Children's programming on NBC facts for kids

Children's programming has played a part in NBC's programming since its initial roots in television. This article outlines the history of children's television programming on NBC including the various blocks and notable programs that have aired throughout the television network's history.

Programming

Scheduling issues

Not all shows within NBC's Saturday morning block are seen on all of the network's owned-and-operated stations and affiliates. Occasionally, some or all programs featured within the block are subject to delay or pre-emption due to local or syndicated programs scheduled by local NBC stations, or may be delayed by the network due to sporting events such as the Summer Olympic Games, the French Open, the USGA-sanctioned U.S. Open and Presidents Cup tournaments, or English Premier League soccer.

Due to regulations defined by the Children's Television Act that require stations to carry E/I compliant programming for three hours each week at any time between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time, some NBC stations may defer certain programs aired within its Saturday morning block to Sunday daytime or earlier Saturday morning slots, or (in the case of affiliates in the Western United States) Saturday afternoons as makegoods to comply with the CTA regulations.

List of notable programs

Note: Shows listed in bold are in-house productions from NBC, most of which now have their distribution rights held by NBCUniversal Television Distribution.

• 3-2-1 Penguins! (2006-2009, 2010)
• The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990–1991)
• ALF: The Animated Series (1987–1989)
• Alvin and the Chipmunks (1983–1991)
• Astro Boy (1963–1978)
• Babar (2006-2007, 2008-2010)
• Beany and Cecil (1968–1988; 1988–1992)
• Big John, Little John (1976–1977)
• Birdman and The Galaxy Trio (1967-1968)
• The Bugaloos (1970–1972)
• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kids (1973–74)
• Camp Candy (1989–1990)
• Captain N: The Game Master (1989–1992)
• Chip and Pepper's Cartoon Madness (1991–1992)
• Down and Out with Donald Duck (1987)
• Fraggle Rock: The Animated Series (1987–1988)
• The Gary Coleman Show (1982–1983)
• The Godzilla/Dynomutt Hour with the Funky Phantom (1980)
• Godzilla (1978–1981)
• Gravedale High (1990)
• Gumby (1956–1969)
• The Gummi Bears (1985–1989)
• Hoppity Hooper (1963–1966, 1983–1984)
• H.R. Pufnstuf (1969–1970)
• I'm Telling! (1987–1988)
• It's Punky Brewster (1985–1987, 1988-1989)
• Jacob Two-Two (2006-2008, 2009)
• Jane and the Dragon (2006-2008, 2009-2010)
• The Karate Kid (1989–1990)
• Kid 'n Play (1990–1991)
• Kidd Video (1984–1987)
• Kimba the White Lion (1965–1980)
• Kissyfur (1986–1990)
• Land of the Lost (1974–1977)
• LarryBoy Adventures (2006-2009)
• LazyTown (2012-2016)
• The Magic School Bus (2010-2012)
• Mister T (1983–1986)
• The New Adventures of Flash Gordon (1979–1980, 1982–1983)
• The New Archie and Sabrina Hour (1977)
• Pearlie (2010-2012)
• The Pink Panther Show (1969–1978)
• ProStars (1991)
• Return to the Planet of the Apes (1975–1976)
• The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show (1961–1964, 1973–1982)
• The Roman Holidays (1972)
• The Ruff and Reddy Show (1957–1958)
• Saved by the Bell (1989–1993; produced by NBC Productions)
• Sealab 2020 (1972–73)
• Shelldon (2009-2012)
• Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (1973–1975)
• The Smurfs (1981–1989)
• Snorks (1984–1990)
• Space Cats (1991–1992)
• Space Kidettes (1966–1967)
• Space Sentinels (1977–1978)
• Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (1981–1986)
• Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973–1975)
• Super Mario World (1991–1992)
• Turbo Dogs (2008-2009, 2010-2012)
• VeggieTales (2006-2009)
• VeggieTales Presents: 3-2-1 Penguins! and LarryBoy Adventures (2006-2008)
• Willa's Wild Life (2009-2012)
• Wish Kid (1991)
• Yo Yogi! (1991–1992)
• The Zula Patrol (2008-2010)

Saturday morning preview specials

• 1973 – Starship Rescue (hosted by Kevin Tighe and Randolph Mantooth from Emergency!)
• 1974 – Preview Revue (hosted by Jimmy Osmond; featuring Johnny Whitaker)
• 1975 – Preview Revue (hosted by The Lockers; featuring Michael Landon, and Billy Barty and Johnny Whitaker from Sigmund and the Sea Monsters)
• 1976 – Smilin' Saturday Morning Parade (hosted by Freddie Prinze)
• 1977 – C'Mon Saturday (hosted by Andrea McArdle from Annie; featuring Arte Johnson, Leonard Nimoy, Muhammad Ali and Ruth Buzzi)
• 1978 – Saturday Superstars (hosted by Bay City Rollers; featuring Erik Estrada, Joe Namath and Scott Baio)
• 1983 – Yummy Awards (hosted by Ricky Schroder; special appearance by a live-action Spider-Man to promote his animated show)
• 1984 – Laugh Busters (featuring Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, Kidd Video, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Snorks, Pink Panther and Sons, Mr. T and The Smurfs)
• 1985 – Back to Next Saturday (hosted by Keshia Knight Pulliam and Lisa Whelchel)
• 1986 – Alvin Goes Back to School
• 1987 – ALF Loves a Mystery (hosted by Benji Gregory from ALF)
• 1989 – Who Shrunk Saturday Morning? (hosted by the cast of Saved by the Bell; featuring ALF, John Candy and Marsha Warfield)