Children's programming on NBC facts for kids

NBC has shown kids' programs since it first started broadcasting on TV. This article will tell you all about the history of children's TV shows on NBC, including the different blocks of shows and some famous programs that have aired over the years.

NBC Kids' Shows

Why Shows Sometimes Change Times

Sometimes, not all the shows on NBC's Saturday morning block are seen everywhere. This can happen on local NBC stations or their partner channels. Local stations might have their own shows or special programs.

Also, big sporting events can cause delays. Things like the Summer Olympic Games, the French Open, or golf tournaments might take over the TV schedule. This means your favorite cartoon might air later or on a different day.

There's a rule called the Children's Television Act. It says TV stations must show three hours of educational programs each week. These shows need to be on between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM. So, some NBC stations might move kids' shows to Sunday mornings or earlier on Saturday to follow this rule.

Popular Shows on NBC

Note: Shows listed in bold were made by NBC itself. Many of these are now owned 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)

Special Sneak Peeks

Before new Saturday morning shows started, NBC often aired special preview shows. These specials would give viewers a sneak peek at the upcoming cartoons and live-action series. Famous actors and characters would host these fun events.

• 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)