Family TV

Family TV these days is quite different from what it used to be. Now, in my early 20’s, I cannot offer much insight and wisdom into the differences (mind you, I’m not calling any of my readers old—just asking for more input!); but I can tell you even in my short time here on Earth, that even I have seen a difference that is shocking.

I grew up watching Sesame Street episodes that are now deemed inappropriate for young children. I caught some episodes of Pee Wee’s Playhouse when it debuted on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim a few years ago, and was absolutely floored by the fact that I was watching that at the tender, impressionable age of 2. (It was quite full of innuendos and several other things I would not care for my son to hear!) Is this why my generation is so…twisted? (For the lack of a better phrase) And is this new “sheltered” outlook going to be to blame for however my son’s generation turns out to be?

Below is a video of an ‘80’s TV commercial advertising the Pee Wee toys that I thought would be fitting. Imagine YouTube hosting these same commercials for Spongebob toys 20 years from now!

As I aged, I watched shows like Full House, Family Matters, and Fresh Prince. Nearly everything making debuts on Nick-at-Nite I recall seeing as original airs. What has happened to the wholesome shows like this? Honestly, I do not watch much television that is not geared toward a preschool audience, on Discovery, History, or Fox; but still—it seems to me that Family TV is history!

What are your thoughts on the subject? What do you watch on TV together as a family? Or, do you banish it during family time?

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