So before you judge, keep in mind that the magical box we all love basically raised me. Because of this, I’m well versed in age specific shows as they molded me into the man (or boy depending on how you look at it) that I am today. This weekend, pay homage to some of the shows that helped us learn the basics of counting, friendship and the importance of imagination. Waste this weekend with kids shows.
The Modern Choice: iCarly 2007 – Present
If you know someone within the ages of about eight and fifteen, chances are, they have at least heard of the Nickelodeon hit series iCarly. In 2009 it was nominated for an Emmy, but ended up losing to a popular Disney show called Wizards of Waverly Place. But for great content and a look into how television is just a part of media as a whole, iCarly is a perfect example. This is one of the only shows for kids that transcends the television screen successfully as the iCarly website lets audiences continue their viewing experience whenever they want. iCarly follows characters Carly, Sam, Freddie and Spencer as they experience middle school in the modern age. How modern? Carly and Sam broadcast a web show called iCarly where they have become Internet stars. They perform skits, do zany (but safe) stunts and focus on hilarious subjects like eating spaghetti with your hands and how to give super wedgies.
The Popular Choice: Sesame Street 1969 – Present
It would be a crime to leave Sesame Street off any list consisting of TV shows for kids. As the longest running television show for kids ever, Sesame Street transcends time by teaching and entertaining on a lot of levels. Although some people may believe they have outgrown the show, chances are they still pause for a second when they catch a clip of it. With main characters Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird, Elmo, The Count (Wow the list could go on and on) still teaching kids math, reading and good intentions we should expect Sesame Street to continue to mold our youth for a very long time. The original vision still continues as Sesame Street’s content surround educational goals over anything else.
The Forgotten Choice: Pee Wee’s Playhouse 1986 – 1991
Many words have been written to describe the brilliance behind Paul Reuben’s kids show Pee Wee’s Playhouse, but a lot of it tends to forget how wonderful the show actually was for kids. Pee Wee’s Playhouse ended with a boat load of controversy, but with a focus on learning about imagination and stretching the visual capabilities of television way beyond what they were at the time, Pee Wee’s Playhouse was a huge hit for kids. The critics at the time of the show’s run also recognized it as Pee Wee’s Playhouse gathered a whopping 22 Emmy Awards during it’s five year run.
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