WHAT TO WATCH
Shows to Support and Comfort Kids
These children’s TV shows recently released episodes to help kids feel connected and safe—all while making them smile.
Sesame Street: Elmo’s Playdate
‣ What to do when you can’t get to Sesame Street? Make a virtual playdate, of course! In this half-hour special, which looks like a cozy video call, the Sesame Street gang gets together to help kids and families feel connected in a time of uncertainty. “Like a lot of folks, we are trying to keep us safe and keep other people safe too,” says Elmo’s dad, Louie. Those folks include Grover, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby—plus Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anne Hathaway, and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Fraggle Rock: Rock On!
‣ Jim Henson’s fuzzy Fraggles return in a new short-form series. Even though they're living in separate caves, Gobo, Red, Boober, Mokey, Wembley, and their Fraggle friends are still finding ways to have fun together. The series was shot on iPhone 11 from cast members’ homes. New mini-episodes premiere every Tuesday in May for free on Apple TV+.
Odd Squad
‣ The Odd Squad, a secret government agency that deals with aliens and wormholes, understands the importance of keeping clean. In a series of PSAs, agents Olive, Otto, and the gang teach kids how to wash their hands, practice social distancing, and throw tissues in a trash can (or a portal that leads to a dimension full of trash cans, whichever is closer). You’ll find the short, fun clips in the PBS Kids Video app by tapping the Odd Squad logo and scrolling down.
Helpsters Help You
‣ This new short-form series from Sesame Workshop follows the adventures of Cody, a helpful monster. She knows that everything starts with a plan—but when things change, you have to make a new one. Broadcasting from the Helpsters shop, Cody shares creative ideas for what to do when life doesn’t go as expected. New episodes of Helpsters Help You are being released Fridays throughout May for free on Apple TV+.