Best Educational Shows on Netflix

Even if you follow a structured homeschool curriculum with your kids, it can be nice to break up the monotony of computer and book work with educational shows and documentaries found on streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ or Curiosity Stream.

Young boy with oversized glasses in a white lab coat holding a beaker

It’s amazing that you can find shows to cover almost any subject you may be covering in your homeschool curriculum. Every core subject, including math, science, language arts and history can all be supplemented with educational TV shows or movies.

Since no one ever wants their homeschooling plan to turn into “just watching TV,” it’s a good idea to have kids take handwritten notes while they watch. They use these notes to help them write a formal report on the show after they watch it. Under this list of shows, you’ll find the process of how to have your kids write a report based upon what they watch.

Educational Shows on Netflix by Subject

Here are some great educational shows streaming on Netflix that will get your kids excited about learning. I’ve organized it by core subject to make finding something to watch easier.

Some shows listed are kids shows for a younger audience and some are geared towards older kids and teens. If you’re looking for a larger list of documentaries for older kids or adults, check out my list of the best documentaries on Netflix.

Kids Science Shows on Netflix

Netflix is one of the best sources for educational shows with a focus on science. Everything from Earth Science to Physics, Biology and more are covered on these shows.

Project MC2

Rated TV-G. 6 parts.

First off, it’s pronounced Project MC-squared. It’s all about getting girls interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

The show follows 4 highly intelligent, diverse teen girls who love STEM. It shows them working together to solve whatever problems they have.

The Magic School Bus

Rated TV-Y. 1 season.

If you’ve never heard of The Magic School Bus, you may have had a sheltered childhood. It’s a cartoon that follows a class that goes on wild adventures on the magical yellow bus, learning about new things the entire time.

It’s really engaging and interactive for kids. It’s definitely a classic! One season of the 1990s show is available on Netflix.

Netflix also has its own additions to the classic show you’ll want to check out:

  • The Magic School Bus Rides Again
  • The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Kids in Space
  • The Magic School Bus Rides Again: The Frizz Connection
  • The Magic School Bus Rides Again: In the Zone

Unnatural Selection

Rated TV-MA. 4 episodes.

This show is great for older children to get a grasp of how genetics works. Good information about today’s scientists are hacking biology and editing genes to do things like eradicate disease and select a child’s genetic makeup.

Bill Nye Saves the World

Rated TV-14. 3 seasons.

Bill Nye Saves the World is an entertaining and informative science-based talk show hosted by the beloved scientist, Bill Nye. With a blend of humor, experiments, and expert guests, the show tackles various topics like climate change, technology, and health, aiming to educate and inspire audiences to make informed decisions for the betterment of our planet.

Our Planet II

Rated TV-PG. 2 seasons.

This limited series explores the different regions of planet Earth. Kids can learn about a variety of topographies, including the desert, oceans, jungles, forests and more from David Attenborough.

Be sure to watch Our Planet: Behind the Scenes to see more about how this series was made. Rated TV-G. 1 hour 3 minutes.

Night on Earth

Rated TV-PG. 6 episodes available.

This is one of those addictive series that will draw you into your screen. It’s an amazing look at what happens in different parts of the earth at night.

You can also see behind the scenes in how this series was made in Night On Earth: Shot in the Dark. Rated TV-PG. 59 minutes.

Emily’s Wonder Lab

Rated TV-Y. 1 season available.

Emily’s Wonder Lab is all about making STEAM subjects fun. This show is full of experiments, activities and demonstrations to get elementary age kids thrilled about science.

Ada Twist, Scientist

Rated TV-Y. 3 seasons.

Ada Twist fancies herself a scientist. Her and her two besties ask big questions then work together to uncover the truth about just about anything.

Human: The World Within

Rated TV-PG. 1 season.

This docuseries is great for kids who want a better understanding of the human body and how it works. This show combines leading science with personal stories to make learning about the body more interesting.

100 Humans. Life’s Questions. Answered

Rated TV-14. 1 season.

Explore common questions about human behavior on topics like trusting your senses, being happy and the best age to be alive.

72 Cutest Animals

Rated TV-PG. 1 season available.

In our list of the best documentaries on Netflix, we shared that 72 Most Dangerous Animals is a popular choice. For kids, though, 72 Cutest Animals is where you want to look! Your kids won’t want to shut off this science documentary series as they learn about different animals!

And if if they like this series, be sure to check out Nature’s Cutest on Curiosity Stream (read my Curiosity Stream review for more details on why it’s ideal for homeschoolers).

Our Great National Parks

Rated TV-PG. 5 episodes.

Our Great National Parks is a breathtaking limited series on Netflix that takes viewers on a visually stunning journey through the remarkable landscapes and diverse wildlife of America’s national parks. With expert narration and stunning cinematography, the series showcases the beauty and importance of these natural wonders, making it a must-watch for nature enthusiasts and those seeking inspiration from the great outdoors.

History Shows on Netflix

If your kids are tired of reading history books, an easy way to get them more interested in the history of our world is by allowing them to watch some history shows on Netflix. Here are some inspiring titles to try.

History 101

Rated TV-14. 1 season.

This series is packed with short lessons to get your kid interested in history! Includes lessons on scientific breakthroughs, world changing discoveries and important social movements.

The Who Was? Show

Rated TV-PG. 1 season.

This is a great show to watch on Netflix to supplement your homeschool history curriculum. The Who Was Show is a live-action comedy sketch that brings historical figures to life. It’s pretty funny and the kids like it.

Empire Games

Rated TV-14. 1 season.

A great series for kids interested in learning more about the world’s greatest empires. Includes reenactments and interviews with experts.

Roman Empire

Rated TV-MA. 3 seasons.

This docuseries tells the history of Roman Emperors, including Commodus, Julius Caesar, and Caligula. Graphic, but great supplement for homeschoolers learning about the Roman Empire.

We the People

Rated TV-Y7. 1 season.

Through upbeat songs, kids learn the basics of rights and citizenship in the United States. Features music by Janelle Monae, H.E.R., Adam Lambert, Brandi Carlile and more. Very fast paced and information packed.

Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 54 minutes.

If you’re studying ancient Egypt in your homeschool curriculum, check out Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb! Your kids will get to watch archeologists explore a tomb that has been undisturbed for 4,400 years!

Greatest Events of WWII (In Color)

Rated TV-14. 1 season.

Learn about the most pivotal events of World War II such as the attack on Pearl Harbor and D-Day. Featured colorized original footage.

WWII in Color: Road to Victory

Rated TV-MA. 1 season.

This docuseries brings the most important events of World War II to life in vivid color. Learn about the leading figures and decisive turning points of WWII through gripping historical footage and expert commentary.

My Best Friend Anne Frank

Rated TV-14. 1 hour 43 minutes.

This documentary is based on the real life friendship between Anne Frank and Hannah Gosler. Learn what life what like for the friends between Nazi-occupied Amsterdam through their reunion at a concentration camp.

Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan

Rated TV-MA. 1 season.

Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan is a thrilling docuseries that delves into the fascinating history of feudal Japan, featuring epic battles, political intrigue, and legendary warriors. With its captivating storytelling and visually stunning reenactments, this show is an engaging watch for older teens interested in history and the dramatic tales of ancient civilizations.

Language Arts Shows on Netflix

Reading and writing are critical skills for all kids to learn. Here are some shows to help them learn the basics.

Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices

TV-Y. 1 collection.

Celebrities read books by black authors to spark kid-friendly conversation about empathy, compassion, equality and self love.

Word Party

Rated TV-Y. 5 seasons.

Join adorable baby animals and help them learn their letters and words, and let them help teach those lessons to your kids.

Story Time Book: Read-Along

Rated TV-Y. 1 season.

Kids get to read along with animated, interactive books shown on the screen as the characters come to life.

Spelling the Dream

Rated TV-G. 1 hour 23 minutes.

This documentary follows 4 competitors at the biggest spelling competition in the US and discusses how Indian Americans have a long running success in this area.

Charlie’s Colorforms City

Rated TV-Y. 4 seasons.

This cute show teaches your little one the basics of storytelling. The stories are fun for kids to help feel like they’re creating. Help inspire a future writer!

Books Turned Into Series

Another way to get kids interested in reading is to read the book together and then watch the movie or show. Netflix has been turning popular kids’ books into series. Some to check out are:

  1. Llama Llama (Rated TV-Y; 2 seasons available)
  2. Green Eggs and Ham (Rated TV-Y; 1 season available)

Math Shows on Netflix

Math is fun when you make it fun! These shows make learning numbers and counting into entertainment.

Number Blocks

Rated TV-Y. 6 seasons.

Also targeted at toddlers and pre-schoolers, the Number Blocks show tries to make math fun with colorful blocks that focus on adding up numbers.

Money Explained

Rated TV-14. Limited series.

One math-related subject it’s important to teach kids about is money. Money Explained takes a deep dive into topics like scammers, credit cards and student loans.

The Speed Cubers

Rated TV-PG. 40 minutes.

Watch Max Park and Feliks Zemdegs on their journey to become Rubik’s Cube solving champions. Fun way to show kids that math isn’t only about writing numbers on paper with a pencil.

Word Party Presents Math!

Rated TV-G. 1 season.

Baby animals Bailey, Franny, Kip, Lulu and Tilly help your kids to learn how to count numbers, compare shapes and find patterns! Fun and cute show for young kids.

A Trip to Infinity

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 19 minutes.

The world’s most cutting-edge mathematicians, particle physicists and cosmologists go in search of the infinite and its mind-bending implications for the universe in this animated feature film.

Get Smart with Money

Rated TV-PG. 1 hour 33 minutes.

Teaching kids good financial habits should be part of any homeschool curriculum. This short documentary uses financial advisers to teach people how to spend less and save more in a relatable way.

Multi-Subject Documentary Series

If your kids love learning lots about a variety of subjects, these are some of the best series to add to your homeschool day.

Brainchild

Rated TV-G. 1 season.

This show teaches the science of our everyday world in ways that kids can understand. Some topics covered include Social Media, Germs, Dreams, Space, Oceans, Motivation, Emotions and More.

Very relatable. Not only that, Brainchild does a wonderful job at promoting self-esteem and being your best you.

Explained

Rated TV-MA. 3 seasons.

Most kids can ask a million questions a minute when they’re interested in something. Explained is a series on Netflix that explores a variety of different topics to give your older kids the answers they seek.

Other titles in the Explained family:

  1. The Mind Explained
  2. Sex Explained
  3. Whose Vote Counts Explained

Mystery Lab

Rated TV-PG. 1 season.

Explore science, history, marvels, mysteries and more with Felipe Castanhari, the host of Mystery Lab. Together with the help with Felipe’s friends from the lab, your kids will learn amazing facts about the world they live in.

Connected

Rated TV-14. 1 season.

Are your kids curious about how all of the ways that humans are connected to one another? Science journalist Latif Nassir explores this idea through topics like Surveillance, Clouds and Dust.

Ask the StoryBots

Rated TV-Y. 3 seasons.

Ask the StoryBots is a great show for younger kids that always have lots of questions about everything. Why do we have to brush our teeth? Why do we have nighttime? Kids burning questions answered by cute creatures.

“Both my 6-year-old and 3-year-old love it! Definitely keeps both of them engaged the whole episode. Every show has a different topic.”

Happy Mothering reader

Blippi’s Adventures

Rated TV-Y. 1 collection.

An energetic educational show for preschoolers, Blippi takes kids on interactive field trips that help them learn about the world they live in. If your child enjoys this show, check out Blippi’s Adventures and School Supply Scavenger Hunt.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for here? Check out these other documentaries on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video and Disney+ (on lots of other interesting topics) streaming right now.

Spycraft

Rated TV-MA. 1 season.

If your child is interested in spy stories, this is a great series to teach them about the technology used in spying. Since it’s rated TV-MA, some subjects may only be appropriate for older audiences.

If you love educational content that you can watch anywhere you have an internet connection, try Curiosity Stream!!! It’s an entire streaming service that’s all about documentaries, and there are tons of choices you can use in your homeschool. Best of all, you can get a full year for less than $20!

If you work from home too, a great idea is to something educational on a portable monitor for the kids while you work! That way you are productive and they learn something new.

More Family Entertainment Ideas

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