Children’s entertainment in Nigeria has always been a reflection of global trends combined with local cultural needs. In 2025, Nigerian families are tuning in to a mix of international blockbusters and new African-made series that finally give kids characters who look, sound, and live like them. The concrete answer is that the seven most watched cartoon and animation series for Nigerian kids in 2025 are Iyanu, Tom & Jerry, CoComelon, Iwájú, Bluey, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. These shows dominate on platforms like DStv/GOtv, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and Showmax, shaping the daily screen time of children across the country.
Iyanu
Nigeria’s pride in 2025 is Iyanu, a superhero story rooted in Yoruba mythology. The series launched on Cartoon Network, Max, and Showmax this year, immediately climbing to the top of kids’ viewership charts. It tells the story of a young heroine whose magical powers are tied to her cultural heritage, and children are captivated by seeing Yoruba names, clothing, and history reimagined in an action-packed fantasy. Parents also appreciate the educational undertones, as the show encourages curiosity about Nigerian traditions.
| Platform | Age Group | Why Kids Love It | Parent Note |
| Cartoon Network, Max, Showmax | 6–12 | Nigerian heroes, thrilling action, Yoruba themes | Some intense scenes, but deeply cultural |
Tom & Jerry
No list would be complete without Tom & Jerry, the slapstick classic that still commands laughter in Nigerian homes. Its appeal is universal—dialogue-free humor, constant mischief, and short episodes that keep children engaged. Even in 2025, Google search data ranks Tom & Jerry among the most popular kids’ shows in Nigeria. Its long history on Boomerang and Cartoonito has ensured that generations of kids recognize the cat-and-mouse chase as part of their childhood.
| Platform | Age Group | Why Kids Love It | Parent Note |
| Boomerang, Cartoonito, YouTube | 4–10 | Funny chases, timeless comedy | Mild cartoon violence but lighthearted |
CoComelon
For toddlers and preschoolers, CoComelon is practically everywhere. With billions of views on YouTube and Netflix spin-offs, it is the daily soundtrack of nursery rhymes and sing-alongs. Nigerian parents often play it on smart TVs, while children sing along to simple, catchy tunes that teach numbers, colors, and daily routines. The only challenge is managing screen time because its repetitive songs are designed to hook very young viewers.
| Platform | Age Group | Why Kids Love It | Parent Note |
| YouTube, Netflix | 2–5 | Bright colors, simple songs, easy learning | Highly addictive, limit screen time |
Iwájú
Produced by Disney and set in a futuristic Lagos, Iwájú gives Nigerian children a rare glimpse of their city in a sci-fi world filled with technology, adventure, and strong cultural messages. It focuses on themes like inequality, innovation, and identity, all through the lens of characters who speak like them and live in familiar settings.
| Platform | Age Group | Why Kids Love It | Parent Note |
| Disney+ | 6–12 | Futuristic Lagos, cool gadgets, relatable heroes | Includes themes of inequality; good for guided discussion |
Bluey
Bluey, the Australian hit, has become a Nigerian household favorite thanks to its relatable family stories and short episodes. In 2025, BBC Studios took a major step by releasing local dubs in Nigerian Pidgin, making the show even more accessible. Parents love how each episode highlights family life, imagination, and problem-solving, while kids laugh along at the everyday adventures of Bluey and her family.
One reason Bluey resonates so much is that children can see their everyday games turned into meaningful lessons. Many families even look for ways to extend that experience beyond the screen. From themed party decorations to custom plushies that let children hug their favorite characters, Bluey has become more than just a show—it’s part of daily playtime.
| Platform | Age Group | Why Kids Love It | Parent Note |
| CBeebies, Disney+ | 3–7 | Funny family adventures, easy to understand | Calm pacing, perfect for co-viewing |
SpongeBob SquarePants
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SpongeBob is a Nickelodeon powerhouse that Nigerian kids continue to adore. The undersea setting, bizarre humor, and colorful cast of characters make it an enduring favorite. Nickelodeon Africa frequently highlights SpongeBob with anniversary marathons and special events, which keep the series relevant.
| Platform | Age Group | Why Kids Love It | Parent Note |
| Nickelodeon, NickToons | 6–12 | Funny, silly, nonstop action | Chaotic humor may be confusing for younger kids |
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
Finally, Miraculous remains a hit among Nigerian children who love superheroes. With its Parisian setting, superhero duo, and themes of friendship and teamwork, it is especially popular with school-age children. The show is widely available through Netflix and occasional broadcast marathons, making it easy for families to access. Merchandising and fashion tie-ins have also contributed to its popularity in Nigeria.
| Platform | Age Group | Why Kids Love It | Parent Note |
| Netflix, TV Marathons | 6–12 | Superheroes, teamwork, endless episodes | Mild action scenes, strong friendship themes |
Final Thoughts
In 2025, children’s viewing habits in Nigeria are shaped by a balance of timeless global classics and new African voices. Tom & Jerry and SpongeBob prove that slapstick and silliness never go out of style. CoComelon dominates among toddlers thanks to YouTube’s reach. Meanwhile, Iyanu and Iwájú mark a turning point: Nigerian kids are finally seeing themselves as the heroes of major animated worlds. Bluey’s Pidgin dub and Miraculous’ international flair round out a lineup that reflects both the local and global side of modern Nigerian childhood.
Parents today are in a better position than ever before: they can curate content that entertains, educates, and represents their children. From superhero adventures rooted in Yoruba mythology to everyday family stories in Nigerian Pidgin, 2025 feels like the year when kids’ animation in Nigeria truly became both global and local.
