What Your Kids Should Watch on TV

10 TV shows to watch with your kids, plus a preview of A Dog’s Purpose

Splash and Bubbles (PBS Kids)

Recommended Age: 3+
Friendly fish introduce preschoolers to ocean science

Kate in Oz (Disney Junior)

Recommended Age: 3+
Emerald City adventures have friendly messages for kids.

Rusty Rivets (Nickelodeon)

Recommended Age: 4+
Young inventors inspire curiosity about STEM concepts.

Dot. (Sprout)

Recommended Age: 5+
This charming series strikes the perfect balance between life and tech.

Milo Murphy’s Law (Disney XD)

Recommended Age: 6+
An unlucky teen’s fortune lies in friendship and a positive outlook

Food Network Star Kids (Food Network)

Recommended Age: 6+
Cooking contestants impress with skill, perseverance.

Wild Kratts: Creatures of the Deep Sea (PBS Kids)

Recommended Age: 7+
Beloved animal pros go underwater in fab animated special.

MasterChef Junior (Fox)

Recommended Age: 10+
Kids cook and compete in this whole-family treat.

MARS (National Geographic Channel) 5

Recommended Age: 12+
This outstanding Mars mission series has suspenseful moments.

Pitch (Fox)

Recommended Age: 14+
MLB’s first female pitcher boldly faces challenges.

In Theaters Jan. 27: A Dog’s Purpose

Parents need to know that A Dog’s Purpose provides a bit of a twist on the standard talking-animal movie. The story is narrated by a dog (voiced by Josh Gad), who begins his life as a golden retriever named Bailey whose best friend is a young boy named Ethan (Bryce Gheisar). Bailey remains loyally by Ethan’s side through his teenage years, even through Ethan’s first love (so expect some kissing and romance), until Bailey dies of old age—only to be reincarnated as a (female) German shepherd police dog. The dog continues to come back, living many lives as many different breeds. With each new human he—or she—lives with, the dog learns a little more about his purpose, until, years later, he returns to a familiar home and a familiar friend (Dennis Quaid). Although this movie will likely have emotional moments that might be too intense for sensitive younger kids—including the recurring death of a pet—for the most part it looks like a heartfelt family dramedy for all dog lovers.

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