15 TV Shows That Taught You More Than School Ever Did

Let’s be real, Mr. Rogers and Bill Nye were the best teachers you’ve ever had.

1. Bill Nye The Science Guy

What it taught you: That science rules! Like that one time when Bill recreated thewater cycle and taught the different stages of H2O.

Why it’s better than school: There was no deNYEing science was cool when this guy was around. Also, the props in his classroom were super rad.

2. Liberty’s Kids

What it taught you: This show taught you all you about American history between 1773 and 1789. It also taught you what it’s like to be a journalist and all the challenges you face as a reporter.

Why it’s better than school: You went back in history through the eyes of two young and ambitious reporters that interviewed super high-profile historic figures like George Washington.

3. Sesame Street

What it taught you: Colors, numbers, and the alphabet. But most importantly it taught you valuable life lessons, like that one time Kermit the Frog sang “Being Green,” which touches on the subject of race, individuality, and self-acceptance.

Why it’s better than school: Hanging out with these monster-like puppets was way cooler than going to kindergarten with children who were real monsters.

4. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

Why it’s better than school: Because Mr. Rogers was, and always will be, the ultimate teacher.

5. School House Rock

What it taught you: You learned a whole lot in song — how a bill works, how to useconjunctions, and how to multiply numbers as well.

Why it’s better than school: Every lesson was presented in catchy tunes that you probably still sing to this day. It made you wish everything was taught in song at school.

6. Cyber Chase

What it taught you: The show was great at teaching how to solve math problems. They touched on everything from decimals to geometry.

Why it’s better than school: This was simply better because these kids had a talking cyber bird who helped them with their math problems and the kids at your school didn’t.

7. Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?

What it taught you: Ms. Sandiego taught you a whole lot about geography, but she might’ve also inspired you to do some archeology, or even some spy work.

Why it’s better than school: You got to look for a super chic villain while traveling the world. She is technically at fault for your wanderlust.

8. The Magic School Bus

What it taught you: Ms. Frizzle taught you anything and everything from anatomy to geology, and geography to zoology. She was just awesome!

Why it’s better than school: You wish you would’ve been in Ms. Frizzle’s class because of her amazing school bus, and her field trips were way better than any school trip you’ve ever been to. Like that one time the class explored Arnold’s skin after he turned orange.

9. Captain Planet and the Planeteers

What it taught you: This show taught you to be conscious about the Earth and the implications of pollution, littering, and not recycling.

Why it’s better than school: Captain Planet was just way cooler than anything ever presented at school during Earth week, and you’ll never have cool rings with elemental powers at school.

10. Wishbone

What it taught you: Wishbone would teach you classic tales like Robin Hood, Joan of Arc, and Don Quixote.

Why it’s better than school: At school you were forced to read these stories, but Wishbone would reenact them so you would be entertained while learning. Also, you couldn’t get the theme song out of your head.

11. Reading Rainbow

What it taught you: It taught you everything about reading and the valuable life lesson that “You can go anywhere!”

Why it’s better than school: LeVar Burton was probably one of your favorite teachers in life and he didn’t even go to your school. He was an amazing narrator who brought every story to life. Oh, and the show might come back!!

12. Barney and Friends

What it taught you: Cleaning up, courtesy, and the most important song ever, “I Love You.”

Why it’s better than school: Never will you ever be able to sing all day with a huge, friendly dinosaur and his other dinosaur friends.

13. ZOOM

What it taught you: Science and art projects, cool games, and recipes. This show also taught you how to be proficient in using email because you were probably sending them fan mail after hearing their small jam, “Zmail!”

Why it’s better than school: When you watched Zoom you were encouraged to jump and act crazy; at school you were constrained to your seat and your desk area only.

14. Blue’s Clues

What it taught you: How to use context clues and active listening — basically how to use your human senses and instincts.

Why it’s better than school: You talked to a blue dog and Steve, but this show was also cool because it inspired you to send handwritten mail and not convert to the evil ways of email.

15. Zoboomafoo

What it taught you: Zoology. According to you, you can now work at a zoo and be able to treat any kind of animal because a puppet lemur taught you as a child.

Why it’s better than school: Honestly, though, the talking lemur was the best thing, and you never had a talking lemur at school.