TL;DR
If you’re tired of the "Netflix scroll" and the weird, AI-generated "brain rot" that seems to be infesting YouTube, Apple TV+ is the premium, curated alternative. It’s the "quality over quantity" play. While the library is smaller, the hit rate for high-quality, emotionally resonant family content is significantly higher than its competitors.
Top Recommendations:
- Best for Preschoolers: Slumberkins
- Best for Elementary: Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock
- Best for Tweens/Teens: Ghostwriter
- The "Must-Watch" Movie: Wolfwalkers
Apple TV+ is Apple’s subscription streaming service. Unlike Netflix or Hulu, which license a ton of older shows and movies from other studios, Apple TV+ is almost entirely composed of "Apple Originals."
Think of it as a boutique shop versus a massive warehouse. You won't find 10,000 titles here, but the ones you do find usually have high production value, great acting, and—crucially for us—fewer "skip-it" shows that feel like they were designed by an algorithm to keep your kid in a trance.
We’ve all been there: you put on a show for your kid so you can finish a work email or start dinner, and ten minutes later you realize they’re watching some high-pitched, neon-colored nightmare that makes them act like they’ve had three espressos the second you turn it off.
Apple has positioned itself as the "grown-up" in the room. Their kids' programming often focuses on social-emotional learning, environmentalism, and classic storytelling. It feels less like a toy commercial and more like the high-quality PBS programming we grew up with, just with a much bigger budget.
Learn more about the psychological effects of fast-paced media
For the Little Ones (Ages 2-5)
Apple’s preschool lineup is honestly top-tier. It’s calm, it’s beautiful, and it doesn't rely on the "constant noise" strategy.
- Based on the popular emotional learning toys, this show is basically therapy for toddlers (and parents). It deals with big feelings like rejection, anxiety, and change in a way that is incredibly gentle.
- If your kids play the Sago Mini World games, they will love this. It’s bright and cheerful but focuses heavily on gratitude and kindness.
- A beautiful adaptation of the classic books. It’s slow-paced in the best way possible. It’s the antithesis of "Ohio" energy.
For the Big Kids (Ages 6-11)
This is where Apple really shines by reviving classic IPs without ruining them.
- Jim Henson’s creations are back, and they are just as weird and wonderful as you remember. It’s about community and interconnectedness, and the music is actually good enough that you won't want to claw your ears off.
- Apple has a massive deal with the Peanuts estate. This show (and The Snoopy Show) keeps the soul of Charles Schulz’s work while making it look crisp and modern.
- Inspired by Jane Goodall, this follows a young environmentalist. It’s great for kids who are into animals and science, and it uses some pretty cool CGI to bring endangered species into the real world.
For Tweens and Teens (Ages 12+)
Apple’s tween content is a bit thinner, but what they have is solid.
- A reboot of the 90s classic. It’s a mystery show that revolves around literature. It’s one of those rare shows that might actually make your kid want to go to the library.
- This one is for the "weird" kids—the artists, the dreamers, the ones who find Roblox a bit too mainstream. The animation style is unique and the world-building is top-notch.
Apple recently updated the Apple TV App (which is the hub where you watch Apple TV+) with much better parental controls. Here’s why it’s actually useful:
- Dedicated Kids Profiles: You can finally set up a profile that only shows age-appropriate content. No more your 6-year-old accidentally clicking on Severance (which is a great show for you, but nightmare fuel for them).
- Siri Integration: If you use the Apple TV hardware, you can use Siri to switch profiles or search for "kids' movies," and it’s surprisingly good at filtering.
- Up Next for Kids: The "Up Next" queue is now separated by profile, so your kid's Snoopy episodes won't clutter up your dashboard.
Check out our guide on setting up Apple TV parental controls
While Apple TV+ is generally "safer" than the wild west of YouTube, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The Adult Content is Very Adult: Apple doesn't do "middle of the road" well. Their adult shows like The Morning Show or Slow Horses have significant language and mature themes. Do not leave your kid on your adult profile.
- The "In-App" Trap: The Apple TV app isn't just for Apple TV+. It also shows content from Disney+, Max, and Prime Video if you have those linked. This can be confusing for kids (and parents) because you might think you’re in the "safe" Apple zone and suddenly you’re looking at a trailer for a R-rated horror movie on another service.
- Subscription Creep: Apple is great at the "one more thing" upsell. Be careful with kids clicking on "Channels" within the app that require additional monthly fees.
Ask our chatbot how to prevent accidental in-app purchases on Apple devices
Is Apple TV+ the "gold standard"? In terms of visual and narrative quality, yes. You won't find the low-effort, brightly-colored "junk food" content that dominates other platforms.
However, because the content is "prestige," it can sometimes feel a bit... serious. If your kid just wants to watch someone fall over or see a cartoon cat get hit with a frying pan, they might find Apple’s library a bit "boring."
But if you’re looking for media that respects your child’s intelligence and doesn't leave them overstimulated and cranky, Apple is winning the streaming wars right now.
How to Talk About It
When introducing a new show on Apple TV+, use it as an opportunity to talk about storytelling.
- "Why do you think Wolfboy feels different from the shows on YouTube?"
- "What did you learn about your feelings from the Slumberkins today?"
If you already have an iPhone or a Mac, you might already have a free trial of Apple TV+ sitting in your inbox. Use it.
Apple TV+ is best for:
- Parents who are worried about "brain rot" and overstimulation.
- Families who value high-quality animation and storytelling.
- Homes already integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
It’s probably not for you if:
- Audit your apps: Check if you have an active Apple TV+ subscription (it often comes free with new devices).
- Set up those profiles: Don’t skip the "Kids Profile" setup. It takes two minutes and saves you from "accidental Ted Lasso exposure."
- Watch together: Start with Wolfwalkers. It’s a genuine masterpiece that you will enjoy just as much as they do.
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