Quick housekeeping: Vudu rebranded to Fandango at Home in 2024, but most people still call it Vudu, so we're rolling with both names here. If you're not familiar, it's a streaming service that lets you rent, buy, or watch free (ad-supported) movies and TV shows. Think of it as the digital version of a video store meets a streaming service.
Unlike Netflix or Disney+, Vudu doesn't really produce original content. Instead, it's a platform where you can access stuff from various studios and networks. The free section (called "Movies On Us") has a rotating selection of ad-supported content, while the paid rentals and purchases give you access to pretty much everything that's available digitally.
So when parents ask about "the best Vudu series for kids," what they're really asking is: what kid-friendly TV shows can I access through this platform that are actually worth my time and money?
Here's the thing about Vudu that makes it appealing for families: you're not locked into another monthly subscription. You can rent or buy specific shows and movies without adding yet another streaming bill to your budget. Plus, if you've been buying digital copies of movies through retailers like Walmart, those often show up in your Vudu library automatically through Movies Anywhere.
The free section is hit-or-miss for kids' content, but when you're willing to pay for rentals or purchases, you get access to a massive library including current releases and classic series that have left other streaming platforms.
Let's cut to the chase. Here are the series on Vudu that are genuinely worth your attention:
For Younger Kids (Ages 3-7)
Bluey - If you haven't discovered this Australian gem yet, you're in for a treat. Yes, it's about a family of cartoon dogs, but it's also the most emotionally intelligent kids' show in existence. Episodes are 7 minutes long, which means you can use them strategically without committing to a 22-minute block. Parents often find themselves watching this without their kids because it's that good. Available for purchase by season on Vudu.
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood - The Mr. Rogers successor that actually works. If you need a show that teaches emotional regulation and social skills without being preachy, this is it. The songs will get stuck in your head ("When you feel so mad that you want to roar..."), but honestly, there are worse earworms to have.
Sesame Street - Classic for a reason. Vudu has various seasons available for purchase. Yes, it's educational. Yes, it's been around forever. And yes, it still holds up. The newer episodes have updated content while keeping the core magic intact.
For Elementary Ages (Ages 6-10)
Avatar: The Last Airbender - This is the show that parents wish they could watch for the first time again. It's got action, humor, genuine character development, and themes about war, loss, and redemption that don't talk down to kids. Fair warning: your kid will want to "bend" elements around the house after watching. All three seasons are available on Vudu.
The Amazing World of Gumball - Chaotic, weird, and surprisingly clever. It's about a blue cat and his goldfish brother navigating school and family life. The animation style is all over the place (intentionally), and the humor works on multiple levels. Some episodes have sarcasm that younger kids won't catch but will make you actually laugh out loud.
Gravity Falls - Mystery, humor, and sibling dynamics done right. Twins spend summer with their great-uncle in a weird town full of supernatural occurrences. It's got an overarching plot that rewards attention, plus jokes that land for both kids and adults. Only two seasons, which means it has a proper ending (thank you, Alex Hirsch).
For Tweens and Teens (Ages 10+)
Young Justice - If your kid is into superheroes but you're tired of the Marvel/DC movie formula, this animated series is the move. It takes the sidekicks seriously, has complex storylines, and doesn't shy away from consequences. More mature themes than typical superhero fare, so preview if your kid is on the younger end of this range.
Steven Universe - A half-human, half-alien kid learning about his powers and identity. It's got action, music, and deals with themes of identity, relationships, and emotional growth in ways that feel genuine. Some parents love it for its inclusive representation; some find it a bit too "feelings-forward." Know your kid and your family values.
Not everything on Vudu is worth your money or time. Here are some series that show up in searches but aren't worth the investment:
Teen Titans Go! - Look, some kids love it. But it's essentially the characters from the original Teen Titans series stripped of depth and turned into a hyperactive comedy. If your kid already watches it and loves it, fine. But if you're choosing something new? There are better options that won't make you want to hide the remote.
Most of the cheap knockoff animated series - Vudu's free section has a bunch of low-budget animated shows that look like they were made in someone's basement in 2007. You'll know them when you see them. Life's too short, and your kid's attention is too valuable.
Here's the real talk about Vudu costs: buying TV series gets expensive fast. A season of a show typically runs $15-30, and if your kid gets hooked on something with multiple seasons, you're looking at a significant investment.
Some strategies that actually work:
- Rent first if available (usually $2-3 per season) to see if your kid actually likes it
- Wait for sales - Vudu regularly discounts TV series, especially around holidays
- Use the free section strategically - Yes, there are ads, but there's also legitimate content mixed in with the junk
- Consider if you're actually saving money vs. subscribing to the platform that hosts the show natively
The beauty and curse of Vudu is that it doesn't curate content the way Netflix or Disney+ does. You have access to everything, which means your 8-year-old could theoretically rent an R-rated movie if you're not paying attention.
Set up parental controls immediately. Vudu has PIN protection for purchases and content ratings. Use them. The platform won't protect your kid from inappropriate content or your credit card from unauthorized purchases unless you tell it to.
For age ratings, Vudu uses the standard TV-Y, TV-Y7, TV-G, TV-PG system. Here's what actually matters:
- TV-Y/TV-Y7: Generally safe for younger kids
- TV-G: Fine for most elementary ages
- TV-PG: Preview first for kids under 10 - this rating covers a huge range from "mild cartoon violence" to "actually pretty mature themes"
- TV-14 and up: Assume it's not appropriate for elementary kids without watching it yourself first
Vudu (Fandango at Home) isn't trying to be your primary streaming service - it's trying to be your digital video library. For kids' content specifically, it works best when:
- You want to own specific series your kids rewatch constantly (looking at you, Bluey parents)
- A show left your regular streaming services and you're not subscribing to another platform just for one series
- You're okay with the pay-per-title model instead of monthly subscriptions
The best series on Vudu are genuinely excellent - Avatar: The Last Airbender, Bluey, and Gravity Falls are worth owning digitally. But be strategic about what you buy, use parental controls, and don't feel pressured to build a massive digital library just because it's available.
Next step: Check what you already have access to through other subscriptions before buying on Vudu. That show you're about to drop $25 on might already be included in a streaming service you're paying for. Learn more about comparing streaming options for families.