TV Shows with Diverse Characters

Last updated: March 26, 2026

Television hasn't always been known for its commitment to diversity. But that's changing fast, with some of primetime's most popular shows featuring African American, Latinx, and Asian families, and cable offering a wide variety of cultures to explore. It's great for kids and teens to see their realities mirrored on TV and see people and communities different from their own. Here are some of the best shows that celebrate our diverse world. For more media highlighting diversity and inclusion, try some of these Books with Characters of Color.

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Carl the Collector TV Series Poster Image: Carl, a cartoon raccoon, sits outside with a few of his collections in jars

TV

Carl the Collector

age 2+

Adorable animal friends and positive autism representation.

PBS Kids Educational (2024)

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Sesame Street Poster Image

TV

Sesame Street

age 2+

Classic show endures changes, but learning content remains.

PBS , Max Educational (1969)

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3rd & Bird Poster Image

TV

3rd & Bird

age 3+

Colorful bird community celebrates diversity, cooperation.

Disney Channel Kids' Animation (2011)

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Blue's Clues & You! Poster Image

TV

Blue's Clues & You!

age 3+

Engaging reboot teaches preschoolers prereading skills.

Nickelodeon Kids' Animation (2019)

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Bubble Guppies Poster Image

TV

Bubble Guppies

age 3+

Cheerful aqua tots teach kids good social lessons.

Nickelodeon Kids' Animation (2011)

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Dinosaur Train Poster Image

TV

Dinosaur Train

age 3+

Young dino's travels teach kids about science and diversity.

PBS Educational (2009)

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Handy Manny Poster Image

TV

Handy Manny

age 3+

Friendly handyman teaches kids about cooperation.

Disney Channel Kids' Animation (2006)

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Nella the Princess Knight Poster Image

TV

Nella the Princess Knight

age 3+

Well-rounded hero is great role model for preschoolers.

Nickelodeon Kids' Animation (2017)

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Ni Hao, Kai-lan Poster Image

TV

Ni Hao, Kai-lan

age 3+

Cultural content, good messages make show a hit.

Nickelodeon Kids' Animation (2007)

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Nina's World Poster Image

TV

Nina's World

age 3+

Strong diversity, community, family themes in superb series.

Universal Kids Kids' Animation (2015)

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Super Wings Poster Image

TV

Super Wings

age 3+

Friendly planes' world travels teach kids multiculturalism.

Universal Kids Kids' Animation (2015)

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Doc McStuffins Poster Image

TV

Doc McStuffins

age 4+

Excellent preschool series has positive messages for kids.

Disney Junior Kids' Animation (2012)

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Julie's Greenroom Poster Image

TV

Julie's Greenroom

age 4+

Delightful series teaches young kids about performance arts.

Netflix Kids Musical TV (2017)

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Mighty Little Bheem: Diwali Poster Image

TV

Mighty Little Bheem: Diwali

age 4+

Curious tot's Diwali adventures will enchant and entertain.

Netflix Kids' Animation (2019)

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Mira, Royal Detective Poster Image

TV

Mira, Royal Detective

age 4+

Clever girl's adventures celebrate Indian culture.

Disney Junior Kids' Animation (2020)

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Mouk Poster Image

TV

Mouk

age 4+

Gentle preschool series promotes cultural diversity.

Kids Central , Kidstream Kids' Animation (2011)

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Skillsville TV Show Poster Image: Dev, Cora, and Rae inside the Skillsville video game

TV

Skillsville

age 4+

Kids jump into video game world to practice life skills.

PBS Kids Educational (2025)

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TV show poster reading,"Storytime just got fabulous." Two drag performers Fay and Fluffy stand behind a Vegas-style sign that says The Fabulous Show

TV

The Fabulous Show With Fay & Fluffy

age 4+

Fab stories, social-emotional lessons with friends in drag.

YouTube Educational (2022)

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Dora and Friends: Into the City! Poster Image

TV

Dora and Friends: Into the City!

age 5+

School-age TV icon explores community service, friendship.

Nickelodeon Kids' Animation (2014)

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Elena of Avalor Poster Image

TV

Elena of Avalor

age 5+

Spunky Latina princess is an excellent role model.

Disney Junior Kids' Animation (2016)

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