PBS Is Pretty Good

We occasionally indulge in some of what I’ve heard referred to as “screen time” around here. It’s not our policy to have express, hard limits on it as of yet, but we try to be present and engaged for discussion anytime something’s on. I think it helps to have us there to contextualize new or challenging ideas. For example, “why does that man have cans instead of hands?” and “why is he spraying soup at people while rapping?” aren’t questions I want them lying awake at night thinking about.

Historically, I remember PBS being kind of tepid. I watched Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers and Barney, and the whole time I remember thinking “this doesn’t look as good as street sharks” and “why are none of these characters rude dudes with attitude?” Fear not, friends and colleagues; this is no longer the case. The kids who grew up on borderline traumatizing 90’s Saturday morning cartoons are making the edutainment programs now, and I’m here today to tell you that it’s getting weird in a good way over there.