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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.

ExpressVPN

1. ExpressVPN: Established VPN provider in 105 countries. Smart DNS, a built-in ad-blocker, and unlimited bandwidth. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access

3. Private Internet Access: The only no-logs VPN with a location for every US state. Get 82% off + 2 months free.

If you’re overwhelmed and not sure where to begin, you’ll find all the answers in our full VPN guide.

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.

i See our VPN Buyer’s Guide for complete information on how to choose the best VPN for your needs.

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:

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 RhymesAnimal Sounds

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

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 and the Bear: Nursery RhymesSpooky Song

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

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 17

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

Masha and the Bear: Nursery RhymesLove Song

Masha sings about love.

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 39

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

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Animal Tracks

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 41

Baby JJ and his family go on sing-a-long adventures through their everyday lives.

Masha and the Bear: Nursery RhymesOld McDonald

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

Masha and the BearBest of Masha and the Bear: Volume 18

Includes "Who Am I?," "Best Medicine," "Picture Perfect," "Game Over," "A Ghost Story," "We Come in Peace!" and "Trading Places Day."

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Jams

Masha and the BearBest of Masha and the Bear: Volume 19

Includes the episodes "Gone Fishing," "The Grand Piano Lesson," "Little Cousin," "Self-Made Hero," "Like Cat and Mouse," "Recipe for Disaster" and "La Dolce Vita."

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Friendship

Masha and the BearBest of Masha and the Bear: Volume 20

Includes the episodes "Hide and Seek Is Not for the Weak," "What a Wonderful Game," "Laundry Day," "Time to Ride My Pony," "Just Shoot Me," "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire" and "New Kids on the Block!"

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Three Wishes

Masha and the BearBest of Masha and the Bear: Volume 17

Includes "Get Well Soon!," "Prances With Wolves," "Call Me Please!," "Terrible Power," "That's Your Cue," "Hats Off" and "Home-Made Ninjas."

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Skates

Masha and the BearBest of Masha and the Bear: Volume 21

Includes the episodes "Variety Show," "Fishy Story," "Three Mashketeers," "Rock-a-Bye Baby," "First Day of School," "The Very Fairy Tale" and "Hocus Pocus."

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong About Cleanliness

FloogalsProject Mirror; Project Banana

The Floogals believe a mirror is a portal to another world complete with clones of themselves; the Floogals attempt to use a banana as a power source.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong About Lonely Holiday

FloogalsProject Leash; Project Umbrella

The Floogals are confused by a dog's leash, thinking it is a device to make the dog happy.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Hiccups

FloogalsProject Painting; Project Egg Hunt

The Floogals learn about painting; an egg hunt.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of a Young Artist

FloogalsProject Puppet Show; Project Board Game

The Floogals are intrigued by a puppet show; a heated board game challenge.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsComing Home

Nina's WorldNina's Game Day; Nina Learns Karate

Nina and her friends invent a game.

Nina's WorldNina's Very Merry Gift; Nina Celebrates Chinese New Year

Nina and Carlos are Christmas elves for the day and will be giving out special ornaments.

Nina's WorldTo Mami, Love Nina; Nina's Lemonade Stand

Nina looks for the perfect Mother's Day gift.

Nina's WorldNina's Color Festival; Nina's Amazing Amigos

Nina and her friends decorate the courtyard with a chalk mural; Carlos and Chelsea argue about which one is Nina's true best friend.

Nina's WorldSanti's Cranky Time; Max Gets Stinky

Nina and the Star Amigos attempt to figure out what Santi needs to take his nap; Nina and the Star Amigos need to find a sweet-smelling solution when a skunk sprays Max the dog.

Nina's WorldThe Mysterious Food Truck; The Lost Alpaca

When their tummies start to grumble, Nina and the Star Amigos try to track down a mysterious food truck with the best Colombian arepas in town; an alpaca wanders off when Chelsea forgets to close the petting zoo gate at the community street fair.

Trolls: The Beat Goes On!Adventures and Dance Parties, Volume 8

Episodes include "Hair-Jitsu," "Crushin' It," "Meet the Peppy," and "Party Crash Course."

Trolls: The Beat Goes On!Adventures and Dance Parties, Volume 9

Episodes include "Trolly Tales 2," "Rainbowmageddon," "Coop," "Where's My Guy?," and "Fluffleberry Quest."

Trolls: The Beat Goes On!Adventures and Dance Parties, Volume 10

Episodes include "FOMO-OPUP," "Lost in the Woods," and "Party Crashed."

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 36

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

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSweet Tooth's Song

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 37

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

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Beauty

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 38

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

Masha's Karaoke and SongsHappy Birthday

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's Karaoke and SongsLike a Film

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet & DaveA Music Making Adventure; A Drawing Adventure

Hatty introduces Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave to musical instruments.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Past and Future

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's Karaoke and SongsLullaby

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet & DaveA Driving Adventure; A Sign Adventure

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave discover how to keep themselves and others safe when using the road; Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave work out what different signs mean and use them to deliver important messages to others.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsMashketeers's Song

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet & DaveA Pattern Adventure; A Matching Adventure

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave create new patterns for Hatty's hat.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSeven Musical Notes

Kody KapowDumpling Kapow!; Noise Kapow!

The monkeys steal Auntie's prized dumplings right before the village potluck; the monkeys broadcast their horrible music all over the village.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSong of Young Astronauts

Kody KapowBunny Kapow!; Robot Kapow!

When the monkeys release 100 bunnies into the village, Kody must get them under control; the monkeys build a robot that destroys everything in its path.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsMonkey Around

Kody KapowLantern Kapow!; Fireworks Kapow!

When the monkeys steal Mei's lanterns for Mogo's birthday, Kody remembers his lesson about sharing; the monkeys steal the fireworks for Mrs. Chu's birthday celebration, and Kody must retrieve them by carefully anticipating Mogo's next move.

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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