What’s Your Favorite Show Your Kids Aren’t Allowed to Watch?

As a parent, deciding which TV shows are appropriate for your children can be quite a challenge. From Ren Stimpy to Family Guy, there are plenty of series that might leave you questioning whether your kids should be allowed to watch them.

Parental Choices and Restrictions

Various shows stand out in the minds of many adults. For instance, Ren Stimpy is notorious for its risqué and explicit content, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. Similarly, shows like Family Guy, Chicago PD, and even episodes from Law Order: Special Victims Unit are often off-limits due to their mature themes and plotlines.

Some parents prefer to avoid any content that associates with empowering women or girls, believing that such themes might not be suitable for their children at certain ages. For example, when I was young, there were very few shows that empowers women or girls, and I personally didn't have a favorite TV show that I enjoyed. My parents didn't allow me to watch any 'boy-type shows' or any content that was empowering for women or girls.

Content Preferences for Kids

When it comes to modern-day shows, the landscape is significantly different. Most animated shows and many series are deemed too boring or dull for children. For instance, a show like Warner Bros. cartoons from Saturday mornings might be a nostalgic favorite, but these were originally designed to set the tone before a feature film. Therefore, they may not fit the bill for a family setting.

The hit show The Smiths (though not an actual TV show), which I enjoyed around age 12, has some great moments. One particular segment from SNL—the Paul Simon turkey skit—was a hit, not just for my love of Paul Simon, but also for its enduring humor. This is one of the few segments from SNL that I would consider showing my kids when they are slightly older.

Exploring Adult-affecting Animation

For animated content, many parents gravitate towards shows that are both entertaining and have adult elements. Monty Python episodes are an excellent example of content that might be enjoyable for both parents and children as they get older. While cartoons like these might not always appeal to younger viewers, they can open the door to more mature discussions and enjoyments.

But even with mature content, some families choose more controlled environments. In my household, we do not have traditional TV. Instead, we rely on curated content available on YouTube premium, ensuring that whatever my nearly five-year-old watches is both educational and fun. My kids enjoy shows like New My Little Pony, which is well done and specifically designed to have adult appeal, as well as movies they can watch over and over.

Homemade Animation and Education

As she gets older, I hope to introduce her to the magic of animation and special effects. I enjoy showing her "how it was made" videos, which she loves and helps to spark her creativity. My goal is not only to teach her appreciation for animation but also to inspire her to produce her own content one day.

Regarding my childhood favorites, the shows that resonated with me then were wholesome and set in small-town settings. Shows like Andy Griffith, I Love Lucy, and Mr. Ed provided good-hearted, funny, and wholesome storytelling. As I grew older, series like The Brady Bunch and The Partridge Family became my favorites. Nostalgic shows from the 70s like The Partridge Family on Nick at Nite, my kids would stay up to watch these nostalgic series.

In conclusion, as a parent, it's essential to strike the right balance between allowing your children to explore content suitable for their age and keeping them away from material that might be too mature. The key is to use their interests as a guide and curate content accordingly.