New Children’s TV Shows for 2021

I am a professional writer and editor with a passion for creative writing. With a marketing background, I love playing with language to deliver powerful messages and tell brands’ stories in an engaging way. I am a keen advocate for children’s reading and nurturing a love of books from an early age. Follow me on Twitter @MelBrannlund or email me at [email protected]

Fun Filled Animated Adventures – New Children’s TV Shows for 2021

This year has seen some exciting releases in children’s animated TV shows, with offerings that are packed with adventures, educational entertainment, and exciting characters that children and parents alike will enjoy. 

If you’re bored of your children watching the same TV shows on repeat, here’s a few new options to try out in 2021.

1. Ridley Jones – Netflix

This new release on streaming platform Netflix is essentially a take on the 2006 movie Night at the Museum for kids. Set in a museum which comes to life at night, the show aims to teach preschoolers about culture, geography, and animals through exciting adventures.

The lead character, Ridley Jones, is a strong, smart female lead who helps teach positive lessons and serves as a good role model for children.

One interesting point to note is that this show has been praised for being the first children’s animated TV series to include a non-binary chararacter. ‘Fred the Bison’ is described as “not a boy or a girl, just a Fred,” giving children a simple introduction into different gender identities, encouraging inclusivity and respect for others.

2. Mickey Mouse Funhouse – Disney+

This adventure show is aimed at preschoolers, with bold colours, exciting animation, and plenty of fun. The show centres around a house in the forest that can talk and transform into different types of buildings, leading to plenty of interesting scenarios for the characters to explore.

Though the show has a focus on teaching children good moral lessons, it does come down heavily on pushing consumer products, with plenty of tie-ins to toys and games relating to the show.

3. Chuggington: Tales From the Rails – Disney Junior

A cheerful, vibrant train-filled show which fans of Thomas the Tank Engine will appreciate. The show teaches values of working hard, having fun, and teamwork, with friends helping each other out to get jobs done.

The episodes include upbeat music, plenty of positive messaging, and dynamic, fun adventures which have great appeal for kids and parents alike.

4. Monsters at Work – Disney+

This spinoff series is based on the 2001 children’s animated film Monsters, Inc. and includes all of the characters from the original movie, which most parents will recognise and enjoy seeing brought to life again.

Focusing on the workplace, this amusing and charming show teaches children that life doesn’t always go to plan, and the importance of going with the flow and making the best of what you have in life.

5. The Patrick Star Show – Nickelodeon 

A spin-off of the hugely popular, often surreal, riotous SpongeBob Squarepants kids’ TV series – a show which some parents may also remember watching themselves – focuses on starfish Patrick Star and his family hosting a talk show.

It’s whacky, wild, cartoon fun featuring guest appearances from some of the characters from the original TV show including SpongeBob Squarepants, Squidward, Sandy, Mr Krabs, and Plankton.


These are just a few of the new and upcoming children's animated TV shows hitting the screens this year, with plenty more in the pipelines across digital streaming platforms and TV channels for 2022 too. So don’t get stuck in a rut with the same old kids’ shows – explore some new ones for you and the kids to enjoy together!

Look out for Melissa's latest articles on Anita Frost's author website, where she'll talk about topics including business and publishing, author news and events, and giving back to communities. You can find her in-depth monthly feature on the News & Media page of the Green Bean Collection website, discussing children's books and reading, early years education, living a greener lifestyle and all things Green Bean! ​