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The Best Options for Watching Universal Kids Without the Need for Cable

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If you want to have Universal Kids and similar channels available for your family, it’s no problem doing so without signing up for a long-term cable contract. Read on to learn all you need to know.

In a hurry? The biggest live TV streaming services offer Universal Kids. These are our top picks:

  • Fubo: With 150+ channels, it offers something for everyone. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.
  • DIRECTV STREAM: Makes it easy to switch from cable to streaming with their 75+ channel Entertainment plan and options for much more. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
  • Hulu + Live TV: This total entertainment streaming service provides a great on-demand selection and all the essential live TV channels.

If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, try ExpressVPN to get access to the content you deserve.

In a hurry? Unfortunately, we don’t know a streaming service in that offers this TV channel/sport. But if you’ve already paid for the right service, and just can’t watch because of your location, there is an easy way to get the sports, movies, and TV you deserve. You need a VPN, like one of the following.

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Universal Kids is a channel that is dedicated to delivering programs for children from ages two to pre-teen. It offers a variety of animated series that please both parents and children.

Don’t worry about managing an expensive cable subscription. You can watch Universal Kids over a multitude of platforms. Let’s take a closer look.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

What Is Universal Kids

Universal Kids is the family network for NBCUniversal. This channel has a long and interesting history.

Originally, it started as PBS Kids. It was launched in 1999 as a block of children’s programming. It was offered to PBS members, upper package cable subscribers, and PBS member stations that paid a subscription fee.

Unfortunately, it could not compete with Children’s Television Workshop’s Noggin channel. So in September 2005, a joint venture between Sesame Street Workshop, PBS, and HIT entertainment was formed to create PBS Kids/Sprout. Primarily, it dedicated its shows to the preschool audience.

In 2013, NBCUniversal became the primary owner, and the PBS Kids name was dropped. Rebranding occurred in 2017. At that time, Universal Kids was born and started a lineup of primetime programs that pleased the younger crowd.

For example, it carried content from DreamWorks animation, international series, and spinoffs from sister networks like Top Chef Junior and American Ninja Junior. Today, it has stopped producing original programs and rests mainly on acquired content and DreamWorks entertainment.

Universal Kids Homepage
Universal Kids homepage.

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Universal Kids Shows

Due to a decrease in ratings, Universal Kids decided to stop developing original content. However, there are many shows from the past that remain very popular.

For instance, The Chica Show, which was based on the puppet segments on Sprout’s The Sunny Side Up Show. This beloved show ended in 2015. Now, short videos are available to watch on the Universal Kids website.

A similar animated series, The Floogals, has videos and games on the website as well. Other favorites like American Ninja Warrior Junior, Top Chef Junior, and Get Out of My Room may now be viewed on Peacock.

Despite the changes, there are many current favorites that may be streamed from Universal Kids.

  • Remy & Boo: Pairs a little girl and her best friend, a tiny blob. Her imagination takes them on many adventures, which teaches the importance of friendship.
  • CoComelon: Preschoolers love singing and dancing to their favorite nursery rhymes as they watch babies and animals go through everyday activities.
  • Masha and the Bear: The show is based on a children’s folktale. Masha and her bear go on many new ventures as she tries to keep him out of trouble.
  • Mighty Mike: Mike is an adorable pug. He tries to live a relaxing life in his big mansion. However, mischievous furry visitors try to put a damper on his plans.
  • Trolls: Based on the popular fad dolls of the 1980s, Trolls takes kids on musical adventures through Trolls’ Village. The bright colors attract young watchers, and everyone enjoys some singing and dancing.

Stream Universal Kids

Universal Kids is available on different TV streaming services.

  • FuboTV: FuboTV delivers 110+ channels, including Universal Kids, Disney Junior, and Nick Jr. For $69.99 per month, you receive numerous ways to view sports programs and kids shows. All plans come with at least 750 hours of cloud DVR and simultaneous streaming on ten devices. (FuboTV review)
  • DIRECTV STREAM: If you subscribe to the Ultimate package for $104.99 per month, you enjoy great channels like Universal Kids, PBS Kids, BabyFirst, Nick Jr, and Disney Junior. All plans come with unlimited DVR storage (online sign-up only) and streaming on up to 20 devices at once. (DIRECTV STREAM review)
  • Hulu + Live TV: Includes Universal Kids in its base plan for $69.99 per month. It includes 85+ total channels including Nick Jr, Disney Junior, and Discovery. Additionally, it comes with ESPN+ and Disney+. You also get unlimited cloud DVR (9 month storage) and streaming on up to two devices. (Hulu + Live TV review)
  • YouTube TV: For $64.99 per month, your package includes 85+ channel including Universal Kids. Unlimited cloud storage and streaming on up to three devices is also included.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

On-Demand

Various shows from Universal Kids are available on-demand on a variety of services.

  • Amazon: Offers a number of Universal Kids shows for approximately $1.99 per episode. Some of the most popular titles, including The Floogals, are available. (Amazon Prime review)
  • Vudu: A great alternative to Netflix and Hulu. Its numerous offerings make it easy to stream episodes of Universal Kids shows.
  • Google Plus Movies: Similar to Amazon, you can purchase individual episodes of favorite Universal Kids shows for $1.99 per show.
  • Hulu On-Demand: Known for its vast library of shows and movies. You can only view UK’s latest DreamWorks series Where’s Waldo? on Hulu. But there is a vast trove of kids entertainment available. (Hulu review)

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You can’t beat a VPN for privacy, security, and access. We have used them for years as an important part of our streaming toolkit and we recommend ExpressVPN. Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.

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Alternatives

There are several good alternatives to Universal Kids:

  • Disney Junior: Provides programming that is aimed at young children.
  • Nick Jr: The preschool offshoot channel to Paramount’s Nickelodeon. Favorite shows include Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, and Blue’s Clues & You.
  • PBS Kids: Public broadcasting was once tied directly with Universal Kids through its Sprout offerings. Today, it features existing series. In 2020, it became home to the Peanuts animated library.
  • YouTube Kids: YouTube began a unique channel for a younger audience. Children can view age-appropriate content so that parents can rest easy.

Streaming Devices to Watch Universal Kids

All of the streaming services above support the most popular devices:

  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Android mobile
  • Apple TV
  • Chromecast
  • iOS (iPhone,iPad)
  • Roku
  • Samsung smart TVs
  • Web browsers.

Other than DIRECTV STREAM, all the services support:

  • Android TV-based TVs
  • LG smart TVs
  • VIZIO smart TVs
  • Xbox system.

Hulu and YouTube also support PlayStation units.

This list is incomplete. See our streaming service reviews for complete information.

Today’s Universal Kids Schedule

Here is today’s schedule in Eastern Time:

The Adventures of Puss in BootsCat Fish

When pirates force Puss to face his fear of water by walking the ship's plank, he is rescued by his ex-girlfriend and fish monster, Feejee the Mermaid.

The Adventures of Puss in BootsParrot Booty

When Puss and the pirates find the treasure of San Luis Rey, they must find a way to escape the attack of Bonky the Parrot and his skeleton army.

The Adventures of Puss in BootsSkeleton Town

Puss returns to San Lorenzo with the Crown of Souls, accompanied by a band of skeletons which make the residents feel unsettled.

The Adventures of Puss in BootsFamiliar Feeling

An important gem is missing from the Crown of Souls, so Puss and his friends set off to find it; however, the gem is in pieces and each is owned by a different witch.

The Adventures of Puss in BootsIn Dreams

While hunting for the second gem, Puss and friends meet a witch who sends Puss into a deep sleep filled with crazy dreams.

The Adventures of Puss in BootsFluteus Maximus

Puss and his friends must defeat a flute-playing witch who guards a piece of the missing gem; once they have the stone, something amazing occurs.

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 43

JJ and pals learn about letters, numbers, animal sounds, and more in this musical series featuring nursery rhymes.

Masha and the Bear: Nursery RhymesRain Rain Go Away

Oh, it's raining, it's pouring; Masha can't go out into the yard with her ball, but with an umbrella and some rubber boots, things might take a completely different turn.

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 44

JJ and pals learn about letters, numbers, animal sounds, and more in this musical series featuring nursery rhymes.

Masha and the Bear: Nursery RhymesDisco Song

Something interesting always happens with Tiger, and this time, it's a real disco inferno; a great way to liven up the trip to Bear's house is by singing songs and dancing.

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 45

JJ and pals learn about letters, numbers, animal sounds, and more in this musical series featuring nursery rhymes.

Masha and the Bear: Nursery RhymesMary Had a Little Lamb

Masha, Dasha, Panda and the little baby Sheep are in class at school; when the little sheep interrupts the lesson, Bear, the teacher, sends the baby Sheep to wait for Masha.

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 47

JJ and pals learn about letters, numbers, animal sounds, and more in this musical series featuring nursery rhymes.

Masha and the Bear: Nursery RhymesShapes Song

Masha and the Penguin make geometric shapes in the snow while Bear shovels; determining how many interesting things can be put together from circles, squares and triangles.

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet & DaveA Squeaky Ball Adventure; A Mini Golf Adventure

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave play different sports to try to find the perfect game for Ruff-Ruff's favorite squeaky ball.

Masha and the Bear: Nursery RhymesFive Little Ducks

Masha counts ducklings on the river; there are five of them, then four, then three, two, one, and suddenly, they seem to have all gone.

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet & DaveAn Inventing Adventure; A Fixing Adventure

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave invent "blue panda waker-uppers" to help Dave get up in the morning.

Masha and the Bear: Nursery RhymesBingo

Masha has a new toy, a dog named Bingo; it's very interesting to play with the new toys, but Masha must teach the dog to be friends with cats and go to bed on time.

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet & DaveA Mountain Adventure; A Beach Adventure

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave climb to the top of a mountain to plant Tweet's special flag.

Masha and the Bear: Nursery Rhymes1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The most important thing in fishing is fishing in good company; Masha admires colorful fish, but when she manages to catch one of them, she tosses her catch back into the water.

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet & DaveA Gardening Adventure; A Flying Adventure

A trip to a garden and how to plant seeds.

Masha and the Bear: Nursery RhymesAnimal Sounds

Oh, how much paper Bear has; Bear can make origami, and rigs together a pet for Masha.

Kody KapowBirthday Kapow!; Sneeze Kapow!

When the monkeys steal Mei's birthday cake so Mogo can make a wish, it's up to Kody to get it back and save the day; Goji runs away after Kody loses his patience.

Masha and the Bear: Nursery RhymesOld McDonald

On this farm there lives a cow, a sheep, a duck and a dog.

Kody KapowItchy Kapow!; Water Works Kapow!

When the monkeys make everyone in the village itchy, Kody must find the cure and save the village; the monkeys steal all the river water for Mogo's water theme park.

Masha and the Bear: Nursery RhymesSpooky Song

On a spooky night, Masha's new song helps both Bunny and Rosie become super-brave.

Kody KapowTemple Kapow!; Dance Kapow!

After the monkeys leave the Kapows in a booby-trapped temple, Kody tries to find a way out; when the monkeys steal the Li family's ceremonial masks, Kody has to face his fears.

Masha and the Bear: Nursery RhymesLove Song

Masha sings about love.

Kody KapowKite Kapow!; Tunnel Kapow!

When the monkeys blow away all the villagers' kites, Kody distracts them to get them back; after the monkeys steal Mei's treasured viewfinder, Kody learns how to use his ears to get it back.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Animal Tracks

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 47

JJ and pals learn about letters, numbers, animal sounds, and more in this musical series featuring nursery rhymes.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Jams

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 42

JJ and pals learn about letters, numbers, animal sounds, and more in this musical series featuring nursery rhymes.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Friendship

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 43

JJ and pals learn about letters, numbers, animal sounds, and more in this musical series featuring nursery rhymes.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Three Wishes

Masha and the BearBest of Masha and the Bear: Volume 38

Includes "Something Yummy", "Masha Knows Best", "Honey Day", "Mind Your Manners", "Sleeping Beauties", and "Treasure Island".

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Skates

Masha and the BearBest of Masha and the Bear: Volume 39

Includes "Finders Keepers", "Berry Naughty", "Pasta la Vista", "The First Swallow", "How to Train Your Plant", and "Happily Feather After".

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong About Cleanliness

Masha and the BearBest of Masha and the Bear: Volume 40

Includes "Mushroom Rain", "Who's the Boss?", "Love is in the Bear", "Awesome Blossoms", "Princess or Dragon?", and "UnBearable Beach".

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong About Lonely Holiday

Masha and the BearBest of Masha and the Bear: Volume 41

Includes "Try, Try Again", "All You Need is a Goal", "Tricky Tricks", "Unfriended?", "Fisherman's Luck", "Like Mother, Like Daughter", and "Think Outside the Box."

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Hiccups

Masha and the BearBest of Masha and the Bear: Volume 42

Includes "When a Pig Flies", "Knock-knock-knock", "Well-beeing", "Wish Upon a Star", "Shower Power", "Blown Away", and "Soup Pursuit."

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of a Young Artist

FloogalsProject Mini Golf; Project Decorating

The Floogals make a golf ball bounce into the house and have to return it; Girl Hooman's dollhouse looks like it's being sidelined.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsComing Home

FloogalsProject Christmas Tree; Project Snow

The Floogals encounter a tree in the Hooman's living room; the entire garden is covered in something cold and white.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSweet Tooth's Song

FloogalsProject Building Blocks; Project Baby Tooth

Flo accidentally knocks a box of building blocks over; Girl Hooman has a wobbly tooth.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Beauty

FloogalsProject Hide and Seek; Project Fitness

The Floogals are confused by the Girl and Dad Hooman hiding from each other; a Fee Floogal visit.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsHappy Birthday

Nina's WorldNina's Birthday; Nina's Big Adventure

It's Nina's birthday party; Tio Javier goes on an adventurous trip across the globe.

Nina's WorldNina the Nurse; Super Nina!

Nina takes care of her sick grandmother; Nina and Carlos become superheroes!

Nina's WorldNina From Space; Nina Makes Music

Nina and Chelsea pretend to be visitors from another planet; Nina helps inspire Tio Javier to write a song.

Nina's WorldNina Wants to Grow; Nina Takes the Stage

Nina wants to grow taller; Nina discovers a shadow puppet from an ancient story.

Nina's WorldNina's Show and Tell; Nina's Snow Day

When Nina discovers a lone flower growing in a sidewalk crack, she looks for a way to savor and share its beauty; Nina learns what winter is like in other parts of the world.

Nina's WorldNina the Kite Flyer; Nina's First Sleepover

Nina is making a butterfly kite for the kite festival with Carlos, but then disaster strikes; Chelsea is sleeping over.

Trolls: The Beat Goes On!Adventures and Dance Parties, Volume 21

Poppy, Branch and friends keep the dance party raving in their fantastical forest home in "Extreme Sleepover Club", "Vega Swift", "Scrapbookmobile" and "Troll Rangers."

Wrapping Up

Although Universal Kids has a deep history, it continues to provide quality kids’ entertainment shows on one channel. There are few networks that devote total programming to children. However, this is one that appeals to youngsters and parents.

Luckily, you can stream episodes without a cable subscription. We recommend Hulu + Live TV.

FAQs

Why doesn’t Universal Kids produce new content anymore?

Unfortunately, when Universal tried to rebrand Sprout, ratings declined dramatically. The decision was made to continue the network but no longer develop original shows. Instead, it has increased its acquisitions from the NBCUniversal umbrella and third-party producers. However, the animation division has seen the launch of two new series by DreamWorks. These include Where’s Waldo? and Norman Picklestripes.

How can I stream old shows from PBS Kids Sprout?

Numerous streaming services offer Sprout programs. For example, Hulu and Amazon both offer episodes. Hulu subscribers may stream old Sprout shows through its live TV service. On Amazon, old favorites like Caillou have full seasons available that are free for prime members. Other shows are available as well.

How can I stream other family and kids channels?

Our options to watch related channels:

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