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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:

Nina's WorldNina's Seaside Rescue

The Star Amigos really want to win the Seashore Scavenger Hunt but must set aside their rivalry with another team to save some baby sea turtles.

Trolls: The Beat Goes On!Adventures and Dance Parties, Volume 16

Episodes include "Snow Day," "Guy Misses Out," "Scrap to the Future," and "Bringing Up Birdy."

Trolls: The Beat Goes On!Adventures and Dance Parties, Volume 17

Episodes include "Blank Day," "Haircuffed," "Marshtato Fairy," and "Do the Biggie."

Trolls: The Beat Goes On!Adventures and Dance Parties, Volume 18

Episodes include "Hitting the Sky Note," "Hug Fest," "Chummy Sparklestone," and "Giggleyum."

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 14

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

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSnowmen 2

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 13

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

Masha's Karaoke and SongsSnowmen 1

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 15

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

Masha's Karaoke and SongsMasha's Santa Lucia

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 16

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

Masha's Karaoke and SongsHold on Paris

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet & DaveA Finding the Way Adventure; A Big Party Adventure

Three friends play and explore together.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsAll This Is Germany

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet & DaveA Reporting Adventure; A Fruit Juice Adventure

The friends report special events in the jungle; making fruit juice drinks.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsCheerful Carnival

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet & DaveA Recycling Adventure; An Egg Hunt Adventure

The teams compete; the friends help Littlest Bunny get ready for his first Easter egg hunt.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsJapanese Song

Ruff-Ruff, Tweet & DaveA Hoe-Down Adventure; A Jungle Games Adventure

The three friends learn to dance; Team Hilltop competes against Team Jungle.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsAbout the Old Times

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.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsChinese New Year

Kody KapowTuk Tuk Kapow!; Stinkbug Kapow!

Goji is accused of stealing the dumpling tuk tuk and the Kapows work to clear his name by finding the real culprit; the monkeys trick the Kapows with a fake Sapphire Dragon.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsIt's All Spain

Kody KapowSnowy Kapow!; Dragon Egg Kapow!

Mogo starts melting all the snow on the mountain; the monkeys steal what they think is a dragon egg.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsEverything Will Be Ok

Kody KapowBerry Kapow!; Goggles Kapow!

Mogo disguises himself as Goji to steal powerful berries; Kody tries to recover Mei's spy goggles from the monkeys.

Masha's Karaoke and SongsAria 1

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 18

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

Masha's Karaoke and SongsMasha's Rigoletto

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's Karaoke and SongsAria 2

CocomelonCocomelon Sing-a-Longs, Volume 19

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

Masha's Karaoke and SongsFairytale East

Masha and the BearMasha Mash-Up: Volume 14

A little girl named Masha lives in the forest with her dog, goat and pig. She befriends a paternal bear who tries to keep her out of trouble.

Masha and the BearMasha Mash-Up: Volume 15

Masha, Bear, and all their forest friends are back with assorted episodes from "Masha and the Bear," "Masha's Spooky Stories" and "Masha's Tales."

Masha and the BearMasha Mash-Up: Volume 16

Masha, Bear and all their forest friends are back with assorted episodes from "Masha and the Bear," "Masha's Spooky Stories" and "Masha's Tales."

Masha and the BearBest of Masha and the Bear: Volume 37

Includes "Big Hike", "What's Inside?", "Tour de Forest", "Firefighter of the Day", "The Mystery Guest", and "Sudden Turn".

Masha and the Bear ShortiesAmusement Rides

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 and the Bear ShortiesToy Store

FloogalsProject Tent; Project Aluminum Foil

The Floogals discover the joys of camping when they observe the Hooman kids putting up a tent; the Floogals discover the wonders of aluminum foil.

Masha and the Bear ShortiesSuperpizza

FloogalsProject Singing; Project Vacuum

The Floogals learn about singing and vacuum cleaners.

Masha and the Bear ShortiesAirport

FloogalsProject Table Tennis; Project Magnet

The Floogals discover table tennis.

Masha and the Bear ShortiesFashion

FloogalsProject Vacation; Project Mail

The Floogals learn about vacations and mail delivery.

Masha and the Bear ShortiesCinema

Nina's WorldNina Live; Nina in Charge

Nina gets the chance to play a song with a famous salsa singer; Nina tries to entertain the neighborhood kids at a courtyard barbecue, but nothing goes as planned when Abuelita introduces the ultimate game -- piñata.

Nina's WorldCarlos' Winning Shirt; The Best Ending Ever!

Carlos is convinced that wearing his brother's winning T-shirt will help his team win the championship soccer game; Nina discovers that pages from her favorite bedtime book are missing and the Star Amigos must find a new ending.

Nina's WorldNina the Nature Guide; Nina's Bad Hair Day

The Star Amigos head into the woods for a hiking trip and things don't go as planned; the Star Amigos must help Nina fix her hair for family photo day.

Nina's WorldChelsea's History Mystery; Nina and Her Shadow

Chelsea has trouble finding the perfect personal artifact to contribute to a neighborhood history exhibit; the Star Amigos plan to make a music video for cousin Natalia's birthday.

Nina's WorldCarlos Rocks Ballet; Nina in the Middle

Nina and Chelsea ask Carlos to join their ballet trio; Nina plans to put on a play for Santi's playgroup.

Nina's WorldNina's Top Secret Party; Don Pablo Goes to the Game

Nina overhears something, leading her to believe that Chelsea is moving away; after finding it very difficult to get to Bear Stadium, Nina decides it's time to make some changes around town.

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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