TV That Promotes Perseverance

Developing character strengths and life skills is essential to kids' overall growth and success. These TV shows help kids learn the value of sticking with something no matter what challenges they face. Perseverance, determination, grit, resilience -- all are positive traits that help kids succeed in life. Watching TV shows that celebrate these elements can inspire kids to pursue their dreams, even when things get tough. The character strength of perseverance surfaces in these shows 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 apathy. (See even more movies and TV shows that promote perseverance.)

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Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom Poster Image
TV

Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom

age 3+

Charming British series promotes perseverance, friendship.

Network: Nick Jr. (2015)
Blaze and the Monster Machines Poster Image
TV

Blaze and the Monster Machines

age 3+

Friendly characters + STEM content = smart pick for tots.

Network: Nickelodeon (2014)
Charlie's Colorforms City Poster Image
TV

Charlie's Colorforms City

age 3+

Preschool show teaches skills, celebrates imagination.

Network: Netflix (2019)
Oswald Poster Image
TV

Oswald

age 3+

Witty, gentle, surreal; ideal for preschoolers.

Network: Nick Jr. (2001)
Peg + Cat Poster Image
TV

Peg + Cat

age 3+

Spunky girl's math skills solve problems, teach lessons.

Network: PBS Kids (2013)
Special Agent Oso Poster Image
TV

Special Agent Oso

age 3+

Friendly panda's missions send good messages to kids.

Network: Disney Channel (2009)
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)
Abby Hatcher Poster Image
TV

Abby Hatcher

age 4+

Friendly girl helps creature friends solve their problems.

Network: Nickelodeon (2019)
T.O.T.S. Poster Image
TV

T.O.T.S.

age 4+

Determined bird friends succeed by challenging stereotypes.

Network: Disney Junior (2019)
Molly of Denali Poster Image
TV

Molly of Denali

age 5+

Alaska Native character's adventures celebrate heritage.

Network: PBS Kids (2019)
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! Poster Image
TV

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

age 5+

Scoob and the gang are on the case! Families AOK.

Network: Boomerang (1969)
Where's Waldo? (2019) Poster Image
TV

Where's Waldo? (2019)

age 5+

Reboot of iconic puzzler teaches culture, problem solving.

Network: Universal Kids (2019)
All in with Cam Newton Poster Image
TV

All in with Cam Newton

age 6+

NFL great cheers on kids' efforts to achieve their goals.

Network: Nickelodeon (2016)
Milo Murphy's Law Poster Image
TV

Milo Murphy's Law

age 6+

Unlucky teen's fortune lies in friendship, positive outlook.

Network: Disney XD (2016)
American Ninja Warrior Junior Poster Image
TV

American Ninja Warrior Junior

age 7+

Young athletes take on notorious obstacles in fun contest.

Network: Universal Kids (2018)
Becoming Poster Image
TV

Becoming

age 7+

Biographical show inspires with athletes' tales of success.

Network: Disney XD , ESPN (2015)
Big City Greens Poster Image
TV

Big City Greens

age 7+

Quirky, sweet show's family themes overshadow stereotypes.

Network: Disney Channel (2018)
Hank Zipzer Poster Image
TV

Hank Zipzer

age 7+

Books-inspired show celebrates overcoming challenges.

Network: Online (2014)
Middle School Moguls Poster Image
TV

Middle School Moguls

age 7+

Likable show has themes of diversity and perseverance.

Network: Nickelodeon (2019)