It’s currently off-school season, and the little ones are most definitely buzzing with energy. Whether they’re bouncing off the walls at home, heading out for playdates, or winding down after a day of fun, the right shows can make all the difference in keeping them entertained.

Luckily, Showmax has you covered this holiday season with a fun-packed lineup of shows that will keep children of all ages entertained, engaged, and even learning a thing or two along the way. From colourful adventures and lovable animal heroes to laugh-out-loud moments with familiar favourites, there’s no shortage of screen-time magic.

Here are 10 must-watch kids’ shows on Showmax to keep the holiday fun going.

1. Iyanu Season 1

A teenage orphan. Divine powers. A prophecy tied to the fate of Yorubaland. If you haven’t heard of Iyanu yet, where have you been?

This groundbreaking Nigerian animated series is based on a graphic novel by Roye Okupe, the creator, showrunner, and executive producer of the 10-episode show. Currently, Iyanu is the #1 kids’ series on Showmax across Africa. It is also ranked number one on Cartoon Network and among the top 10 kids’ and family series on Max. It follows Iyanu, a girl who discovers her powers and must leave the walled city of Elu with her friends and her trusty leopard Ekun to save the land.

It’s giving Avatar: The Last Airbender—but this time, woven into rich Yoruba mythology with voices you’ll definitely recognise—like Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Stella Damasus.

2. Sonic The Hedgehog

Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) are back in action—but this time, they’re up against Shadow (Keanu Reeves), a mysterious new rival who’s faster, meaner, and a serious threat to the squad. To save the planet, they’ll have to push past their limits and maybe even call on some unexpected allies.

Also, Jim Carrey is back as Dr Robotnik. So yes, the villainy? Still deliciously chaotic.

3. Knuckles

Fresh off the Sonic the Hedgehog universe, Knuckles is the solo spinoff we didn’t know we needed. Our favourite hot-headed echidna (Idris Elba) is back—and this time, he’s trying to fit in on Earth. Spoiler: he’s not great at it.

Cue accidental chaos, intense training montages, and some real laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a wild ride for both long-time Sonic fans and total newbies alike.

4. Despicable Me 4

Gru (Steve Carell) is now a father of four, including the new baby, Gru Jr (Tara Strong), who’s on a mission to torment his dad. But the chaos doesn’t stop there: Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), a criminal mastermind, escapes prison and comes for revenge.

With familiar characters, new minions, and some serious family vibes, this one is perfect for a Saturday night laugh-fest.

5. Kung Fu Panda 4

Po (Jack Black), not just fighting villains anymore—he’s training the next Dragon Warrior. Now chosen as the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, he’s supposed to chill and pass on his wisdom… until a powerful, shape-shifting sorceress shows up looking for his Staff of Wisdom.

With chaos on the horizon, Po teams up with a fast-talking Corsac fox (Awkwafina), and together they learn that sometimes, the real heroes are the ones you least expect

Expect the signature laughs, epic martial arts sequences, and a surprise lesson in trust, teamwork, and passing the baton.

6. Tiddler

If you’ve ever met a little one who can’t stop telling tall tales, Tiddler brings that magic to life. Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling picture book, this short film follows a tiny fish with a huge imagination who gets lost in the deep blue sea, only to be saved by his own stories.

With stunning animation from multi-Oscar-nominated Magic Light Pictures, co-direction by South African Alex Bain, and narration by Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso), it’s as charming as it sounds. Already a hit on BBC as the 9th most watched title on Christmas Day, Tiddler has scooped awards like the Audience Award at the New York International Children’s Film Festival and Animation: Preschool at the BANFF Rockie Awards 2025.

7. The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie

Looney Tunes’ first animated character, Porky Pig, turned 90 this year! To celebrate, Warner Bros. and Ketchup Entertainment bring us the first fully animated feature-length film in Looney Tunes history: The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie!

Porky Pig and Daffy Duck become unlikely heroes and Earth’s only hope when their antics at the local bubble gum factory uncover a secret alien mind control plot. The two are determined to save their town (and the world!)—if they don’t drive each other totally looney in the process.  

8. Transformers One

Before Optimus Prime and Megatron became enemies, they were friends. This origin story dives into the emotional and political drama behind their fallout and gives you a fresh perspective on Cybertron’s history.

You’ll laugh, maybe cry, and definitely look at robots differently.

9. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife. With trouble brewing in both realms, it’s only a matter of time until the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.  

Oscar nominees Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder are back as Beetlejuice and Lydia, as is Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara as Delia. Emmy nominee Jenna Ortega (Wednesday) joins the cast as Astrid. Also look out for Oscar nominees Willem Dafoe and Danny DeVito, as well as Emmy winner Justin Theroux (The Leftovers).

10. Wicked

This magical musical reimagines The Wizard of Oz through the eyes of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a green-skinned girl who forms an unlikely friendship with the ever-popular Glinda (Ariana Grande).

With powerful vocals, big emotions, and a plot twist that flips the fairy tale you thought you knew, Wicked is the perfect pick for musical lovers and anyone craving a little sparkle with their drama.

There’s plenty more waiting on the bench, including:

• Children’s and Family Emmy-winning documentary 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed. Rated 7-9 PG. Trailer.
• Critically acclaimed family adventure My Penguin Friend. Rated 7-9 PG. Trailer.
• 2025 Kidscreen nominee The Famous Five, based on Enid Blyton’s classic novels. PG. Trailer.
• The 4^th biggest box office hit of 2024, Despicable Me 4. Rated 7-9 PG. Trailer.
• The Wild Robot, Rotten Tomatoes’ best animation of 2024. Rated 7-9 PG. Trailer.
• #1 box office hit animation Transformers One. Rated 10-12 PG V. Trailer.