Classic Puppets & Animation:
* Sesame Street (1969-present): A cornerstone of preschool television, featuring muppets, human characters, and educational segments.
* The Electric Company (1971-1977): Focused on literacy, using music, sketches, and memorable characters.
* Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968-2001): Gentle and comforting, focusing on social and emotional development.
* Captain Kangaroo (1955-1984): A long-running show with a whimsical host and diverse segments.
* Zoom (1972-78; reboot 1999-2006): Kids-hosted show with participatory games and songs.
* Fraggle Rock (1983-1987): Muppet-driven show with musical numbers and stories about friendship and cooperation.
* The Muppet Show (1976-1981): While not strictly a preschool show, its early seasons were accessible and often featured educational elements.
Cartoons & Animated Shows:
* Schoolhouse Rock! (1973-1985): Animated shorts teaching grammar, science, and history through catchy songs.
* The Berenstain Bears (various iterations): Animated adaptations of the popular children's book series.
* Shining Time Station (1989-1998): Featured Thomas the Tank Engine and emphasized positive social messages.
* Reading Rainbow (1983-2006): LeVar Burton hosted this show focused on promoting literacy through book segments and interactive elements.
* Barney & Friends (1992-2009): A purple dinosaur and his friends taught preschoolers about sharing, kindness, and learning.
This list isn't exhaustive, but it covers many well-loved and influential preschool shows from different eras. The availability of these shows may vary depending on streaming services and region.