Franklin (Seasons 1–6)

Franklin (1997) is a gentle animated series about a small turtle, and you can watch it online on iFILM. As the books like to put it, Franklin can count by twos and buckle his own seatbelt — but every day hands him a bigger challenge, like sharing a toy, owning up to a fib, or facing the dark.

The stories stay deliberately small and familiar. Franklin squabbles and makes up with his best friend Bear, feels jealous of his baby sister, and learns patience and honesty — the everyday business of being a preschooler. His mom, dad and the neighborhood animals are always close by, and each episode closes on a calm little lesson that never turns preachy.

Produced by Canada's Nelvana studio from the picture books by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrator Brenda Clark, the show has long been a fixture of children's television. Soft artwork, an unhurried pace and a warm tone make it a solid pick for the youngest viewers and for parents watching alongside them. Stream Franklin (1997) online on iFILM.