We’re entering cozy season and while blankets and candles might be the first step to ultimate comfort, more Americans are finding that true escapism lies in their childhood TV favorites.
From Curious George to Clifford the Big Red Dog, the shows we grew up with are making a major comeback. Whether it’s reliving your Disney Channel days or introducing your own kids to the characters you once loved, comfort TV is having a serious moment.
We dove into US search data to find out which nostalgic shows are still racking up the views, from Disney to Universal favourites.
The 20 Most Searched Childhood Shows in the US
Show | US Monthly Search Volume |
|---|---|
Curious George | 201,000 |
Kim Possible | 201,000 |
iCarly | 201,000 |
Victorious | 201,000 |
Girl Meets World | 201,000 |
Boy Meets World | 165,000 |
Hannah Montana | 165,000 |
Good Luck Charlie | 135,000 |
Wizards of Waverly Place | 135,000 |
SpongeBob SquarePants | 110,000 |
Hey Arnold! | 110,000 |
Lizzie McGuire | 110,000 |
Rugrats | 110,000 |
Sabrina the Teenage Witch | 90,500 |
Recess | 90,500 |
Pokémon | 90,500 |
Zoey 101 | 90,500 |
Blue's Clues | 90,500 |
Clifford the Big Red Dog | 60,500 |
The Land Before Time | 60,500 |
What Each State Can’t Stop Watching
It turns out comfort content isn’t one-size-fits-all. From House of Mouse fans in Florida to Yu-Gi-Oh! And Lizzie McGuire fans in California, here’s what Americans are searching for, state by state.
State | Top Show(s) |
|---|---|
Alabama | Curious George |
Alaska | Buzz Lightyear of Star Command |
Arizona | Curious George |
Arkansas | Sonny with a Chance |
California | Yu-Gi-Oh! & Lizzie McGuire |
Colorado | Curious George |
Connecticut | Clifford the Big Red Dog |
Delaware | iCarly & Sonny with a Chance |
Florida | House of Mouse |
Georgia | That's So Raven |
Hawaii | Rocket Power & Lilo & Stitch: The Series |
Idaho | Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated |
Illinois | Recess |
Indiana | Mighty Morphin Power Rangers |
Iowa | Clifford the Big Red Dog |
Kansas | Boy Meets World |
Kentucky | Girl Meets World |
Louisiana | The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Kim Possible, Cory in the House, Dave the Barbarian, Brandy & Mr. Whiskers, That's So Raven |
Maine | Clifford the Big Red Dog |
Maryland | Clifford the Big Red Dog |
Massachusetts | Victorious |
Michigan | iCarly |
Minnesota | Clifford the Big Red Dog |
Mississippi | The Suite Life on Deck, American Dragon: Jake Long, Cory in the House, Rugrats, Kenan & Kel, The Proud Family |
Missouri | Clifford the Big Red Dog |
Montana | Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated |
Nebraska | Clifford the Big Red Dog |
Nevada | Digimon Adventure, SpongeBob SquarePants |
New Hampshire | Rocket Power |
New Jersey | Drake & Josh, Hey Arnold!, Victorious, Zoey 101, Barney & Friends |
New Mexico | SpongeBob SquarePants |
New York | House of Mouse |
North Carolina | Mighty Morphin Power Rangers |
North Dakota | Animaniacs |
Ohio | Girl Meets World, SpongeBob SquarePants |
Oklahoma | Clifford the Big Red Dog |
Oregon | Digimon Adventure |
Pennsylvania | Boy Meets World |
Rhode Island | The Suite Life on Deck, Phil of the Future, House of Mouse |
South Carolina | Mighty Morphin Power Rangers |
South Dakota | Digimon Adventure |
Tennessee | Hannah Montana |
Texas | Shake It Up |
Utah | Wizards of Waverly Place, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, Good Luck Charlie, DuckTales, Hercules: The Series, Even Stevens |
Vermont | Pokémon |
Virginia | Mighty Morphin Power Rangers |
Washington | House of Mouse |
West Virginia | Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, CatDog, The Wild Thornberrys, Blue's Clues, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, The Land Before Time |
Wisconsin | iCarly |
Wyoming | Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated |
Surprising Trends in America’s Nostalgic TV Habits
- Clifford the Big Red Dog is a quiet favorite across the Midwest and Northeast, winning hearts in places like Missouri, Maryland, and Iowa.
- Louisiana, Mississippi, Utah, and West Virginia show off the most eclectic tastes, with multiple comfort shows dominating searches.
- Curious George, Kim Possible, iCarly, Victorious, and Girl Meets World are the most popular comfort shows, each racking up more than 200,000 monthly searches.
- In Florida, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington, Mickey Mouse fans reign supreme as House of Mouse is the unexpected nostalgic front-runner.
Why Do These Old Shows Still Feel So Good?
Rewatching childhood shows isn’t just fun. It’s actually good for your brain. Licensed psychotherapist Quinn Harper-Thorpe (MBACP) explains why:
“Nostalgia activates brain pathways linked to memory and reward. When we re-experience old shows, our brain releases dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, along with a sense of continuity in our identity. It reminds us of who we were, and connects that younger self with who we are now. This integration can feel soothing. For many people, rewatching an old series slows racing thoughts, regulates the nervous system, and provides gentle relief from stress.”
Plan Your Own Nostalgia-Fueled Escape
Many of these beloved shows live on at Universal theme parks, where comfort TV meets real-life adventure. From meeting SpongeBob and his friends at Universal Studios to exploring immersive attractions inspired by animated classics, it’s the perfect way to step back into the worlds you grew up watching.
Make your next vacation a throwback to remember with us at AttractionTickets.com, where you’ll find exclusive Universal Orlando ticket and hotel packages that bring your favorite childhood memories to life.
