (1987)
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TV

Planet Earth

age 6+

Stunning high-def series spotlights world wonders.

Network: Discovery Channel (2006)
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TV

Stuck in the Middle

age 6+

Heartwarming comedy pokes fun at chaotic family life.

Network: Disney Channel (2016)
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TV

The Dick Van Dyke Show

age 7+

Kennedy-era comedy series offers good family fun.

Network: Syndicated , TV Land (1961)
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TV

Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman

age 7+

Endearing historical drama is a classic for families.

Network: Syndicated (1993)
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TV

Family Matters

age 8+

Urkel and company still offer lots of family fun.

Network: Freeform , Nickelodeon , Syndicated (1989)
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TV

Secret Millionaire

age 9+

Reality show offers rich lessons about giving.

Network: ABC (2008)
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TV

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

age 10+

Interesting and dramatic ... for a reality show.

Network: ABC , Syndicated (2003)
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TV

Marvel's Hero Project

age 10+

Marvel celebrates the young superheroes walking among us.

Network: Disney+ (2019)
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TV

All American

age 13+

Football series addresses classism, racism, and bullying.

Network: CW (2018)
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TV

Northern Exposure

age 13+

Quirky '90s comedy captures diversity of small-town life.

Network: CBS (1990)
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TV

Gilmore Girls

age 13+

Fun coming-of-age drama that's great for teens.

Network: Freeform , CW (2000)
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TV

Ramy

age 15+

Language, sex in comedy about balancing faith, modern life.

Network: Hulu (2019)
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TV

Master of None

age 16+

Sweet romantic comedy with great cast, raunchy humor.

Network: Netflix (2015)