Many of my friends share looks of shock when I tell them that I grew up without cable TV. No "Phineas and Ferb." No "Out of the Box." No "Good Luck Charlie" or "Wizards of Waverly Place." While most of my friends grew up on Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, or Nickelodeon, I was raised on purely PBS Kids. Listed below are 20 of the shows I used to watch as a kid, and I have some great memories of them. Hopefully you’ll remember some of them too!
1. Caillou
This show often involved tantrums and fighting between friends and siblings, but if it taught me one thing, it taught me how to forgive and be thankful of the things I have.
2. Clifford the Big Red Dog
As an animal lover, I always enjoyed Clifford the Big Red Dog. This show presented the responsibilities of taking care of a pet, as well as other situations that elementary students may face in school.
3. Mr. Roger's Neighborhood
The man who taught me to make believe and have an imagination. My heart broke when Mr. Rogers passed away. Each episode was so special and allowed viewers, both children and adults, to learn something new.
4. The Big Comfy Couch
You did the clock exercises with her. Don't lie.
5. Sesame Street
Sesame Street is a classic. From numbers, shapes, letters, and colors, to manners, learning to ask for help, and learning about emotions and how to handle them, Sesame Street deserves an award for giving children the materials they need to develop.
6. Dragon Tales
When I found out this show was on Netflix, I sat down and watched four episodes in a row. I watched this every day at 6 am when I was sick.
7. Jay Jay the Jet Plane
Not gonna lie, this show was a little creepy. Planes weren't meant to have faces on them, but I still enjoyed watching it.
8. Arthur
Arthur taught me the many basics in life whether it dealt with manners, friendships, or school.
9. Zoom
Wow this one is an oldie. It got taken off the air to make room for newer shows, which was a shame. This show taught me how fun and adventurous the world can be.
10. Zoboomafoo
Who didn't love this show? I cried when the lemur died two years ago, but who didn't?
11. Between the Lions
I watched this show every Sunday afternoon with my sister. It was one of our favorite pastimes.
12. Reading Rainbow
Probably one of PBS's finest kids shows. Lavar taught me so much about reading and what the world has to offer.
13. Cyberchase
This was the best! I could have watched episode after episode of this show.
14. Sagwa
You forgot about this show, didn't you? So did I (until I did my research for this article.)
15. Maya and Miguel
I learned more Spanish form this show than I learned from Dora the Explorer.
16. Barney
Yes... I watched Barney as a child. Moving on...
17. It's A Big Big World
This show wasn't on for very long but I sure learned a lot about wildlife.
18. Liberty's Kids
I've never been a history buff but this show was the best!
19. Bear in the Big Blue House
This was the first place I ever learned about different religions and the different holidays they celebrate. I first learned about Hanukkah and Kwanza by watching this show. It was easily another of my favorites.
20. Rolie Polie Olie
Another childhood favorite. And let's admit it--Rolie Polie Olie is just fun to say!
These shows were what I grew up on. I didn't have cable at all as a child and I turned out fine. I'm sure many of you remember these shows as well, and I hope this was a fun trip back in time!
