As a proud Gen Z-millennial cusper, I firmly believe I grew up with the most elite selection of kids’ TV shows. I feel bad for the Gen Alpha TikTok babies who will never know what it’s like to rush home from school to catch the newest episode of Hannah Montana or Max & Ruby.
But although I remember watching a range of TV shows as a kid, I gotta be honest: Too many of the ones I loved have since fled from my memory. I guess it’s a sign we’re getting older…but whatever the case, remembering these shows after all these years feels so bizarre, yet simultaneously heartwarming.
So here are some ’00s kids’ TV shows you probably watched growing up, but may have forgotten about!
1.
Of course, I gotta start with Rolie Polie Olie (1998–2004). Perhaps the most recognizable (and least forgotten) on this list, this show emulated great vibes. Plus, the intro is still a bop. As a kid, I was never aware they were supposed to be robots, but it makes so much more sense now.
2.
If there’s any show that made middle school look like a blast, it was The Weekenders (2000–2004). I definitely had a hyper-fixation on Tish, and I can’t explain why…maybe because I resonated with her obsessive personality. Before there was “Type A” and “Type B,” there was Tish and Tino.
3.
I’m genuinely ashamed to have ever forgotten about one of the greatest kids’ shows of all time, The Big Comfy Couch (1992–2006). Loonette was the queen of my TV screen. She was also the OG Pilates instructor whenever she’d stretch on that giant clock (real fans know what I’m talking about).
4.
The original Angelina Ballerina (2001–2009) might have been a more simple animation style than its reboot, but it was absolutely WAY better, and I’ll die on that hill. This show was so sweet, it mightttt have been part of the reason why I joined dance as a kid.
5.
Another one that I seem to understand even less as an adult: Higglytown Heroes (2004–2008). What exactly were these characters supposed to be? I’m not sure. All I know is, just looking at their smiling faces brought back a wave of nostalgia I wasn’t prepared for.
6.
If you never watched Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Friends (2004–2008), I seriously recommend rewatching an episode. Miss Spider was the Ms. Frizzle of the bug world, AKA an absolutely incredible teacher. I was never afraid of spiders growing up, and that’s in large part thanks to the sweetness of this show.
7.
Back in the day, kids’ TV was actually way more educational than anyone gave it credit for (thank you, PBS!). And Super Why! (1999–2016) is proof! It’s honestly a genius concept when you think about it: Adorable superheroes that encourage a love of reading and critical thinking. Sign me the heck up.
8.
When I remembered Bear in the Big Blue House (1997–2006) again, my brain exploded all over the walls. Because I truly did forget about this one completely, and it has a special place in my heart, despite feeling a bit eerie and uncanny to me now (my sister was terrified of The Muppets growing up, and I’m shocked this one never scared her).
9.
On the other hand, Little Bear (1995–2003) was the opposite of eerie — it’s beyond cute, and absolutely wholesome. This show is actually based on a book series, which I definitely didn’t realize growing up. But all the best TV shows and movies are based on books, so we shouldn’t be too surprised.
10.
I loved Charlie and Lola (2005–2008) as a kid, but nobody seems to remember it anymore. The brother-sister dynamic was so much fun — arguably even more fun than Max & Ruby. In addition to watching the show, I definitely read several Charlie and Lola books, too.
11.
Many people may not remember Olivia (2009–2015) — but it’s a shame, because it was like a way, way, way more fun (and less controversial) version of Peppa Pig. If you have space for one animated-kids’-show-starring-a-pig in your brain, this is IT. Olivia really was THAT GIRL.
12.
Speaking of lovable main characters, Oswald (2001–2003) takes the cake, IMO. I mean, come on, it’s a blue octopus with an infectious smile. The animation style of this show is particularly nostalgic — as is Oswald’s little dog named Weenie, who I completely forgot about.
13.
Bunnytown (2007–2008) was a fun, silly TV show that may have only aired for a year, but it definitely made its impact. In addition to the show, you might recall the Bunnytown games online, which had me in a complete chokehold (I spent hours in that online Bunnytown ice cream shop…IYKYK). Whatever the case, looking back, this one is a true gem.
14.
Perhaps one of the more popular ones on this list, Clifford the Big Red Dog (2000–2003) was the pet I never had as a child. I was so jealous of Emily and her relationship with Clifford. This show was based on a book series dating back to 1963, and it was even developed into a live-action movie in 2021. (Seeing Clifford as an IRL dog in that movie was a true jumpscare.)
15.
I’m not done reminding you of the educational shows yet — do you remember Crashbox (1999–2000)? This was essentially a game show for kids, featuring characters that I can only describe as WILD. Still, although short-lived, this show was a ton of fun.
16.
We all remember the Franklin books, but I argue the TV show was even better (1997–2006). I was absolutely HOOKED on this show, and I stand by it to this day. I had a Franklin stuffed animal that I wish, more than anything, that I could find. To me, this show just oozes nostalgia, comfort, and family.
17.
Although I was never a die-hard Handy Manny (2006–2013) girlie, I certainly enjoyed watching it at times. And I now think of it whenever I see anything handyman-related, so I have to give this show some credit. Besides, what’s more fun than talking inanimate objects? (The handsaw, Dusty, was definitely the best.)
18.
I guess clowns were all the rage in the ’00s, because JoJo’s Circus (2003–2011) totally had us all wanting to move to the (unfortunately fictional) Circus Town. Although JoJo herself is obviously iconic, the music was maybe my favourite part of this show. Try to watch the theme song without busting a move, I dare you.
19.
And while we’re discussing music, I absolutely need to talk about The Doodlebops (2004–2007). These colourful, musical characters were my faves as a kid, but now they truly terrify me for whatever reason. Perhaps it’s because I’m likely of a similar age as they were at the time, which creeps me out, or maybe it’s the over-the-top costumes. But one thing’s for sure: This one is never gonna leave my memory again.
20.
Franny’s Feet (2003–2010) instilled us all with such a pure sense of adventure, and I don’t think we give dear Franny enough credit for that. It was impossible to be bored watching an episode of this show; every single one was a wild ride. Besides, who doesn’t love a show with a little magic?
21.
Finally, perhaps one of the most niche on this list: Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs (2005–2015). As soon as I read this show title again, the theme song came flooding back to me, along with a vivid picture of that dang bucket. I firmly believe this show still slaps, and I’d genuinely watch it as an adult…or at least choose it over the brain rot flooding my algorithms.
Now it’s your turn! What’s a ’90s or ’00s kids’ TV show that lots of people have probably forgotten about? Tell me in this quick form, or in the comments below!
