The Most Popular PBS Kids Show, Ranked

Choose the show you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:45
In a world where the choices of children's television programming are seemingly endless, keeping track of the best content can be a challenge. Pinpointing the most beloved PBS Kids show helps parents and educators select enriching and engaging content. By ranking these shows, viewers gain insights into what is resonating with audiences and why certain programs stand out. Your votes play a crucial role in shaping this dynamic ranking. By participating, you not only contribute to a broader understanding of quality children’s entertainment, but you also ensure that your favorites get the recognition they deserve. This live ranking adjusts with each vote, reflecting real-time preferences and trends in the PBS Kids lineup.

What Is the Most Popular PBS Kids Show?

  1. 1
    86
    votes
    Sesame Street
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    Sesame Street

    Joan Ganz Cooney
    This iconic show has been on the air since 1969 and has won numerous awards for its educational content and entertaining characters. It teaches children about letters, numbers, and social skills. [
    Sesame Street is a beloved educational children's television series that combines live-action, animation, and puppetry to entertain and educate young viewers. It features a diverse cast of characters, including iconic favorites like Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch. Each episode of Sesame Street explores various themes and concepts, such as numbers, letters, shapes, colors, emotions, and social skills, through playful skits, songs, and interactive segments. The show aims to promote early childhood development, literacy, and inclusivity in a fun and engaging way.
    • First aired: November 10, 1969
    • Format: Children's television series
    • Running time: Approximately 30 minutes per episode
    • Episodes: Over 4,500 episodes (as of 2021)
    • Language: English
    Sesame Street in other rankings
  2. 2
    22
    votes

    Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

    Angela Santomero
    This show is based on the characters from the classic children's book, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." It teaches children about emotions, empathy, and problem-solving. [
    Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is a popular PBS Kids show that follows the adventures of Daniel Tiger, the 4-year-old son of the original Daniel Striped Tiger from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Through imaginative play, storytelling, and catchy songs, Daniel Tiger learns valuable life lessons while interacting with his family, friends, and neighbors in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
    • Genre: Educational
    • Format: Animated
    • Target Age: 2-4 years old
    • Episodes: Over 100
    • Running Time: Approximately 30 minutes per episode
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    This show has been on the air since 1996 and follows the adventures of an eight-year-old aardvark named Arthur. It teaches children about social skills, diversity, and learning from mistakes. [
    Arthur is a popular male name in Belgium and has a rich historical significance. It is derived from the Celtic word 'artos,' which means bear. The name Arthur is associated with strength, bravery, and leadership. It gained popularity in Belgium due to its royal and noble connections.
    • Origin: Celtic
    • Meaning: Bear
    • Popularity: High in Belgium
    • Historical Significance: Associated with legends and mythologies
    • Royal Connections: Belgian royals, such as King Albert I and King Philippe, had the name Arthur
  4. 4
    25
    votes

    Wild Kratts

    Chris Kratt, Martin Kratt
    This show follows two brothers who teach children about animals and their habitats. It uses animation and live-action footage to create an engaging learning experience. [
    Wild Kratts is an educational animated children's show that airs on PBS Kids. The show follows the adventures of brothers Chris and Martin Kratt as they explore the animal kingdom and learn about different species and their habitats. Using a mix of live-action and animation, the Kratt brothers use their Creature Power Suits to mimic the abilities of various animals, allowing them to observe and interact with wildlife up close. The show aims to teach children about the importance of conservation and environmental awareness.
    • Genre: Educational
    • Format: Animated/Live-action
    • Target audience: Children
    • Network: PBS Kids
    • Number of seasons: 6
  5. 5
    21
    votes
    This show is based on the classic children's book series and follows the adventures of a curious little monkey. It teaches children about science, math, and problem-solving. [
    Curious George is a beloved animated television series based on the popular children's books written by Margret and H.A. Rey. The show follows the adventures of a curious and mischievous little monkey named George, who is always eager to explore and learn about the world around him. George often finds himself in funny and sticky situations, but with the help of his friend, the Man with the Yellow Hat, he learns valuable lessons along the way.
    • Genre: Children's animated series
    • Target audience: Preschool children
    • Country of origin: United States
    • Original language: English
    • First aired: September 4, 2006
    Curious George in other rankings
  6. 6
    15
    votes
    This show is based on the classic Dr. Seuss book and teaches children about science and nature. It features the popular character, the Cat in the Hat. [
    The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! is an educational animated television series based on the famous Dr. Seuss book. The show follows the adventures of a lively and mischievous cat who, with the help of his two energetic friends, Thing One and Thing Two, explores the wonders of the natural world.
    • Genre: Educational
    • Target Audience: Preschool children
    • Number of Seasons: 5
    • Number of Episodes: 126
    • Running Time: 22 minutes per episode
  7. 7
    5
    votes
    This show follows the adventures of a little girl named Peg and her cat as they solve math problems. It uses music and animation to make math fun and engaging. [
    Peg + Cat is an animated children's television show that airs on PBS Kids. It follows the adventures of a little girl named Peg and her pet cat, Cat, as they solve various mathematical problems and help their friends along the way.
    • Genre: Educational
    • Target audience: Preschool children
    • Premiere date: October 7, 2013
    • Number of seasons: 3
    • Number of episodes: 80
  8. 8
    10
    votes

    Odd Squad

    Tim McKeon and Adam Peltzman
    This show follows a group of young agents who use math to solve problems. It teaches children about problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. [
    Odd Squad is a popular PBS Kids show that follows the adventures of a group of young detectives who solve odd cases using math skills and out-of-the-box thinking. The show combines education and entertainment to teach children problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
    • Genre: Educational, Comedy
    • Target Audience: Children aged 5-8
    • Premiere Date: November 26, 2014
    • Number of Seasons: 3
    • Number of Episodes: 100+
  9. 9
    13
    votes

    Super Why!

    Angela Santomero
    This show follows a group of characters who use reading and language skills to solve problems. It teaches children about literacy and critical thinking. [
    Super Why! is an educational children's television show that combines interactive storytelling and literacy skills. It follows a group of friends known as the Super Readers, who use their reading powers to solve problems and help characters in well-known storybooks. By using their reading abilities, the Super Readers embark on adventures, model good reading behavior, and teach important lessons along the way.
    • Genre: Educational
    • Age Range: Preschool
    • First Episode Date: September 3, 2007
    • Running Time: Approximately 25 minutes
    • Language: English
  10. 10
    1
    votes

    Dinosaur Train

    Craig Bartlett
    This show follows a family of dinosaurs as they explore different time periods and learn about science. It teaches children about dinosaurs, paleontology, and scientific inquiry. [
    Dinosaur Train is a popular PBS Kids show that combines entertaining animation with educational content. The series follows the adventures of Buddy, a curious young dinosaur, as he rides the Dinosaur Train to explore different time periods and learn about various types of dinosaurs. The show aims to teach preschool-aged children about natural science, paleontology, and the wonders of the prehistoric world.
    • Genre: Educational/Animated
    • Target audience: Preschoolers
    • Running time: Approximately 27 minutes per episode
    • Language: English
    • Original network: PBS Kids

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Ranking factors for popular show

  1. Viewer ratings
    The show's viewer ratings reflect public opinion and are a significant indicator of popularity. Shows with higher ratings tend to be more popular among the target audience.
  2. Number of episodes produced
    The more episodes a show has, the more likely it is to be popular and successful. Long-running shows typically have a dedicated fan base and consistent financial backing.
  3. Awards and nominations
    The number and type of awards a show receives can be indicative of popularity and quality. Shows that have been recognized with prestigious awards, such as the Daytime Emmy Awards or Parents' Choice Awards, are often well-regarded.
  4. Online presence and social media following
    Popular shows tend to have a strong online presence, with high engagement rates on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This also includes the number of views or subscribers on YouTube channels related to the show.
  5. Merchandise sales
    The sale of toys, books, DVDs, and other merchandise based on the show can be a good indicator of its popularity.
  6. Availability and syndication
    Shows that are widely available through online streaming platforms, such as PBS Kids' website and app, as well as on other popular platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime, reach more viewers and are more likely to be popular.
  7. Testimonials and reviews
    Positive feedback from viewers, parents, or educators can contribute to a show's popularity and reputation. Look for reviews from reputable sources like Common Sense Media or testimonials from parents' blogs and forums.
  8. Educational impact
    A key objective of PBS Kids shows is to educate young viewers. Shows that effectively convey educational content while remaining engaging and entertaining are more likely to be popular and well-regarded.
  9. Longevity
    The length of time a show has been on the air can be another indicator of its popularity and success. Shows that have been around for multiple seasons often have a loyal fan base and a strong reputation.
  10. Spinoffs, adaptations, and tie-ins
    The existence of spinoffs, adaptations, or other related media projects can also indicate the popularity of a show. If a show has inspired multiple spinoffs or has been adapted into a film, it is likely well-regarded and successful.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular PBS Kids show. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or show is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2373 views
  • 212 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each show once every 24 hours. The rank of each show is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular pbs kids show

PBS Kids has been a beloved destination for children's television for decades, offering a variety of educational and entertaining programming that has captured the hearts and minds of young viewers across the country. From classic shows like Sesame Street and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood to newer offerings like Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and Wild Kratts, PBS Kids has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the most popular PBS Kids show as voted by our community on StrawPoll. So, let's dive in and see which show takes the top spot!

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