If you want your kids to see that being the smartest person in the room is a vibe, these shows are the gold standard.

Ages 3-7 Based on the popular Ada Twist, Scientist book, this show is a masterclass in the scientific method. Ada doesn't just "do science"; she asks "Why?" until her parents are probably exhausted (relatable). It normalizes a Black girl leading a team of friends to solve community problems using chemistry and physics. It’s bright, fast-paced, and actually teaches logic.

Ages 7-12 Lunella Lafayette is a 13-year-old super-genius living in the Lower East Side. She’s arguably the smartest character in the Marvel Universe, and the show doesn't let you forget it. What’s great here is that her "excellence" isn't just about her IQ; it’s about her dedication to her community and her multi-generational family who runs a roller rink. The animation is top-tier—think Spider-Verse energy—and the soundtrack is incredible.

Ages 3-6 Set in the prehistoric era, Eureka is a young inventor who is "thinking out of the box" before boxes even existed. It’s a great way to introduce the concept of engineering and "tinkering" to preschoolers. It’s light, fun, and centers a Black girl as the primary innovator in her village.

Check out our full guide on the best STEM shows for elementary kids

Sometimes excellence is just about a well-adjusted, loving family navigating life. These shows skip the "struggle" and go straight to the heart.

Ages 2-5 This is the "warm hug" of kids' TV. It follows a young girl and her grandmother in a vibrant Black British community. It celebrates small moments—making a meal, visiting the library, learning about Saint Lucia. It’s slow-paced (in a good way) and emphasizes the wisdom passed down through generations.

Ages 6-9 Created by Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, this show follows Karma, an aspiring rapper and lyrical genius. While the music is the hook, the "excellence" is in how Karma uses her voice to address social issues, hair pride, and friendship dynamics. It teaches kids that their words have power and that leadership starts with self-expression.

Ages 3-7 If you want to introduce your kids to the classics without it feeling like a history lesson, this is it. Ben is a kid with a magic paintbrush who uses the power of Motown hits to transform his city. It’s colorful, imaginative, and celebrates the massive cultural contribution of Black music in a way that’s totally accessible for toddlers.

For the older kids (and the parents watching with them), these shows offer deeper narratives about ambition and family legacy.

Ages 10+ Based on the Newbery Medal-winning The Crossover book by Kwame Alexander, this series is phenomenal. It follows twin brothers who are basketball phenoms. It deals with the pressure of being "excellent" on the court while navigating middle school and their father’s health issues. The poetry-infused narration makes it feel sophisticated and "prestige," which tweens love.

Ages 9+ What happens when a single Black mom discovers her young son has superpowers? It’s part sci-fi, part family drama. The "excellence" here is dual-layered: Dion’s burgeoning abilities and his mother’s fierce, strategic protection of him. It’s a rare look at a Black child being the "chosen one" in a superhero narrative. Note: it can get a bit intense, so maybe watch the first episode solo to gauge your kid's "spook" threshold.

Ages 10+ This is an anthology of animated short films from across the African continent. It is Afrofuturism at its best. It shows advanced civilizations, space travel, and high-tech societies through a specifically African lens. It’s visually stunning and pushes back against every "poverty-stricken" trope kids usually see about Africa in school.

Learn more about Afrofuturism for kids

According to recent media studies, when children of color see themselves represented in roles of high achievement—like scientists, leaders, or heroes—it significantly impacts their "possible selves." This isn't just "feel-good" talk; it’s cognitive development.

For non-Black kids, watching these shows is equally important. It disrupts the "sidekick" trope they see in older media and helps them internalize that Black excellence is the norm, not the exception. In a digital landscape often filled with "Ohio" memes and low-effort Roblox content, choosing shows with high production value and intentional storytelling is a major win for their "media diet."

You don't need to turn every episode into a lecture. In fact, please don't—that's the fastest way to make a kid hate a show. Instead, try these low-key prompts:

Representation is evolving. We’re moving past the era where Black characters were just there to help the white protagonist learn a lesson. Today’s best shows put Black brilliance front and center, giving our kids heroes who are smart, creative, and capable.

By curating your kid's watchlist to include these "excellence-first" stories, you aren't just entertaining them—you're expanding their world.

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