With schools around the country getting out for summer break, you might find yourself with a lot of extra little-one time on your hands. And let’s face it: while we all love our children to absolute bits, we all need a break – no matter what our parenting skill level – for our own mental health. Plopping kids in front of the TV isn’t perfect, but nothing is ever perfect, and we all need a little TV time occasionally. With that said, here are our top three children’s shows on Max to keep your tyke entertained all summer long.
Through Our Eyes
Just to start things off, we’re picking a show most young children will not actually want to watch – that should get them off the couch during summer, right? But, although it might not be pleasant, it’s the sort of television everyone should see. Through Our Eyes is a touching docuseries that focuses on the lives of struggling children, from the children of wounded veterans to children whose family farms have been devastated by climate change, and brings their stories to a wider audience in a touching, gentle light.
Due to the contents of the series, this might not be suitable for younger children, but any child late-grade-school and up will likely appreciate this nuanced and empathetic take on children their age who might be leading very different lives. It’s television at its best, valuing our differences while simultaneously showing us how alike we are deep down.
We Bare Bears
Ready for something a little more upbeat? The adorably endearing We Bare Bears stars three bear brothers, a grizzly, a panda, and a polar bear (we’ll let you figure out how bears of three different species could possibly be brothers), and follows them as they attempt to fit into the human world. This low-stress, cute, relaxing series is the perfect thing for your kids to sit back and watch … and maybe you, as well.
Steven Universe
This instant classic, beloved by children and adults alike, is a surefire way to entertain your kids during summer break. Our title character, Steven Universe, is a half-human, half-Gem, a race of female-looking sentient rock aliens with bodies made of light. After the death of his Gem mother, Rose Quartz, he’s being raised by Rose’s friends Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl.
Together (and along with Steven’s human dad Greg Universe and Steven’s friend and love interest Connie Maheswaran), this very unconventional family experiences all the wonderful troubles of growing up (Steven) and fitting into the human world (the Crystal Gems) – all while trying to defeat the Gems from Homeworld, who are dead-set on invading and subjugating Earth. With its incredibly compassionate and thoughtful storytelling; groundbreakingly-diverse cast; and gorgeous, fluid animation, it’s easy to see why Steven Universe deserves every inch of the praise it’s received.
