When schools close, screen time increases. As a parent, you can feel bad about it, or you can use this list of award-winning shows to make sure it’s time well spent. Here are 10 shows that will make you feel like a great parent, knowing your child is watching the best content in the world – literally.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood (PBS Kids)
Put on your stripes and join Daniel Tiger in the Neighbourhood of Make-Believe. Get ready for adventures with O the Owl, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday and Miss Elaina.
Age recommendation: 3+, according to Common Sense Media
Hey Duggee (CBeebies)
Duggee is a big friendly dog who runs The Squirrel Club – a place where kids take part in all kinds of activities, have adventures and earn activity badges along the way.
Age recommendation: 3+, according to Common Sense Media
Peppa Pig (Entertainment One)
Peppa explores her muddy-puddled world with her trademark blend of curiosity and cleverness, along with her little brother George and her best friend Suzie Sheep.
Age recommendation: 3+, according to Common Sense Media
Puppy Dog Pals (Disney Junior)
Fun-loving pug puppies, brothers Bingo and Rolly, have thrill-seeking appetites that take them on exhilarating adventures in their neighbourhood and around the globe.
Age recommendation: 3+, according to Common Sense Media
Doc McStuffins (Disney Junior)
Doc McStuffins is a six-year-old girl who can communicate with her stuffed animals and toys, and knows just how to heal them.
Age recommendation: 4+, according to Common Sense Media
The Highway Rat (BBC One)
An adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestseller, The Highway Rat is a swashbuckling tale of a greedy rat who craves buns and biscuits and comes to a sticky end. Animated in Cape Town by Triggerfish.
Age recommendation
4+
Elena of Avalor (Disney Junior)
Princess Elena has saved her magical kingdom, Avalor, from an evil sorceress and must learn to rule as its crown princess.
Age recommendation: 5+, according to Common Sense Media
Revolting Rhymes (BBC One)
Two half-hour animated films based on the much-loved rhymes written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake. Partly animated in Cape Town by Triggerfish.
Age recommendation: 6+
Spongebob Squarepants (Nickelodeon)
The misadventures of a talking sea sponge who works at a fast food restaurant, attends a boating school, and lives in an underwater pineapple.
Age recommendation: 6+, according to Common Sense Media
Adventure Time (Cartoon Network)
A 12-year-old boy and his best friend, a wise 28-year-old dog with magical powers, go on a series of surreal adventures.
Age recommendation: 10+, according to Common Sense Media
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S1 coming to Showmax on 10 December 2018
This is just a small selection of the animated content on Showmax, which also includes 2018 Emmy nominees like Blaze and The Monster Machines, Mickey and the Roadster Racers and Wild Kratts.