Top 20 Kids Shows That Parents Find Annoying

Children are a blessing… however, watching some of the programs made for children can be a curse all parents know far too well. My name is Gina, and these are my friends, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Kids' Shows That Parents Find Annoying.

For this list, we’ve chosen television programs are intended to teach children important lessons, build both problem-solving and educational skills, all while entertaining small children - and yet, leave parents struggling to maintain their composure when they watch them. Just to clarify, the shows in this list may be beloved by children and critics alike, but are all too often found to be just a bit too much for parents and other adults to handle.

## Examples

### 20. Barney & Friends (1992-2010)

Introduced in the early '90s, the titular big purple dinosaur has been hard to avoid ever since. Starring a cast of rotating children and a repetitive roster of songs, this show tackles themes of friendship, imagination, and building social skills. However, it’s all done with an unnaturally upbeat vibe that becomes nauseating after only a few viewings. The success of this timeless show has sparked backlash and praise alike. And with its continued success at engaging children the world over, there’s no denying this uncomfortably friendly dinosaur’s face will remain a thorn in the sides of parents for generations to come as long as reruns continue to air or if new episodes are made.

### 19. Teletubbies (1997-2001, 2015-present)

Starring anthropomorphic antenna-ed creatures, this children's TV series seems more acid trip than kid-friendly. Despite controversy surrounding the sexual orientation of one of the characters, this show from the United Kingdom became a stunning success and was loved by children on both sides of the pond. With little dialogue other than the murmuring sounds of these furry tubby custard-loving companions, a baby’s face embedded in the sun, and an extremely repetitive design, parents often found even one episode of this nightmarish show to be almost unbearable to watch.

### 18. Caillou (1997-2010, 2022-present)

This Canadian show featuring the "adventures" of a four-year-old boy has been a dreaded staple of children’s television programming for adults due to its slow pace and "boring" tone. With parents arguing the merits of the show also point to Caillou’s constant "whining", questionable scenarios, and bland animation, this young character created in the Great White North still has children glued to their TV sets to this day, and their parents longing to change the channel.

### 17. Dora the Explorer (2000-2019)

While praised by critics for its bilingual design, infectious songs, and intentional aim to evoke engagement with the characters, there is no denying that when Dora pauses for your response… it feels a little creepy. Parents everywhere have followed Dora on her cheerful adventures, but they never really wanted to go along for the ride. Sparking spin-off series such as "Go, Diego, Go!" and a more "mature" Dora in "Dora and Friends", this franchise has shown no signs of slowing down, much to the dismay of parents everywhere.

### 16. Boohbah (2003-2006)

Only communicating by squeaks, squeals and clicks, these big-eyed, bouncing balls of fluff help give "presents" to the people of Storyland to advance the plot and set the theme of the current segment as presented by the human children. However, by watching this show, you'd be surprised if even that makes much sense. This kids' show left parents in a constant state of LOL as the brightly colored Boohbahs wiggled, bounced, and murmured their way into the hearts of their children, but even the seemingly cute demeanor of these crazy creatures couldn’t distract adults from their strange behavior or the behavior of their human counterparts.

### 15. Little Einsteins (2005-2009)

Targeting musical, cultural, and artistic appreciation, this show aimed at 2-6 year olds may have jumped the gun for some parents when it comes to intellectual tastes. With criticism focusing on whether there was actually a need to teach kids such mature subject matter, the animated show made parents who didn't make their kids watch it feel guilty for denying them an advanced education, and parents who did feeling like they were watching a college level class taught by kindergarteners.

### 14. Oobi (2003-2007)

While children's television is no stranger to incorporating puppets into their cast of characters, this show left parents pining for some Muppet fur to cover its low-budget tone. Starring literal "hand" puppets with googly eyes who speak in just few-word sentences, this series may have had the intentions to build academic skills in children, but it left their parents empty-handed.

### 13. The Doodlebops (2005-2007)

Aimed at preschoolers, this colorful creation incorporates music into the show to teach children about social skills all the while encouraging them to dance and sing along. Designed to look like real-life "cartoon characters", the live action band members in this Canadian TV series may have inspired their target audience to join in with them, but their frightening appearances and over-the-top enthusiasm left adults puzzled and terrified.

### 12. Hermie and Friends (2003-2010)

This wholesome show aimed at delivering biblical messages to the younger generation left parents everywhere scratching their heads. Seriously, what do insects have to do with the Christianity anyway? Clearly, this series of computer animated films sparked more questions than answers for most parents who sat through an episode with their kids… and for good reason! To this day, "Hermie and Friends" remains one important kids' show that will have you removing bad behavior to get out of your brain.

### 11. Hi-5 (1999-2012)

This gang of keenly silly dancers made children everywhere singing along, but gave parents indigestion with their bright and colorful world of revelry. Becoming a chart success in the kid music genre has kept this show on the air, along with their sold out live performances. Yet there is no denying the parents taking their kids to see these musical gurus may be a bit unnerved by their wild and crazy antics.

### 10. Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Bitty Adventures

I really wanted to include this one; it's just so weird! Would you believe a new Strawberry Shortcake is an okay girls' cartoon? The voice acting is just top notch! In fact, you can hear a lot of the voice actors from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic in here.

### 9. Fireman Sam (1987-present)

Children's cartoons are mostly expected to contain lessons about moral and societal values. But this incident may make you consider if "Fireman Sam" was secretly preaching intolerance. This episode of the British animated cartoon first aired in 2014, but the "error" only came to light in 2016. One of the characters enters a room and slips on some papers, one of which looks like a page from the Qur'an. “Mattel” came out saying it was an unfortunate error when a member of the production company thought they were putting scribbles on a page. Despite the apology, people were up in arms about it on social media.

### 8. Bob the Builder (1999-2011)

You know whenever you think you hear something, but it sounds like something else? Well, that’s precisely what happened to this British, hard hat-wearing staple of children's stop motion animation. During the Season 2 episode "Wallpaper Wendy," Bob the Builder attempts to decorate the inside of a house to mixed results. During this segment, Bob mumbles as he struggles with the task. These mumbles resulted in some parents claiming to hear the frustrated builder swearing. While it was stated that this mumbling was simply being misinterpreted, the obscure lines were muted for later broadcasts.

### 7. Tom and Jerry (1940-1967)

William Hanna and Joseph Barbera are two of the biggest names in animation history, creating the timeless "Tom and Jerry" franchise in 1940. The characters originally appeared in hundreds of theatrical shorts distributed by MGM throughout the 40s and 50s. In that time, the shorts won an astounding seven Academy Awards, proving that adults appreciated the artistry that went into the production. The franchise also spawned numerous animated programs, including the original "The Tom and Jerry Show," the Daytime Emmy-nominated "Tom & Jerry Kids," and the modern, flash-animated "The Tom and Jerry Show." It’s clear that adults are passing on their love of the franchise to their children, resulting in decades' worth of great content.

### 6. Looney Tunes (1930-present)

You simply can’t go wrong with "Looney Tunes." Introduced way back in 1930, "Looney Tunes" brought many timeless characters into the cultural lexicon, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, and Tweety & Sylvester. It’s one of those rare programs in which every character is a fan favorite thanks to a wonderful cohesion of writing, animation, direction, and vocal performance. The franchise has launched numerous timeless television programs, including "The Bugs Bunny Show," "The Road Runner Show," and "Tiny Toon Adventures." It's the type of wholesome, encompassing entertainment that transcends demographics and generations.

### 5. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)

Few franchises can balance demographics as well as "Star Wars." Even from its inception in 1977, "Star Wars" has been delighting children and adults in equal measure, and that continued in 2008 with "The Clone Wars." While the show aired on Cartoon Network and was thus primarily aimed at children, it gained a massive following from longtime fans of the series. Its strong writing, eye-popping visuals, and glorious world-building all helped ensure that "The Clone Wars" proudly secured its place in the "Star Wars" canon. In fact, some may even argue that "The Clone Wars" is the best thing to come out of the franchise in the last twenty years…

### 4. Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010-2013)

Hanna-Barbera struck again with "Scooby-Doo!" The first incarnation, officially titled "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!," aired on CBS throughout 1969 and 1970. Despite initially only airing for one year, the show helped launch a bonafide media franchise that is still going strong to this day. "Mystery Incorporated" is the eleventh incarnation of the show, and it helped reinvent the Scooby wheel. It introduced long-running story arcs, incorporated personal drama between the characters, and satirized various tropes of the franchise, primarily the outlandish villain plans. It also drew on a wide range of horror inspirations, including Lovecraft, "Twin Peaks," and even the "Saw" series. This was "Scooby-Doo" for a new, more mature generation.

### 3. Teen Titans (2003-2006)

The Teen Titans are a superhero team introduced in The Brave and the Bold #54 back in 1964. Nearly forty years later, Cartoon Network began airing their seminal series that has since become known as one of the greatest animated programs of all time. The series continuously received critical acclaim throughout its five-season run, with many critics and fans favorably noting its surprisingly mature themes and rich character work. "Teen Titans Go!" writer J. Torres admits that the show began as a children’s program but started to develop deeper and darker themes when the producers took note of its all-encompassing popularity. It's a great example of showrunners catering to a wide demographic.

### 2. The Amazing World of Gumball (2011-2019)

Do children enjoy surreal comedy? Well, if "The Amazing World of Gumball's" six seasons and 240 episodes are anything to go by, the answer is a resounding yes. Created by Ben Bocquelet for Cartoon Network, this show centers around blue cat Gumball and his adoptive brother goldfish, Darwin. Children can enjoy the show's eccentric humor, relatable characters, and brilliant animation, while adults may appreciate its artistic qualities. The show often cycles through animation styles, encompassing traditional hand-drawn animation, stop motion clay-mation, CGI, and Flash. The show also utilizes a very satirical sense of humor, ensuring that adults laugh just as often as children. It truly is a good time for all.

### 1. Samurai Jack (2001-2004, 2017)

"Samurai Jack" was creator's Genndy Tartakovsky's second big hit, following "Dexter's Laboratory." And it’s one of those shows that effortlessly toes the line between children and adult entertainment. Kids will obviously enjoy the exciting samurai action and story, but adults may appreciate the show's technical and artistic qualities (as well as the storytelling, of course). For example, the show broke artistic ground in numerous ways, like its unique visual style and ten dialogue-free minutes that opened the first episode. "Samurai Jack" was showered with praise and industry awards, including eight Emmys and six Annies. It's one of the all-time great animated programs - children's or otherwise.

## Honorable Mentions

Before we get to number 1, here are a bunch of honorable mentions.

1. Curious Buddies (2004-2005)
2. Littlest Pet Shop (2012-2016)
3. Hey Arnold! (1996-2004)
4. Dexter's Laboratory (1996-2003)
5. SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-present)
6. The Fairly OddParents! (2001-2017)
7. Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2002-2006)
8. Go, Baby! (2004-2006)
9. LazyTown (2004-2014)
10. The Backyardigans (2004-2013)
11. Wonder Pets! (2006-2016)
12. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (2006-2016)
13. Handy Manny (2006-2013)
14. Bubble Guppies (2011-present)
15. Doc McStuffins (2012-2020)
16. Sofia the First (2012-2018)
17. Elena of Avalor (2016-2018)
18. PAW Patrol (2013-present)
19. Shimmer and Shine (2015-2020)
20. Butterbean's Café (2018-present)
21. Rainbow Rangers (2018-present)
22. Baby Shark's Big Show! (2020-present)
23. Team Umizoomi (2010-2015)
24. Anpanman (1988-present)
25. Shimajirō (1993-present)
26. Sonic Boom (2014-2017)
27. Astro Boy (1963-present)
28. Robotboy (2005-2008)
29. Kikoriki (2004-present)
30. Blaze and the Monster Machines (2014-present)
31. Pinkfong Wonderstar (2019-present)