It’s no secret that I watch a lot of TV, and a lot of the time I’ll end up watching things that aren’t necessarily targeted to my age range. Meaning I, a 20 year old, will watch things meant for 10 year olds – and I have absolutely no shame in admitting that. I find shows targeted to a younger audience to be very carefree and fun; it’s a great way for me to step back from the more dramatic shows meant for adult audiences. And since most of these shows are only 20-30 minutes long, they’re a perfect length for when you want to take a quick break after class or while doing schoolwork. Sometimes I’ll rewatch a show that I haven’t seen since I was 10, or I’ll find one that was just released on Netflix, or one that I never got the chance to watch when I was a kid. Here are some of my favorites that I’ve seen so far.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CANUirig1Yd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Avatar: The Last Airbender
This show is about Aang, an airbender who is also the avatar (the only person who can master all four elements). He, along with his friends, have to stop the Fire Lord from taking over the world. Okay, that description isn’t the best, but I’m pretty sure that most people already know what this show is about, or have noticed the huge resurgence in interest since it was put on Netflix this past June. Upon rewatching, I picked up on things I never did as a kid. The way this show tackles heavy subjects without going too dark is a feat within itself, as many shows try to be ‘edgy’ by going too dark, and the character development is some of the best I’ve ever seen on TV. With only 3 seasons, it is a pretty fast watch and is guaranteed to pull you in. Also, if you haven’t seen Legends of Korra, I highly recommend that as well. It’s about the next avatar after Aang. Her story is darker and at times even gritty and heart wrenching, but it is still amazing. Whatever you do, don’t watch the movie adaptation of Avatar on Netflix.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ZggGmgXnV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The Dragon Prince
This is a newer show, and a lot of people compare it to Avatar. However, while it does have a few similarities, they are very different. The Dragon Prince is about two princes who discover the dragon egg, which was thought to be destroyed, but is actually intact, and to stop the war that’s been raging, they journey with an elf to return it to its mother. The war is between humans and magical beings; humans born without magic can take the life force out of other magical creatures in order to use magic, which is part of the reason why this war started. This show has great characters, a lot of representation (including racially diverse, disabled, and LGBT+ characters), and the world in general is so captivating it leaves me wanting more. With only 3 seasons and 9 episodes per season, it is so easy to binge the whole thing in a weekend, which is what I did.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BO9b1CLAJ1J/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Total Drama Island
Does anyone else remember this show? I never watched it when it aired on TV, but did happen to watch it a few years ago and loved it! It follows 22 contestants on a reality show, who have to compete in the most bizarre challenges for a chance at a $100,000 cash prize. The show also takes place in Canada, which makes it even more funny as it’s supposed to be making fun of American reality shows like Survivor, and in later seasons The Amazing Race. I’m currently in the middle of rewatching it and laughing at how much it makes fun of those survival shows, which I also used to watch. With basically every stereotype of reality show stars, Total Drama Island doesn’t hold back with it’s digs at how ridiculous reality TV can be. I highly recommend it for anyone who’s ever watched one of those shows, or for anyone that wants a good laugh.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_2jL6igqmw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
This is an amazing show. From the start it hooks you and you can’t help but love all of the characters. She-Ra is a 2018 reboot of the 80’s show She-Ra: The Princess of Power, but you don’t need any prior knowledge to understand this show. This show is about Adora, a soldier of the Horde who finds an ancient sword which allows her to transform into She-Ra. She is captured by Princess Glimmer and her best friend Bow who take her prisoner to answer for her crimes against Etheria (the name of their planet). Together the three of them lead the rebellion against Hordak and the Horde. With these complex characters, there is never a dull moment in the show. It also has a diverse cast of characters with a lot of LGBT+ representation. The 5th and final season just came out this past summer and without giving anything away, it is very satisfying.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCuZkYJlP_w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Scooby-Doo
This classic TV show is one that I’ve loved since I was a child. I’m pretty sure I’ve watched every variation of Scooby-Doo, including the new movie Scoob. Netflix recently added What’s New Scooby-Doo, which has one of the best theme songs ever, and I immediately binged the whole thing. What’s New Scooby-Doo has some of my all time favorite Scooby-Doo episodes, and even guest appearances from Simple Plan, Kiss, and the fan favorite emo girl band the Hex Girls. I will admit that this show can sometimes be a little repetitive, but it is still a classic for a reason. There are also a few Scooby-Doo movies on Netflix, of which I recommend Scooby-Doo Zombie Island. Netflix also has a 2012 show about the gang still in high school called Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated, which while it does have a different animation style is still pretty good.
All of these shows are just a glimpse at the wonderful medium that is kids animation TV, which has something for all ages to enjoy. Hopefully you’ve found something to watch or re-watch!
If you would like to write for Her Campus Mount Holyoke, or if you have any questions or comments for us, please email hc.mtholyoke@hercampus.com.