Children's television series
Children's telvision shows are generally produced with the purpose of educating a young audience about basic life skills. The term is often associated with cartoon television shows but, in fact, cartoon television was intended for adults until well into the late 1970's when "Saturday morning cartoons" became a U.S. television tradition.
The origin of American children's television seems to lead to Sesame Street, an education show created by muppet inventor Jim Henson. The show blends animation, puppets, song and dance and colorful production numbers with educational material oriented for children anywhere from toddler to four. It is on this television show that many children of the world are first exposed to things like basic math and language skills, as well as social skills and multiculturality.
Children's shows have grown into something that holds a cultish status. As children grow into adults and look fondly back on their childhood television watching habits, they associate them closely with an era left behind. Below, a partial list of television shows for children that have been heralded in some way or another as "classics":
US television:
- Sesame Street
- The Electric Company
- The Letter People
- Mr. Roger's Neighborhood
- Pinwheel
- Today's Special
- Kids Incorporated
- Barney
- The Sid and Marty Krofft Show
- School House Rock
UK television: