(Disclaimer: Yes, there are some affiliate links below. But the editorial content of this post is still the same as it would be otherwise)
Even before we gave Harley her own tablet, we were looking for video content for her. The reality is that screen time isn’t 100% evil, and honestly, sometimes we all need time to zone out – her in front of a video and me without a two-year-old demanding my complete attention. That said, I still like to encourage her to watch things that expand her mind, teach her something, or are generally worthwhile. I’ve found a bunch of awesome shows for kids, and I thought I’d share them with you. This week, it’s Bubble Guppies.
What is Bubble Guppies?
This show takes the idea of a “school of fish” to the next level. Following a class of preschoolers who sing tons of original music, kids go on all kinds of educational adventures. With themes ranging from colors to dinosaurs, music to recycling, episodes don’t feel educational, even as they teach certain topics of math, science, art as well as language skills.
There is the same recurring cast of characters, although to be honest I mainly remember Molly and Gil each time around. They go on class field trips, get into trouble and generally just have fun and solve problems as we see in most kids’ shows. The thing that truly sets this show apart is the original music in each episode.
Why do I like it?
Harley adores this show. I honestly don’t know how she first discovered it, but one day she was insisting we find Bubble Guppies on her tablet and I thought I just didn’t understand some strange new term she had invented. It’s one of her all-time favorite series to watch, and she is utterly enthralled by it. So first and foremost, it gets and keeps her attention.
But more than that, I really like the content covered in each episode. For example, a trip to the zoo is more than just learning the names of animals or something. The whole episode ends up being about biomes, with the characters finding out about a lonely rhino who needs an animal friend, so they need to find other animals from the same biome who can hang out with Monty the rhino. Each episode addresses a different theme like this, with excellent explanations that are tied into the story and characters really well, while still being totally entertaining for a toddler.
What’s not so great about it?
So the music is really great, but also super catchy. So catchy, that you might find yourself singing some of the songs to yourself after your kid has gone to sleep. Here is the “At the zoo” song they sing as part of the episode I described above. Just try to listen to it and not get it stuck in your head, I dare you.
It also only really hits its stride in the second season, so I’d suggest skipping season one. Not that the episodes are bad, but they just get a lot better once the series had been going for a while. It’s also not in production anymore, so you may end up having to watch a lot of the same episodes or seasons on repeat if your kid gets hooked on it. But if your kid is anything like Harley, you’re probably just watching the same three episodes over and over again anyway.
Where is Bubble Guppies available?
Bubble Guppies is part of Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr stable. As such, you can find it aired on the Nick Jr and Nickelodeon channels. Alternatively, seasons 1 and 2 are available as part of Amazon Prime, so you can stream them for free. There is also a Bubble Guppies website with free videos and games for your kid to enjoy.
Is your kid a fan of this series? Which shows do you let your little one watch, and why?
DID YOU LIKE THIS POST?
If you like these words, please check out more of what I say on twitter and Facebook, and pics I take on Instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on Pinterest.
Also, please be sure to sign up to my carefully curated, crafted and infrequent newsletter.
