Asked and Answered
by Stacey
I often bemoan the lack of appropriate television for children. There is great pre-school programming and then it all goes downhill- quickly. We have tried nearly every show on the Disney Channel because that is what “everyone watches.” While I know that my oldest often exaggerates with the ‘everyone’ comments, this one isn’t far from the truth. If the tween set is watching network programing, chances are they are watching the Disney Channel. This means they are watching shows about middle and high schoolers. Not only are the story lines about children far older than they are but the shows are poorly written and the characters are completely disrespectful.
In an attempt to find fun and appropriate things for the girls to watch we have gotten creative. The girls have watched entire seasons of The Brady Bunch, Full House and The Cosby Show. Right now, we are experimenting with reality shows. I am honestly finding that if chosen well, these show are more appropriate than the Disney Channel. Currently, they are loving John and Kate Plus Eight and American Idol.
So you can imagine my excitement when Rob told me last week that there was going to be a new Cosby Show. It’s as if the Cos had heard my request. His comments about the show? “”There is a viewership out there that wants to see comedy, and warmth, and love, and surprise, and cleverness, without going into the party attitude” and there is an audience that “would like to see a married couple that acts like they love each other, warts and all, children who respect the parenting, and the comedy of people who make mistakes. Warmth and forgiveness.”
Thank you Bill Cosby! We can’t wait!
So happy to hear this news! Mine’s six and it’s been a struggle to find things that are appropriate and hold her attention (we also had a run through the Brady Bunch with her, which she loved; and explaining things like record players and phones with cords (!) was, um, interesting!). Mine goes back and forth between preferring animated and real people shows, and feel like there just isn’t enough that is truly appropriate for her age in the latter category. Many, many of her friends watch shows that I am just unwilling to show her at this tender age (though I realize many live in homes with older siblings and sometimes the trickle down effect is inevitable). But I also don’t want her to feel like a Luddite among her friends–this news of a new series from the beloved Bill Cosby is wonderful! You really hit the nail on the head about there being not much quality media after preschool.
When I first read the title of this post, I thought it referred to the parenting “theory.” I’m excited about this show! I agree about Disney channel series. Some of them just make me crazy to watch. Everything else aside, it’s just NOT quality television. Which is sad, because I think it’s an era of GREAT television for adults. Why can’t they produce something of quality for our kids?! Luckily, my kids turn to Netflix these days vs. the Disney channel and what they’re watching is at least a little better. My son has been watching bits and pieces of the Land Before Time movies when he gets TV time.
You inspired me to try the old Cosby shows with my daughter. We’ve also done a few seasons of Full House and the Brady Bunch. I look forward to the new show, too, though it sounds like it will be a while…
Oh, wow! Bill Cosby actually lives in the same town as my in-laws. They see him jogging sometimes! I’m glad he’s still doing new TV.
Oh so cool! LOVED The Cosby Show!