Feeding the Electronic Babysitter

Plugging a child into a television set is a time-tested tradition among American parents, and babysitters. Of course these same parents deny ever using the electronic baby sitter to distract their kids, but we all know it happens. The 'boob tube' is a better asset to the modern household then 'mommies little helpers' were back in the day before Mick Jagger was collecting Social Security checks.

Children's television programs classicaly come in two forms, educational, and commercial. Both formats feature brightly Colored characters, music, and attempts to teach children something that they didn't know when they sat down and drooled in front of the plastic and glass idol. Be it a moral, a lesson in life, or the desire to scream loudly when their parents go shopping, lets face it, children learn from television.


Sesame Street - Old School (1969-1974)

It may not have been the first children's program, but many believe that Sesame Street is the greatest children's program ever. The Children’s Television Workshop created a television series that has been on the air for more then 40 years, and has been translated into more languages then its average viewer can count to. Memorable characters such as Grover Monster, The Count, Big Bird, Ernie and Bert, and an ever-expanding series of timely guest stars have taught children everything from their ABC's to their 1, 2, 3's. Sesame Streethas diverged into every aspect of children’s' lives, bed sheets, lunch boxes, books, DVD’s, and every form of plastic gadget flood the homes of parents the world over. I believe that the secret to the success of Sesame Street is that it has never talked down to its audience. The monsters on Sesame Street interact with the child guest stars as equals, they share problems with the children, and they show the audience that monsters have problems and concerns just like they do.


Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968)

He opens the door and tells us that it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and he wants to be our neighbor. When Mister Rogerspassed away a few years ago, the world lost one of its greatest champions of children’s television, and an all around great guy. He's been parodied by many comedians, and mimicked by many others, but no one can compare to Fred Rogers. His show may seem to belong in a time capsule from the 1950's, but the values and moral lessons that he teaches children will never grow old.


Curious George (2005)

What kid doesn't love a cartoon monkey? Curious Georgeis a small monkey that lives with a man with a big yellow hat. If Mister Rogers teaches children the lessons on how to live their lives, George is here to teach children what not do to. George's curiosity gets the best of him in every story, and he shows children he consequences for their lesson then responsible actions. The monkey teaches children why eating puzzle pieces are bad, without scaring them into obedience. Brightly colored fun complete with a valuable lesson, and a monkey.


The Weird Al Show (1997)

After winning Grammy’s and several platinum albums, "Weird" Al Yankovic tried his hand at a season of children’s' television. If you blinked you missed this rare gem of 1997 television. Al turned his hand away from music, and created a single season of rather amusing Saturday morning television, The Weird Al Show. Al debased himself by becoming jealous of his friend, lying to gain popularity, and then wrapping up each episode learning a valuable lesson about his behavior. Of course this show only lasted a single season, who is going to believe a grown man is going to be jealous of Harvey the Wonder Hamster? Regardless, this show was well produced featuring musical guests, original cartoon shorts, and a massive cast of imaginative guest stars. Showing that Al can do music, movies or television to a lesson then interested audience and still maintain the love and devotion of his rabid fan base.


The Best of The Electric Company (1971)

Hey You Guys!!!!!!! The 1970's were an odd decade, there were bell-bottom pants, Parliament Funkadelic, Studio 54, and an experiment in children's television called The Electric Company. Morgan Freeman, Rita Moreno, Bill Cosby, and Spider Man taught kids lessons in a hip upbeat cool fashion. It was easy to read, it was cool to learn about math, and every episode featured a live action Spider Man comic book. What's not to love about that?

Do your newly hatched Kaiju a favor, shut off Barney, turn down Blues Clues, and make the Disney Princesses get a job. Pick up one of these series for the future city destroyer in your life; they'll thank you for it when they're older.