Best & Worst of Children's TV Shows - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

PunkyP0WER · 06-19-2008, 03:31 AM

Not necessarily cartoons but the educational ones on pbs etc.
BEST:
- Sesame Street (love the muppets. even adults can find it amusing)
- Barney And Friends (only the early years from early 90's)
- Lambchop's Play Along
- Reading Rainbow (although at times i found it boring, i have to give it credit for being truly educational and informative)

WORST:
- Sharon, Lois & Brom's Elephant Show - what was that? it was so boring. i hated how they sang and what was so great about the darn elephant?? he never talked or did anything but lame dances!
- Pee Wee's Playhouse - do i really need to comment. this show was disturbing on so many levels. even before that scandal about him came out he creeped me out. it looks like a show only michael jackson could enjoy.
- Mister Rogers Neighborhood - this guy put me to sleep and the hand puppets were pathetic and the faces on the puppets looked sinister.

Zoneboy · 06-19-2008, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PunkyP0WER

Not necessarily cartoons but the educational ones on pbs etc.
BEST:

- Barney And Friends (only the early years from early 90's)
- Lambchop's Play Along

WORST:

- Pee Wee's Playhouse - do i really need to comment. this show was disturbing on so many levels. even before that scandal about him came out he creeped me out. it looks like a show only michael jackson could enjoy.
- Mister Rogers Neighborhood - this guy put me to sleep and the hand puppets were pathetic and the faces on the puppets looked sinister.

I'd have to reverse these selections, Barney and Lambchop are 2 of the most boring characters ever as far as children's television is concerned and Pee Wee's Playhouse and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood are absolute classics. I would also include Shining Time Station and The Electric Company in that category as well.

Speaking of Lambchop, It's not the worst thing Shari Lewis ever done. Somehow she was allowed to write one of the worst Star Trek episodes ever entitled the Lights of Zetar.

I agree with Sesame Street but only the pre-Elmo years, That character ruined the show.

tv star collector · 06-19-2008, 08:11 AM

Best:
HOWDY DOODY
MICKEY MOUSE CLUB (the original)
HUCKLEBERRY HOUND
ROCKY & HIS FRIENDS

I never had a chance to see many episodes of CAPTAIN KANGAROO, but I
respect it for its longevity.

Worst:
Cartoons with prosocial messages (esp. late 1970s)
Most cartoons based on live-action TV shows and movies and toys (which
indicate a lack of imagination or originality)

waichingliu81 · 06-19-2008, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tv star collector

Best:
HOWDY DOODY
MICKEY MOUSE CLUB (the original)
HUCKLEBERRY HOUND
ROCKY & HIS FRIENDS

I never had a chance to see many episodes of CAPTAIN KANGAROO, but I
respect it for its longevity.

Worst:
Cartoons with prosocial messages (esp. late 1970s)
Most cartoons based on live-action TV shows and movies and toys (which
indicate a lack of imagination or originality)

are you specifically referring to most 80s and 90s cartoons especially?

tv star collector · 06-19-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waichingliu81

are you specifically referring to most 80s and 90s cartoons especially?

Yes, that's pretty much when the trend started. I confess that I did enjoy
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, mostly for the humor. There were some
other bright spots, including: The Smurfs, G.I. Joe, Inspector Gadget,
DuckTales. in the eighties. The '90s gave us Animaniacs and the
excellent live-action PBS series Wishbone. The problem, I think, is that when someone does come up with a really good idea for a show--and especially if it is a huge success--
every other studio tries to imitate it until you can't tell one show from another. That has always been the case (even in the 1950s) and that kind of thinking is not restricted to children's programming but exists in all genres.

Céline · 06-19-2008, 05:37 PM

Best:Sesame Street,Babar & The Bugs Bunny & Road Runner Hour.

Worst:Teletubbies,Peewee's Playhouse & Mr.Roger's Neighborhood,Pokemon & Digimon.

EighteenMinutes · 08-03-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PunkyP0WER

Mister Rogers Neighborhood - this guy put me to sleep and the hand puppets were pathetic and the faces on the puppets looked sinister.

Mister Rogers makes your list of "worst" because he's boring and yet Barney and Reading Rainbow made the "best" list?

Wow.

To each their own, I suppose.

Personally, I'd rather watch a "boring" guy who teaches positive values and self-worth to children than watch a giant purple dinosaur dance around like a fool.

EighteenMinutes · 08-03-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PunkyP0WER

Pee Wee's Playhouse - do i really need to comment. this show was disturbing on so many levels. even before that scandal about him came out he creeped me out. it looks like a show only michael jackson could enjoy.

And Pee-Wee's Playhouse, too!?!

Again, it's all a matter of personal opinion...but if I'm not mistaken, this show was so disturbing that it won over twenty Emmy awards!

Schmoopie · 08-03-2008, 11:41 PM

I think the best of the best has to be Sesame Street. I not only learned the alphabet and the basics from that show, but I learned some spanish too. I still watch it on occasion... and I don't have kids!

Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood is classic. It's geared more for little kids and he talks directly to them, so of course an adult isn't going to enjoy it as much and would probably feel as though they were being talked down to. It was never meant for adults, but I've watched this too on occasion and I still learn things! Sometimes they would have interesting segments where they would go to factories and once Mr. Rogers visited a group of performers that were doing "Stomp".

I've often heard that "Teletubbies" is really stupid and bad for kids, but I don't see anything wrong with it. Especially for babies, if you must let your infants stare at a TV screen. Sure, there's no real learning that is done (that I can see, anyway), but it's colorful and it moves quickly, which is good because very young kids don't have big attention spans anyway.

A classic that isn't on anymore but is available on DVD is "The Electric Company". Even though it's very dated, it still has great information to teach kids grammar, reading and writing.

Bad shows:
Sponge Bob Square Pants-whomever thought of this show must have been nuts, because I find it stupid and completely unfunny.

Ren and Stimpy-Yet another lame cartoon that kids are supposed to like. Insane.

Actually I could go on and on about the bad cartoons on today.....

waichingliu81 · 08-22-2008, 09:04 AM

worst

barney the dinosaur- need i say more?
the new adventures of captain planet and the planeteers- blantant PC crap, horrible show

best

arthur- i liked this alot even though it was aimed at pre-school kids
mr t- i know, it was a bit corny in places but it taught kids respect, manners and was very educational

rodwayne · 08-22-2008, 11:44 AM

The worst television for children IMO has to be any live action shows that's on both DISNEY and TEEN NICK shows.Any parents whom let their kids whatch these shows should be lock in a dark,rat infested room and force to watch these shows themselves!There's nothing "cute" about these kids,the adults are all idoits,and it's the same ol' farce.

Wreckless · 08-26-2008, 03:03 AM

Mr. Rogers is def. one of the best. When I was a kid, I watched shows like Power Rangers, Barney, Sesame Street etc. but Mr. Rodgers was like a Maury show for kids, except reversed 360, with no street or teen elements added to it, in the sense that the host brought up topics for that age group that fit surviving in life. I think the made up characters in the show were good cause every kid wants to live their age. No kid wants to grow up or be an adult at age 6 and it's a great time- but it can also be a negative time where kids are stuck in the middle of a parent's divorce, in which fantasizing about their fav. cartoon or made up character, makes them feel inferior (yet they don't know because of their age). It makes you wanna dress up and play along. That's why kids love Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny etc. (Sorry for anybody who still believes in them

, no seriously). Kids should be able to get what fits them and not something that puts them in the future.

Wreckless · 08-26-2008, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PunkyP0WER

- Pee Wee's Playhouse - do i really need to comment. this show was disturbing on so many levels. even before that scandal about him came out he creeped me out. it looks like a show only michael jackson could enjoy.
- Mister Rogers Neighborhood - this guy put me to sleep and the hand puppets were pathetic and the faces on the puppets looked sinister.

I totally agree about PWP, If I were a parent, I would never let my kid(s) watch that pedophile filth of a show.

veggie-tari-jenn · 08-31-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmoopie

I think the best of the best has to be Sesame Street. I not only learned the alphabet and the basics from that show, but I learned some spanish too. I still watch it on occasion... and I don't have kids!

Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood is classic. It's geared more for little kids and he talks directly to them, so of course an adult isn't going to enjoy it as much and would probably feel as though they were being talked down to. It was never meant for adults, but I've watched this too on occasion and I still learn things! Sometimes they would have interesting segments where they would go to factories and once Mr. Rogers visited a group of performers that were doing "Stomp".

I've often heard that "Teletubbies" is really stupid and bad for kids, but I don't see anything wrong with it. Especially for babies, if you must let your infants stare at a TV screen. Sure, there's no real learning that is done (that I can see, anyway), but it's colorful and it moves quickly, which is good because very young kids don't have big attention spans anyway.

A classic that isn't on anymore but is available on DVD is "The Electric Company". Even though it's very dated, it still has great information to teach kids grammar, reading and writing.

Bad shows:
Sponge Bob Square Pants-whomever thought of this show must have been nuts, because I find it stupid and completely unfunny.

Ren and Stimpy-Yet another lame cartoon that kids are supposed to like. Insane.

Actually I could go on and on about the bad cartoons on today.....

hey you

have to disagree....I really like sponge bob and ren and stimpy esp the christmas special...hehe

and I luv teletubbies and nope dont have kids but do have all the christmas specials

OMG I really dislike Barney...makes me cringe....and Mr Rodgers Neighborhood...just too awful for words.

yankeesfan82 · 10-06-2008, 08:42 PM

Sesame Street used to be good. Now it sucks. Ever since they gave half the show to Elmo.

Barney is horrible.

If I had kids I'd let them watch:

ARTHUR
CLIFFORD
MAGIC SCHOOL BUS
CURIOUS GEORGE
Mr. Rogers

All good edumacational shows.

06-19-2008, 03:31 AM	#1
PunkyP0WER Member Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2008 Location: MACY*S on 34th St. Posts: 1,908	Best & Worst of Children's TV Shows Not necessarily cartoons but the educational ones on pbs etc. BEST: - Sesame Street (love the muppets. even adults can find it amusing) - Barney And Friends (only the early years from early 90's) - Lambchop's Play Along - Reading Rainbow (although at times i found it boring, i have to give it credit for being truly educational and informative) WORST: - Sharon, Lois & Brom's Elephant Show - what was that? it was so boring. i hated how they sang and what was so great about the darn elephant?? he never talked or did anything but lame dances! - Pee Wee's Playhouse - do i really need to comment. this show was disturbing on so many levels. even before that scandal about him came out he creeped me out. it looks like a show only michael jackson could enjoy. - Mister Rogers Neighborhood - this guy put me to sleep and the hand puppets were pathetic and the faces on the puppets looked sinister.

08-03-2008, 11:41 PM	#9
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	I think the best of the best has to be Sesame Street. I not only learned the alphabet and the basics from that show, but I learned some spanish too. I still watch it on occasion... and I don't have kids! Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood is classic. It's geared more for little kids and he talks directly to them, so of course an adult isn't going to enjoy it as much and would probably feel as though they were being talked down to. It was never meant for adults, but I've watched this too on occasion and I still learn things! Sometimes they would have interesting segments where they would go to factories and once Mr. Rogers visited a group of performers that were doing "Stomp". I've often heard that "Teletubbies" is really stupid and bad for kids, but I don't see anything wrong with it. Especially for babies, if you must let your infants stare at a TV screen. Sure, there's no real learning that is done (that I can see, anyway), but it's colorful and it moves quickly, which is good because very young kids don't have big attention spans anyway. A classic that isn't on anymore but is available on DVD is "The Electric Company". Even though it's very dated, it still has great information to teach kids grammar, reading and writing. Bad shows: Sponge Bob Square Pants-whomever thought of this show must have been nuts, because I find it stupid and completely unfunny. Ren and Stimpy-Yet another lame cartoon that kids are supposed to like. Insane. Actually I could go on and on about the bad cartoons on today.....
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

08-22-2008, 11:44 AM	#11
rodwayne Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 27, 2002 Posts: 367	The worst television for children IMO has to be any live action shows that's on both DISNEY and TEEN NICK shows.Any parents whom let their kids whatch these shows should be lock in a dark,rat infested room and force to watch these shows themselves!There's nothing "cute" about these kids,the adults are all idoits,and it's the same ol' farce.
	__________________

10-06-2008, 08:42 PM	#15
yankeesfan82 Marc B Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 30, 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 216	Sesame Street used to be good. Now it sucks. Ever since they gave half the show to Elmo. Barney is horrible. If I had kids I'd let them watch: ARTHUR CLIFFORD MAGIC SCHOOL BUS CURIOUS GEORGE Mr. Rogers All good edumacational shows.
	__________________ Marc B in CT

06-19-2008, 08:11 AM	#3
tv star collector I Love Susie Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 18, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 4,486	Best: HOWDY DOODY MICKEY MOUSE CLUB (the original) HUCKLEBERRY HOUND ROCKY & HIS FRIENDS I never had a chance to see many episodes of CAPTAIN KANGAROO, but I respect it for its longevity. Worst: Cartoons with prosocial messages (esp. late 1970s) Most cartoons based on live-action TV shows and movies and toys (which indicate a lack of imagination or originality)

06-19-2008, 05:37 PM	#6
Céline Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 29, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 1,606	Best:Sesame Street,Babar & The Bugs Bunny & Road Runner Hour. Worst:Teletubbies,Peewee's Playhouse & Mr.Roger's Neighborhood,Pokemon & Digimon.

08-22-2008, 09:04 AM	#10
waichingliu81 debbie allen Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 28, 2006 Location: london, england, UK Posts: 4,347	worst barney the dinosaur- need i say more? the new adventures of captain planet and the planeteers- blantant PC crap, horrible show best arthur- i liked this alot even though it was aimed at pre-school kids mr t- i know, it was a bit corny in places but it taught kids respect, manners and was very educational

08-26-2008, 03:03 AM	#12
Wreckless Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Nov 04, 2007 Location: Banned Posts: 9,406	Mr. Rogers is def. one of the best. When I was a kid, I watched shows like Power Rangers, Barney, Sesame Street etc. but Mr. Rodgers was like a Maury show for kids, except reversed 360, with no street or teen elements added to it, in the sense that the host brought up topics for that age group that fit surviving in life. I think the made up characters in the show were good cause every kid wants to live their age. No kid wants to grow up or be an adult at age 6 and it's a great time- but it can also be a negative time where kids are stuck in the middle of a parent's divorce, in which fantasizing about their fav. cartoon or made up character, makes them feel inferior (yet they don't know because of their age). It makes you wanna dress up and play along. That's why kids love Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny etc. (Sorry for anybody who still believes in them , no seriously). Kids should be able to get what fits them and not something that puts them in the future.