Nostalgia in a Noisy World: Made possible by PBS Kids

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Return to Simpler Screens

The year 2025 has been proven to bring about numerous chaotic misfortunes, yet for some, it has also offered moments of clarity. For myself, this period has become an opportunity for growth and reflection (and some breakdowns!). I've found myself revisiting the joys of my childhood, those carefree moments that brought both comfort and happiness in a time of turmoil. As I've mentioned in previous articles, I work full-time, and lately, my job has begun to take a significant toll on my mental and physical well-being.

So, to combat this, I had this simple idea: "Why not search for Arthur on PBS Kids?" This random thought I had one day, little did I know, would "reshape" my mental well-being. This show brought back warm memories of coming home to my grandparents after school, often following a nap in my dad's car. PBS Kids was more than just a television channel; it was a sanctuary, my safe place in a time of chaos.

As I navigate this chaotic and uncertain world, returning to the shows of the early 2000s that were once on PBS Kids and Qubo provides a rare escape from reality. It allows me to reconnect with a time of innocence and safety, from the complexities of adulthood.

The World Then vs. Now

As a member of the older Gen Z population, I had the unique experience of growing up during the era of MP3 players, dial-up internet, and AOL. I vividly remember a time before social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok took over, and we basically had our imaginations. Alongside these nostalgic memories, I was fortunate to enjoy educational and engaging cartoons that sparked my interest and dream to pursue astronomy.

As children, we often dream about the freedom that comes with adulthood, only to find ourselves disappointed when we eventually grow up. Our childhood was a beautiful time to simply be a child. The world, through our eyes back then, felt like a vast fishbowl filled with possibilities, and we couldn't wait to explore it (little did we know!). Without social media or the concept of online toxicity, it really was a wonderful time to be alive. It was just us and colorful characters on the TV screens.

Now, the pressures of adulthood grow more intense every day. The current political, social, and economic landscape presents endless challenges, slowly swallowing not only our generation but those before us as well. We're all trying to navigate a world filled with instability and toxic changes, which contribute to heightened levels of stress and anxiety. Many young individuals, including myself, often feel emotionally drained and overwhelmed. The constant expectation to stay engaged can lead to severe burnout, leaving little room for much-needed downtime.

Amidst this chaos, I've discovered that revisiting the nostalgia of my childhood brings me a sense of peace. Watching the familiar shows that I grew up with calms the storm of reality.

Nostalgia TV Shows

PBS Kids:

Arthur: One of my favorites! This show followed the adventures of Arthur Read as he navigates friendships in his town of Elwood City. The show emphasized problem-solving that was relatable to us young viewers at the time.

Cyberchase: This TV series was all about learning mathematical concepts and teamwork. It followed three kids teaming up to fight against the Hacker, who was out to destroy Motherboard.

Dragon Tales: Siblings Max and Emmy befriend friendly dragons. This show sparked my imagination and curiosity about the world around me.

Clifford the Big Red Dog: An all-time favorite. If you are familiar with Clifford, it centers around a giant red dog and his owner, Emily Elizabeth. Set in a friendly neighborhood, the show emphasizes kindness, inclusivity, and the importance of friendship through various adventures and life lessons.

Zoom: I can just hear the theme song! This series invites children's participation in various creative activities, from arts and crafts to games and challenges.

Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman: This was another favorite! I wanted to be on this show so bad as a kid. My favorite episode was the one where they had their grandparents on Season 1 dancing to Aaron Carter. This series was focused on pre-teens and teens engaging in real-life challenges in their community to gain points.

Qubo:

Jane and the Dragon: This show follows a brave young girl Jane as she befriends a dragon. I loved the medieval theme throughout the series.

Jacob Two-Two: Oh my goodness! This was another favorite of mine. The story revolved around a young boy who feels overlooked by his family and peers. He went on adventures to showcase the importance of perseverance and self-advocacy. Also, he was known to say certain words twice!

3–2–1 Penguins!: This animated series combined family values and humor as it follows a group of penguins who embark on intergalactic missions. Also, it was built on Christian values, I didn't find this out till years later!

Pecola: Focusing on the life of a young penguin named Pecola, this series highlights his experiences and the lessons he learns about friendship, acceptance, and understanding, all set against a backdrop of relatable childhood situations.

Rupert: I have so many favorites, but this is another. This animated show follows Rupert Bear and his friends as they embark on fairytale adventures.

Sitting Ducks: In this quirky animated series, Bill, a duck, befriends an alligator named Aldo, and they go on adventures.

The Emotional Impact: Why It Still Matters

My mental health has been challenged over the past few years, especially in recent months. As I immersed myself in the familiar voices, themes, and animations, my mind began to slow down, allowing me time to relax. In a world that often feels chaotic, revisiting those comforting childhood memories has provided a much-needed refuge and a sense of peace.

Reflecting on my mental well-being, I realize that much of my struggles were fueled by frustration over situations beyond my control. However, as I watch shows such as Arthur, Cyber Chase, and Rupert, I fall back into a "safe space" for my mind to relax and regain composure. Engaging with these programs has helped rewire my brain, leading me to think positive thoughts like, "I can do this," "I have goals, and I will achieve them," or "I'll get through this; I can feel it."

These shows not only encouraged me to embrace compassion and learning but also helped me build a sense of community. While I've always valued these principles, they've taken on new significance, a reminder that the world around us can shape us in ways we don't always recognize. Ultimately, it's up to us to decide how much influence we allow that world to have.

By reconnecting with these comforting narratives from my past, I've started to experience a renewed sense of happiness and reduced stress, which has helped lift me out of my depressive state. It's empowering to know that it's possible to find strength and positivity, even during difficult times.

These shows are more than just relics of our childhood; they are treasured memories filled with lifelong lessons and happiness. As we've grown up, we may have slowly lost touch with the simple joys we once experienced, but it's never too late to revisit those moments. Nostalgia isn't escapism; it serves as a reminder of the good times we had. If you're from my generation or a millennial, I encourage you to carve out some time during the week to watch some of the shows you loved as a child. Pair that with your favorite childhood snack or meal, get cozy with your favorite blanket or stuffed animal (if you still have one), and take the time to unwind and relish those precious memories.

Comment down below if you have any childhood TV shows you were fond of growing up.