There seems to always be something new to stress about. Whether it’s social media, grades, or something personal, we find new worries every day. While some people gravitate towards social media or their hobbies, I’ve found myself rewatching some of my favorite childhood shows. Shows like Wild Kratts or Sofia the First. There’s something about the nostalgia, about the ridiculous names and the catchy theme songs that help me forget about the stresses of being seventeen, even if the shows are aimed at seven-year-olds.
Paw Patrol
I still remember the Paw Patrol catch phrase of “No job’s too big, no pup’s too small” even before rewatching the show. In almost every episode, I had a moment of “Oh, I know that guy!” or “I remember Chase doing that!” and seeing Marshall knock over all the other pups in the elevator brought a smile to my face. And while the episodes won’t make me laugh as hard as my six-year-old self used to, the reminder of the joy I used to feel still bleeds over into now. Watching these pups overcome things spanning from lost bags to aliens, it’s also a reminder of the lessons that I’ve learned from the show. Teamwork, communication, and responsibility are all lessons that I learned years ago and still need to put into practice today. Paw Patrol has also been a great way to bond with my younger cousin as well. Believe it or not, the show is still going in 2025.
Sofia the First
Even thirteen years after it first aired, Sofia the First’s theme song is hard to forget. She became a princess overnight, and now she’s gotta figure out how to do it right. Rewatching the show brought back so many memories. The older animation style initially threw me off, but it has its own charm. And the songs! With songs like “Bigger is Better” and “Princess Things,” Sofia the First can really get stuck in your head—I hadn’t appreciated how good they were when I was younger. And Sofia’s continued support from her family (even Amber) is refreshing with everything that’s been going on in the current day. Seeing Sofia’s open and honest communication with her friends feels relieving when the media we typically consume are full of misunderstandings that drag on for episodes at a time.
Wild Kratts
The show first came out in 2011. Wild Kratts was my main source of animal learning in elementary school (along with Octonauts). With its mix of animation and live-action footage, the show stands out among childhood shows. Watching the brothers mess with the aptly named villains (like Gaston Gourmand) is both nostalgic and satisfying. Relearning everything there is to know about leafcutter ants is still entertaining even at seventeen. Wild Kratts remains a genuinely educational experience even now. Add the nostalgia of noticing moments that stuck with you from 2011, and you won’t want to stop watching. With the current threat to PBS’s continued existence in 2025, it can be a comfort to see that our old favorites are still available to watch. Plus, the show still airs new episodes even now.
Doc McStuffins
Did you know that Doc McStuffins’ real name is Dottie? Rewatching the show lets you notice the little things that you missed years ago. Relistening to the songs, I can vividly see my five-year-old self sitting on my couch with my stuffed giraffe, singing along with Little Jack as he sings “I Feel Better.” And it’s a bit fun to see how some of Doc’s patients reflect some of my own current issues (like not sleeping enough), and the little lessons of taking care of yourself still ring true with my teenage self, probably even more so than in the past. Sometimes I can recall what the issue is before Doc figures it out, and seeing it play out feels validating. These silly little moments have managed to stick with me even after all this time.
Watching these shows now is a mix of nostalgia and genuine excitement. There’s so much I’ve remembered and so much I’ve noticed now during my rewatches. I never appreciated how good these shows were when I was younger, but now I find relief in them during the present moment.
