We’ve all been there. You need 30 minutes to cook dinner or take a work call, so you hand over the remote. Ten minutes later, you look up and your kid is hypnotized by a bright, loud, fast-paced show where a CGI family screams over nursery rhymes. That’s the "brain rot" we're trying to avoid—content that is essentially digital candy: high in sugar (visual stimulation) and zero in nutrition (actual learning).

The problem is that the Netflix algorithm is designed to keep kids watching, not to keep them learning. It will always suggest the most viral, addictive content first. If you want the "good stuff"—the shows that actually explain how a toilet flushes or why the sky is blue—you have to be intentional. You have to hunt for it and, more importantly, interact with it so the algorithm starts suggesting more of it.

Check out our guide on how to curate your Netflix feed to hide the junk

At this age, "educational" can be a loose term, but a few shows genuinely stand out for their ability to teach complex concepts without being mind-numbingly boring for the adults in the room.

This is arguably the best children’s show on Netflix. Each episode answers a big question ("How do computers work?" or "Where do fries come from?") with catchy songs and celebrity cameos. It doesn't talk down to kids. It uses real terminology—DNA, binary code, neurons—and wraps it in a package that feels like a sketch comedy show.

If you want your kid to actually understand number theory before they hit first grade, this is the one. It uses blocks to represent numbers, making addition, subtraction, and even multiplication visual. It’s highly effective—so much so that kids often start doing mental math because they can "see" the blocks in their heads.

While it looks like a standard "team of heroes" show, every creature the Octonauts encounter is a real marine animal. The "Creature Report" at the end of each episode summarizes actual biological facts. It’s a fantastic gateway into marine biology and conservation.

Learn more about managing CoComelon addiction and transitioning to better content

Once kids hit elementary school, they need more substance. They want to know how the world works, and they’re old enough to handle slightly more "live-action" energy.

Emily Calandrelli is a literal MIT-trained engineer, and her show is pure STEM joy. She does massive experiments (think giant vats of oobleck) and then explains the science behind them. It’s fast-paced, high-energy, and very "Pinterest-friendly" for the home experiments she suggests.

Produced by Pharrell Williams, this show tackles things like social media, germs, and emotions through the lens of science. It’s designed for the "middle-grade" kid who thinks they might be too cool for cartoons but still has a million questions about how the world functions.

It’s a reboot, and while some of us might miss the original animation style, the science is still top-tier. It covers everything from ecosystems to internet satellites. It’s a safe, reliable bet for kids who like narrative-driven learning.

Ask our chatbot for more STEM show recommendations

For older kids, the best "educational" content often isn't labeled as "kids' TV." It’s high-quality documentary filmmaking that treats the viewer like an adult.

Narrated by David Attenborough, this is the gold standard for nature documentaries. It’s visually stunning and doesn't shy away from the realities of climate change and habitat loss. It’s a great way to spark conversations about the environment without being overly "doom and gloom."

Science journalist Latif Nasser travels the world to show how everything—from bird migration to the way we use emojis—is interconnected. It’s fascinating, quirky, and perfect for the teenager who likes to "well, actually" people at the dinner table.

This docuseries follows the seven days leading up to a major event (like a NASA mission or a major fashion show). It’s an incredible look at logistics, project management, and the sheer human effort required to do big things. It’s "stealth" education for kids interested in engineering or business.

We often talk about "screen time" as a single block of time, but there is a massive difference between 60 minutes of Roblox and 60 minutes of Ask the StoryBots.

Educational shows fall into a category we call "Active Viewing." When a show asks a question, challenges a kid to count, or explains a concept they can see in the real world later, their brain is engaged. They aren't just zoning out; they're building a mental map of the world.

Read our guide on educational screen time limits

Netflix’s "Kids" profile is a good start, but it’s not foolproof. Here’s how to keep it actually educational:

The best way to make sure the "education" actually sticks is to talk about the show after the TV is off. You don't need a lesson plan. Just ask:

If they can explain the concept back to you, they didn't just watch a show—they learned something.

Netflix can be a wasteland of "Ohio" memes and brain rot, but it’s also home to some of the best educational content ever produced. By curating their feed and leaning into shows like Numberblocks or Brainchild, you’re turning screen time from a "guilty pleasure" into a legitimate learning tool.

You don't have to be perfect. Sometimes you just need them to sit still so you can drink your coffee. But if they're going to sit still, they might as well learn how a black hole works while they're at it.

Learn more about the best educational apps for kids