Scholastic has launched its first-ever streaming app, and if you’ve got kids or any fondness for 90s nostalgia, this one’s actually worth paying attention to.
For those who might not immediately recognise the name, Scholastic is the publishing giant behind some of the most beloved children’s books and TV shows of the past few decades, who turned characters like Clifford into household names.
Now they’ve partnered with streaming specialist Future Today to create a dedicated app with over 400 hours of classic children’s programming, all free – but with adverts.
The app is currently available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices in the UK, US, and Canada, with more platforms expected to follow.
If you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, you’ll recognise most of the lineup straight away. We’re talking about shows like Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Magic School Bus, and the original Goosebumps series that probably gave you nightmares as a kid.
What You’ll Actually Find
The content spans ages 2-12 officially, but let’s be honest – there’s plenty here for adults too, especially if you’re feeling nostalgic.
Those old Garfield specials alone are worth a look, and The Magic School Bus holds up surprisingly well if you’ve got kids who are curious about science.
Some of the highlights include:
- Clifford the Big Red Dog – both the classic series and seasons 1-2 of the newer version, plus Clifford’s Really Big Movie
- The Magic School Bus – all four seasons of the classic series
- Goosebumps – the first three seasons of the original series
- The Baby-Sitters Club and Animorphs are also included, along with content from 9 Story’s broader catalogue including Garfield specials and Barney & Friends.
The app promises “high-quality animation and video streaming” along with what they’re calling a “safe and kid-friendly environment.”
That usually means no inappropriate adverts and content that’s been vetted for younger audiences.
Content is being updated regularly, though exactly how often isn’t specified. The interface is designed to be simple enough for kids to navigate themselves, which could be useful if you want to hand over the remote without worrying about them stumbling into something unsuitable.
“Scholastic books and programs have been a cornerstone of childhood for generations, bringing characters and lessons that stay with us for life”, said David Di Lorenzo, SVP Kids & Family at Future Today.
“With this new app, we’re ensuring families everywhere will have access to timeless stories that entertain, educate and inspire – backed by a brand they know and trust.”
Worth Your Time?
As with most free streaming services, you’ll be watching adverts, though it is not yet clear how many.
The content library, while substantial at 400+ hours, is largely made up of older material. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – these shows became classics for a reason – but don’t expect cutting-edge animation or the latest trending characters.
The selection feels quite American-focused too, which isn’t surprising given Scholastic’s origins, so it might not resonate as strongly with UK families compared to something like CBBC content – but characters like Clifford are certainly quite popular in the UK as well.
Getting Started
You can download the Scholastic app directly from the Roku Channel Store or Amazon’s Appstore on Fire TV devices.
The company hasn’t announced specific dates for other platforms, but given Future Today’s track record, it is expected to appear on other major streaming devices eventually.
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