20 Animated Series with Black Lead Characters that Your Kids Will Love
As moms, quality programming that your kids can watch and be proud of is intrinsically important. (and can provide some much-needed space on hectic days) It's also important for children to see a diverse cast of characters and feel represented in the media they consume, even from a very early age. We’ve curated a list of 20 animated series with black lead characters that your kids will love. With such a variety of characters, there's something for everyone! These shows celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of black culture, while also providing plenty of laughs and entertainment. So kick back, relax, and let your little ones watch some positively awesome cartoons!
Motown Magic
image credit: Netflix
Follow imaginative Ben and his friends as they transform their city with a magic paintbrush, bringing colorful street art to life. He recruits the classic sounds of Motown for this creative endeavor and it does not disappoint!
Age Range: Fun for all ages
Where to watch: Netflix
Home - Adventure with Tip and Oh
image credit: YouTube
The energetic Tip and Oh, two different species (a girl and an alien), who have been friends since they were kids find themselves navigating the world together. They encounter crazy adventures with the other characters that live there too! Rachel Crow (Tip) performs and provides vocal talents to enchant young audiences.
Age Range: 3+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Doc McStuffins
Dottie "Doc" McStuffins is a 7-year old girl who wants to become an MD just like her mom. And although she has quite the wait before being able accomplish this goal, Dottie doesn't let it stop her from trying new things in life such as using magic on stethoscopes and bringing beloved stuffed animals to life so they can patch up other toy friends!
Age Range: 3+
Where to watch: Disney+, Hulu+
Esme and Roy
Esme & Roy is an adorable series about a young girl named Esme and her best friend, Roy the monster. They live in a mostly monster-populated town where they help out all of these colorful monsters solve problems with valuable problem-solving skills!
Age Range: 4+
Where to watch: Prime, Apple TV
Reba to the Rescue
If you're looking for a fun way to teach your child about the importance of kindness, look no further than “Reba to the Rescue!" The series combines jazz music with encouragement and love!
Age Range: 2+
Where to watch: YouTube, Prime
Gracie’s Corner
“At Gracie's Corner, we empower and educate children from diverse backgrounds. We pride ourselves on creating fun and engaging songs that emphasize learning. In addition, our videos make viewers want to get up and DANCE! We hope you enjoy exploring the many adventures alongside Gracie and her family.” This is a great one for getting kids up and moving :)
Age Range: 2+
Where to watch: YouTube
Akili and Me
Akili and Me is a beloved animated series created by one of the non-profits we have partnered with here at Ade + Ayo, Ubongo! Akili and Me helps littles build the foundation for necessary learning tools like numbers, letters, drawing, and English.
Age Range: 3-6
Where to watch: YouTube
Bino and Fino
Meet Bino and Fino, a brother-and-sister team who have been equipped with the magical Zeena The Butterfly to help them learn about African history. Watch as they explore culture through learning all of its interesting facts!
Age Range: 3+
Where to watch: Prime
Ada Twist
Ada Twist the scientist is a young girl with an insatiable curiosity for everything around her. Though she doesn't speak word one until the age of 3 (a nod to Albert Enstein and him not being able to speak till age 4) when it comes time to talk there are questions everywhere!
Age Range: 4+
Where to watch: Netflix
Rise Up and Sing Out
According to Disney, the goal of Rise Up, Sing Out is to "showcase an inspiring, empowering and optimistic message about race, culture, community and celebrating differences.” These music-based shorts are beautifully done and kids of all ages will love.
Age Range: Fun for all ages
Where to watch: Disney+
Mama K’s Team 4
When four teen girls from the future are recruited by a retired secret agent still committed to saving their world, they embark onB an exciting journey through retro-90s R&B and hip hop girl groups.
Age Range: 6+
Where to watch: Netflix
The Proud Family
Penny Proud is an average girl with her own set of problems (and a family full of big personalities!). She's trying to survive the day-to-day as a young girl, while also figuring out who she wants be in this world and making sure everyone around her can see that it’s okay not being perfect all of the time!
Age Range: 7+
Where to watch: Disney+
Little Bill
Little Bill is a 5-year old boy with an energetic, sunny personality. He has learned from the world around him and realized that even at only age five what he does matters in some way or another!
Age Range: 4+
Where to watch: Streaming on Roku
Static Shock
The show revolves around 14-year old boy, Virgil Hawkins. After being exposed to a mutagen gas during his gang fight and gaining electromagnetic powers from it he now uses the secret identity of Static.
Age Range: 6+
Where to watch: HBO Max
Black Panther
Follow the adventures of Black Panther, the ruler and protector of the African nation of Wakanda. He's using technology wits savvy fighting ability in order to keep everyone safe!
Age Range: 5+
Where to watch: Prime
The Deep
About: In a world where humans have been exploring Earth’s oceans for centuries, new frontiers still await discovery. The Nekton family is at the forefront of this adventure as they explore unknown areas with their state-of-the art submarine called Aronnax!
Age Range: 5+
Where to watch: Netflix
Jackson 5ive
This animated series follows the adventures of the Jackson brothers, and you can bet there’s lots of singing that kids will love!
Age Range: 5+
Where to watch: Prime
Filmore!
The show centers on a group of kids who are now safety patrol officers at their school. The duo, Fillmore and Ingrid, help keep the peace at their school by preventing anything from getting out-of-control, which is exactly what they do best!
Age Range: 7+
Where to watch: Disney+
Goose Goose Duck
It’s never to early to teach your kids about powerful black figures throughout history! This YouTube series is both education and fun, it teaches about black history through song and nursery rhymes
Age Range: Fun for all ages
Where to watch: YouTube
Super Sema
Super Sema is an action-packed, globe spanning adventure about a girl named Sema and her twin brother who protect their African town from all sorts of dangers.
Age Range: 3+
Where to watch: YouTube Premium
We hope you and your little ones enjoy these shows as much as we do! Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@adeandayo) and subscribe to our email list so you never miss a post. And if there are any other black-led animated series that your kids love, please share them with us in the comments below. We’d love to check them out!