Television series
The Magic School Bus Rides Again
- Action
- Light-hearted
Ms. Frizzle's eccentric younger sister Fiona takes over the Magic School Bus, whisking Walkerville Elementary students through wild educational adventures. It's bright, energetic, and earnest about making science accessible and thrilling. For families who want their kids entertained while actually learning something, and adults who loved the original.
If you liked this
Octonauts2010
A submarine crew explores ocean life with real marine biology woven into every episode. The creatures are fascinating, the stakes feel genuine, and it's genuinely funny for adults too.
But The animation is cheaper than you'd hope, and some vocal performances are grating. Early episodes are stronger than later ones.
Hilda2018
A girl navigates a world of folkloric creatures with humor, heart, and genuine peril. Smart writing, beautiful animation, and stories that work for kids and adults watching together.
But Darker and more complex than Magic School Bus—some episodes deal with real consequences. Less educational, more narrative-driven.
Elinor Wonders Why2020
Three kids explore nature and investigate scientific questions through outdoor adventure. Genuinely curious tone, diverse cast, and a real commitment to making observation rewarding.
But Slower paced than Magic School Bus. Some kids find it too contemplative; they want the transport, not the thinking.
Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from The Magic School Bus Rides Again
The wildcard
Something you would not have found on your own.
Cosmos1980
Both treat science as an adventure worth taking seriously. Both believe awe and accurate information belong together, not in opposition.
Neil deGrasse Tyson guides viewers through the universe with stunning visuals, genuine wonder, and rigorous science. It's what Magic School Bus grows up into—the same spirit of adventure, vastly larger scope.
But Dense and genuinely complicated. Long episodes require sustained attention. Some kids find the scale overwhelming rather than inspiring.
More like this (4)
Puffin Rock2015
A puffin and his friends explore an Irish island discovering nature, wildlife, and small mysteries. Narrated by Chris O'Dowd with warmth, and the animation is genuinely lovely.
But Very gentle and quiet. There's minimal conflict or drive; it's pure observation. Not for kids who need plot momentum.
Dinosaur Train2009
A family of dinosaurs travels through time on a magical train meeting different species and learning paleontology. High energy, actually educational, and the core idea never gets old.
But The voice acting is stiff and some episodes are repetitive. Animation is budget-conscious in ways that show.
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist2020
Both use an impossible premise (magic bus / hearing thoughts as songs) to make the ordinary world strange and worth exploring. Both find wonder in asking 'what if?' and actually following through.
A woman gains the ability to hear people's inner emotions through spontaneous musical numbers. Joyful, surprising, and genuinely moving—it's adventure as emotional discovery rather than physical journey.
But A musical drama aimed at adults, not children. If your kids saw this, they'd be confused. Completely different register and emotional weight.
Bluey2018
Both understand that learning happens through play and curiosity, not instruction. Both let kids drive their own discovery and make adult guides seem delighted to follow along.
An Australian animated family where a dad and his two dog kids play imaginative games that turn suburban life into genuine adventure. Tender, brilliantly written, funny for adults, and genuinely moving.
But It's about play and family dynamics, not learning specific facts. If you want concrete educational content, this delivers wisdom but no lessons.
People
Cast
Writing
- John MayExecutive Story Editor
- Suzanne BolchExecutive Story Editor
Production
- Caitlin FriedmanAssociate Producer
- Evan Thaler HickyConsulting Producer
- Richard WestonConsulting Producer
- Andy YeatmanExecutive Producer
- Blake TohanaExecutive Producer
- Iole LuccheseExecutive Producer
- Jocelyn StevensonExecutive Producer
- Steve JaroszExecutive Producer
- Tamara RothenbergExecutive Producer
- Vince CommissoExecutive Producer
- Brenda WallProducer
- Michelle AwadProducer
- Nora KeelySupervising Producer
- Tanya GreenSupervising Producer