Popular Nick Jr. Shows

As the mother of a wonderful 4 year old son, I am very familiar with the variety of shows on Nick Jr. Growing up in the early '80's cartoons and programs geared toward youth were aired at certain times of the day, many of them only once a week. Now they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are entertaining as well as educational, so as a reward he is able to watch his favorite programs without me being worried about what he's watching.

Starting out as Noggin in February 1999, Nick Jr. was originally aimed toward preteens, but changed it's format toward preschoolers in 2002. It now is home to many commercial-free, educational shows. Here I will list and briefly summarize the channel that is Nick Jr!

Dora the Explorer-This show, which has a computer-like style, stars a 7-year-old Latina girl by the name of Dora and her best friend, a monkey named Boots. In each episode they go on explorations, solving problems and facing obstacles along the way. The Map helps them find 3 specific spots, or landmarks in each episode. Dora and her many friends introduce children to Spanish words and encourage movement and interaction.

Team Umizoomi-One of the newer shows, Team Umizoomi features 3 friends in a colorful urban setting. Milli, Geo, and Bot are small superheroes who introduce the importance of math by solving problems with their Mighty Math Powers to keep Umi City running.

Ni Hao, Kai-Lan-Kai-Lan is a little girl who speaks both English and Mandarin Chinese. She, along with her grandfather Ye-Ye and her friends Rintoo, Tolee, Lulu, and Hoho, spend their days teaching each other and the viewers important life lessons such as sharing and speaking up when you are upset.

Max & Ruby-This show is based on the books by Rosemary Wells. It stars 3-year-old Max, who is a determined little boy who likes to get dirty, and his 7-year-old sister Ruby, who is smart and proper and tries hard to keep Max in line.

The Fresh Beat Band-This is a non-animated show filled with music. Marina, Kiki, Twist, and Shout are four friends who sing and dance their way through preschool related problems.

Go, Diego, Go!-Diego, cousin of Dora, and his sister Alicia, are animal rescuers who teach preschoolers about animals and their environments through science and technology.

The Backyardigans-In this show, Pablo, Uniqua, Tasha, Tyrone, and Austin transform their adjoining backyards with the power of imagination to whatever magical setting needed to go on amazing journeys. This show introduces children to many different styles and genres of singing and dancing.

WonderPets!-A show about three classroom pets who travel all over the world to help baby animals. By working together, they show preschoolers the importance of teamwork.

Toot & Puddle-Toot and Puddle introduce travel and adventure, whether these best friends are at home or far away.

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!-Wubbzy is a cheerful guy who likes to play all the time. Sometimes he is a little too carefree! That's why he is fortunate to have his friends Walden, who has the brain-smarts, and Widget, who is handy.

Yo Gabba Gabba-Lead by DJ Lance Rock, enter a magical land full of toy monsters, dancing, and singing. Each show has a theme such as PLAY and a special guest, such as Jack Black or the musical group SugarLand.

Olivia-Olivia is a cute 6-year-old pig moves through fantasy and real life in her everyday play with her brothers Ian and William, and her friend Julian, along with her next-door neighbor Francine.

Jack's Big Music Show-Jack and his friend Mary, along with Mel the Dog, expose children to all sorts of music and musical concepts in Jack's clubhouse.

Pinky Dinky Doo-Pinky is an imaginative 7-year-old girl who uses her tall tales to help solve the problems of her little brother Tyler. Usully Mr. Guinea Pig is there, too!

Blue's Clues-This show has been popular for many years. Steve was the host for the first 4 seasons, but when Steve went to college, his brother Joe moved in and has been hosting since. In every episode the puppy Blue leaves 3 clues, noted by her paw print, in and around the house to answer a question, such as "What does Blue want to do today?" or "What musical instrument does Blue want to play?". They often have help from friendssuch as Slippery Soap or Magenta.

Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends-This show focuses on Miss Spider and her diverse family-Dad Holley and their children, both biological and adopted. The children learn how to live and play well with others as they go play and explore their 'neighborhood', the countryside and the other bugs and insects who live there too.

The Upside Down Show-This show is hosted by real life people David and Shane, who spend the entire show trying to get somewhere they've never been, such as the airport. They have preschoolers interact by having them press buttons on their imaginary remote.

Franklin-He is a 6-year-old turtle who helps preschoolers solve age-related problems, such as being afraid of the dark or how to handle a new situation.

Little Bear-This show consists of three seven-and-a-half minute stories in a half hour show. Little Bear is an curious bear who enjoys sharing adventures and games with his forest friends.

Oswald-Oswald is a big blue octopus, who, along with his dog, Weenie, share adventures with his friends in the slow town of Big City.

Maggie and the Ferocious Beast-Five-year-old Maggie plays in a land of imagination with her friends the Ferocious Beast, who is anything but ferocious, and Hamilton, a strong-hearted pig.

Little Bill-A creation of Bill Cosby himself, Little Bill is a 5-year-old boy who lives in the city. He deals with issues at home with his family-his mother, father, sister, brother, and his grandmother Alice the Great, as well as at school.

 In between programs, preschoolers are entertained and educated by Moose and Zee.

Moose A. Moose is a teacher of sorts. He generates preschoolers creative thinking, as well as teaching colors and memory through games and song.

Zee the Bird is his trusty but silent sidekick who communicates through flapping his wings and blinking.

 So as you can see, there are many programs available on the popular channel Nick Jr. All of them teach children in one way or another, whether it be to play together, to learn a different language, or to problem solve.