10 great FREE classic kids TV shows on YouTube
How many of these did you watch when you were little?
Last updated 16th Apr 2020
We all know how hard it can be to keep the kids entertained (and educated!) at home at the best of times.
You've done Joe Wicks, got a book from David Walliams... what now?! The team at Cash for Kids have put our heads together to find some of the best kids TV shows that we remember and the ones our own children love that you can find on YouTube.
1. Postman Pat
Keeping children entertained since 1981, the classic series follows the adventures of Pat and his black and white cat Jess as he delivers post around the village of Greendale, but more often than not he ends up getting distracted by one of the villagers. There was even a 3D computer animated film in 2014 starring Rupert Grint and David Tennant!
Visit the Postman Pat Official YouTube Channel for hundreds of full episodes.
2. Fireman Sam
Originally the brainchild of two ex-firemen from London, Fireman Sam started in the 80s using traditional puppet animation and was rebooted in 2005 and again in 2008 with the visuals being updated each time. It's now computer animated and has been translated into over 25 different languages!
Visit Fireman Sam on YouTube for episodes and home safety tips for children.
3. Thomas the Tank Engine
Thomas has been around since 1946 in The Railway Series books, written by The Reverend Wilbert Awdry who based them on stories he told his son while he was recovering from measles. It started as a TV series in 1984 - originally narrated by Ringo Starr from The Beatles!
The Thomas & Friends YouTube Channel has hundreds of episodes, from classics right up to today.
4. Pingu
Pingu was originally made for Swiss TV, but became popular around the world with it's use of a made-up language called "Pinguish" by fans instead of real dialogue. A Japanese reboot started in 2017.
The Pingu Official YouTube Channel adds new videos every Thursday.
5. Noddy
Noddy was created by English children's writer Enid Blyton in 1949, and has been on our TV screens since 1955(!). The latest computer-animated series, Noddy, Toyland Detective, began in 2016.
Check out Noddy Official for the latest adventures and some classic clips.
6. Peppa Pig
We couldn't do a list without this one! The incredibly popular show for younger kids started in the UK back in 2004 and has gone from strength to strength, now being shown in over 180 territories around the world including the USA and China.
The Peppa Pig Official Channel has hours of old episodes, plus a 24/7 live video that plays episodes non-stop (if you can take it!).
7. Sesame Street
Sesame Street has been around since the 60s, aiming to educate as well as entertain throughout it's 5,000+ episode run. It famously stars Muppet characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster and Big Bird alongside a cast of human characters - including more than 650 celebrity guests over the years from Ryan Reynolds to Johnny Cash!
The Sesame Street YouTube Channel offers full episodes, shorts, songs and games.
8. Arthur
Arthur started in America and Canada in the mid-90s before crossing the pond, covering the life of eight-year-old anthropomorphic Aardvark Arthur and his family. Even though it's aimed at children the stories usually include some jokes to give parents a giggle too.
Visit the Arthur Channel for clips and full episodes.
9. Thunderbirds
From it's start in 1965 Thunderbirds has been broadcast in 66 countries, was adapted for radio and spawned three films including the live-action Thunderbirds in 2004 which had a title track by Busted. Grab that Tracy Island you made from Blue Peter out of the loft and get the kids hooked!
Thunderbirds Are Go has clips and some full newer episodes, but for the classics take a look at Thunderbirds Official from ITV.
10. SpongeBob SquarePants
Loved by kids and adults alike, SpongeBob has become a worldwide phenomenon since it started in 1999 and now has two spin-off films. The idea for the show came from an actual Marine Biologist, and now even has a type of fungus named after it - Spongiforma Squarepantsii!
The SpongeBob YouTube Channel adds new videos every week.
We hope these suggestions are useful and help occupy your little ones!
To help provide basic essentials for families with children who are being hardest hit by Coronavirus, Cash for Kids has launched an appeal. Please make a donation if you can, just click through and select your local area to give.