When considering the best television shows for children, remember, almost every classic TV show can bring quality, wholesome entertainment, unlike the shadowy examples of today. Classic TV shows forever impress upon us a lesson or insight into family living through the ever-present struggles of home and career that all families seemed to have faced throughout several generations. The following list includes some of the best classic TV shows that offer children the most fun and fundamental life lessons:
A List of Classic TV Shows for Kids
The Munsters-Although this family lives on the outskirts of society, they dwell successfully as a family within their own set of rules against social acceptance. They work through their sometimes-painful cultural differences with resolve as a family. Moreover, who doesn’t love the oversized green heart of Herman Munster?
The Beverly Hillbillies-Again, this family goes against any grain of proper society, The Clampetts may have struck it rich, but their true character and wholesome goodness inspire down-home qualities that money just can’t buy.
Star Trek-This show evokes true innovation and imagination, a well thought out scientific exploration which always brings earthly human morals back home. The gadgets alone engross natural wonderment instead of computer-generated nonsense. The original Star Trek series began in 1966!
Alfred Hitchcock Presents-The master of mystery still stands tall as a force of intrigue for the entire family. Plot twists and macabre subject matter rely on skilled acting and directing as opposed to splashy graphics that produce an immediate, but brief, impression.
The Archie Show-This group of teens proves that multi-tasking can be fun and rewarding. With school studies, social events, and a pop rock band, these kids induce the desire for tiered success. This show often induces the desire to read the companion comic book!
Some Considerations for Classic Shows
With shows like Friends competing for children’s TV time, it’s important to expose them to shows that were made before every line was some form of explicit innuendo. Of course, the classic TV show All in the Family may be considered to have dicey subject matter; still, it is suggestive of an earlier social culture when bigotry on TV was acceptable. It’s wise to discuss these shows and even share an episode or two with children. Consider noting that Carroll O’Connor won several Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Archie Bunker in this show.
Classic TV shows offer diversity and satisfying subject matter for the entire family, but more importantly, they bestow substance upon very impressionable children.
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