“If I’m twitching weird it’s because it’s pandemonium.”
Have you ever wondered why kids' shows today are so different to the ones you grew up watching?
The rapid scene changes. The nonstop music. The flashing lights. The characters who talk a mile a minute and bounce from one plot point to the next. The constant sense of urgency in each episode.
It’s loud. It’s fast. And it can make a child’s brain short-circuit in a hurry.
READ MORE: Kylie Kelce lists the kids shows she loves — and the ones she “aggressively” banned
In a world where screen time habits are already a constant negotiation for parents, many are starting to pause and ask a bigger question: What is all this stimulation actually doing to kids?
And, better yet, how can parents promote learning without over-stimulation?
If you were to ask Jayme Yannuzzi — a former teacher and mother of a 3-year-old who became addicted to modern TV — the answer is to opt for “slower-paced TV shows” that promote “high-quality content.”
“I started to really pay attention to the types of content my toddler was consuming — and seeing if watching slow TV was in fact more beneficial,” she wrote in a Motherly article, published in 2024.
Why 90s kids’ shows are making a comeback
The “slow TV movement” has been gaining a lot of attention lately.
According to Yannuzzi, her “secret weapon” when it comes to screen time is simple — and it meant reverting back to the 90s shows and old cartoons she grew up watching.
“Some of my favorites we can watch together and really connect. I love that most of these shows feature a slower pace, calm music and include important lessons for kids to learn,” she wrote on Motherly.
And she’s not the only one making the switch.
READ MORE: Al Roker hopes to inspire a new generation of meteorologists with new animated PBS Kids show
Lauren, a social media influencer and pregnant mom of two, noticed a huge change in her children' s behavior and attitude after they were introduced to some of her favorite childhood shows.
“I noticed he enjoyed them, but didn’t *need* them,” she wrote on Instagram. “We’d watch an episode or two and when it was time to turn it off he didn’t fight me or get upset, he just went back to playing!”
She also noticed a major change in their sleeping habits.
“A lot of 90’s childhood shows have lower stimulation than today’s shows & movies. I also love the messages and creative exploration a lot of 90’s shows teach children,” Lauren added.
Nostalgic low-stimulation shows for toddlers
Low-stimulation shows are having a moment — but what should parents look for?
Today’s parents are looking for shows with room to breathe. Episodes that unfold slowly instead of racing from scene to scene. Music that supports the story rather than overpowering it.
Characters who take turns talking, experience small conflicts, and work through them without urgency.
READ MORE: New Study Shows That Social Media Screen Time Is Worse for Kids Than TV and Video Games
In many cases, the goal isn’t to eliminate screen time altogether — after all, screen time can have its benefits — but to make it feel calmer, more intentional, and easier to walk away from.
If you’re looking to take a break from modern kids’ shows, then here are a few shows to consider.
“Bear in the Big Blue House”
Aired: 1997-2006 | How to watch: Disney+
“Out of the Box”
Aired: 1998-2004 | How to watch: Disney+
“Little Bear”
Aired: 1995-2003 | How to watch: Paramount+
“Franklin”
Aired: 1997-2006 | How to watch: YouTube
“Arthur”
Aired: 1996-2022 | How to watch: PBS Kids
“Rolie Polie Olie”
Aired: 1998-2007 | How to watch: Disney+
“Clifford the Big Red Dog”
Aired: 2000-2003 | How to watch: PBS Kids
“The Magic School Bus”
Aired: 1994-1997 | How to watch: Peacock
“The Berenstain Bears”
Aired: 1985-1987 | How to watch: YouTube
“Dragon Tales”
Aired: 1999-2005 | How to watch: Amazon Prime
“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”
Aired: 2015-2021 | How to watch: Amazon Prime
“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”
Aired: 1968-2001 | How to watch: MisterRogers.org
“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”
Aired: 2012-present | How to watch: PBS Kids
“Frog and Toad”
Aired: 2023-present | How to watch: Amazon Prime
“Curious George”
Aired: 2006-2022 | How to watch: Hulu
“The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh”
Aired: 1988-1991 | How to watch: Disney+
“Sesame Street”
Aired: 1969-present | How to watch: YouTube
“Barney & Friends”
Aired: 1992-2010 | How to watch: YouTube
“Tumble Leaf”
Aired: 2013-2019 | How to watch: Amazon Prime
“Reading Rainbow”
Aired: 1983-2006 | How to watch: Amazon Prime
“Blue’s Clues”
Aired: 1996-2007 | How to watch: Paramount+
“The Big Comfy Couch”
Aired: 1992-2013 | How to watch: Amazon Prime
“Puffin Rock”
Aired: 2015-2016 | How to watch: Netflix
“Trash Truck”
Aired: 2020-2021 | How to watch: Netflix
“Max and Ruby”
Aired: 2002-2019 | How to watch: Paramount+
ALSO ON MOD MOMS CLUB: A beloved children’s book series is finally becoming an animated show after 33 years
For many parents, revisiting ’90s kids shows isn’t about doing things “the old way.”
It’s about finding what works now — and exposing kids to shows that entertain without overwhelming, teach without shouting, and leave kids ready to play, rest or simply be.
And if you absolutely need to throw on some modern TV, then “Bluey” will always be a middle ground!
