Inside PBS Blog

Hi
I noticed recently on many kids programs there is a narrator telling the story. I was wondering will this be for a long time? because my kids and I don't like it neither are many of my friends. We are not enjoying the programs anymore. I don't think there is any benefit for it.

thanks

From as far back as Bugs Bunny it seems that animated shows for kids often include content adults can also enjoy. I'm sure at PBS the primary focus in programming kids shows is ... kids, but there seem to be a lot of grown-ups (like, um, me) watching, too. How does this fact shape your choices when it comes to programming kids TV?

Is there any reason why Sesame Street isn't replayed in the evenings or on weekends? My husband and I both work, and our three year old is in full time preschool. We sometimes let her watch cartoons on the weekends or in the evening as a reward. I would much rather she watched Sesame Street rather than pretty much all of the cartoons that are out there these days. Can we get it on Saturday or at night in our city (Lincoln, NE)? Is this a local programming question?

Hi:

Now that my son is 8, he feels that he is too old for PBS, will you be developing programs for that age group?

What is the appeal of Elmo? Why is it that he is in nearly 1/3 of any given Sesame Street episode? Perhaps this is just sour grapes on my part, because he was not a part of my Sesame Street experience 30+ years ago.

Hi
I saw that the E Company is being relaunched soon.

ICould you tell us more about the 2.0 edition?

LOVE SUPER WHY. and WORD WORLD
My three year old really interacts with both shows. Keep them coming

A few years ago, when I was a child tuned to PBS for the engaging content (or restrictions of parents, I'm not sure), there was a program called Villa Allegre or something to that effect. It was a great foundation for the Spanish I learned in suburban America. Is there any hope for a comeback of that program or must I send my children to Spanish speaking countries on exchange?

I am just wondering why only about 15 episodes of Sesame Street are aired? I understand that due to budgeting there may not be money to make new episodes but there is more then 30 years worth of shows to choose from in repeats. My son isn't even 2 and he's memorize most of the Elmo's world episodes. Is there a reason that a larger variety isn't aired?

Hey ruff how do you choose the 6 new contestents, because I want to be on your show!
please contact Your number one fan Andrew

i dont really know what to say so HI

So much research says that television is not appropriate for babies under the age of one. I have a nine month old and he loves programs like Boobah and Teletubbies, I think for the vibrant colors, deliberate choreography of the characters, and the energetic music. So, after learning about all the negative aspects of TV for babies, can you offer any positive points to support my child watching shows like these?

Good afternoon, Linda and thank you for all your work in making PBS a great channel.
I grew up on PBS shows like Reading Rainbow, the Krat Brothers and Wishbone, and I feel that too many of the shows currently broadcasted on PBS today are cartoon and not educational enough. Is there anyway that Wishbone especially can be reintroduced to the public at key times like 3pm? With it's captivating stories and relatable and even admirable characters, Wishbone ignited my ardor for reading and writing. I only hope that the kids today get that kind of encouragement from the screen.

~Becca

When I was in West Africa, I used PBS children 's programming on the cartoon variant that examines the American Revolution with great success with teacher and students. The internet compliment to the program was a great resource for the teachers. I was able to encourage teachers to upgrade their approaches to teaching with the instructions included at the PBS workshop site. We reached more than 1500+ students in structured programs and many as many as 30 + teachers through out the more peaceful sections of the country that was accessible at the time. Hearing a little 6 year conclude the pen is mighter than the sword from this 3 to 5 day workshop experience was very moving. As a Mom now- are there more programs in the horizon that integrate being a part of a civil society and social responsibility that could target the younger set?

Thank you !
Cia

Hello Ms. Simensky! I'm a HUGE fan of PBS and I especially really like the show Word Girl. (She's so smart and sassy!) I see from your pic that you had a cameo appearance on it. I was wondering what it was like to work on the show. Are you going to have a guest appearance on any other shows? Have you ever been on TV before? Keep the great programming coming!

Is there a way our school system or individuals can purchase all the seasons of the Wishbone series?

Hello,
I am a Voiceover actress in LA.
I have been working on a show idea and it has been suggested to me to contact PBS development.
I am new to this side of the business, so forgive me if this is not the correct way to reach Ms. Simensky. Is there someone I can contact about hearing my pitch?

Thank you so very Much.
Amber Hood

Children's programming used to be simple in the 70s. These days, you really have to monitor what your child watches.

My 8 yr old son is extremely disappointed that the Wishbone series is no longer on our PBS station on Sunday morning at 8am. He hasn't missed an episode! Please bring it back! My older 3 children (all in college), watched it when they were younger and loved it!

Hello.
I have watched PBS Kids and PBS for years. I came from a big family and we only had 3 channels. I grew up with the best of shows like Wishbone, Krat brothers,and Puzzle Place. I am now 16 and an A-B student. I watched it last summer with my nephew. To me PBS doesn't have the same feel as it did when I was younger. It use to be for all ages, even adults could watch it with their kids. Now it seems kiddish. All cartoon, and no marit. I wish you'd put some of the old shows back on. The ones that made my sibling and me want to watch. That tought my generation to explore the wilderness, read adventures, and how to be a great friends.Kids these days need to learn these things too. Or do we want them to grow up on role models like Spongebob and Ben 10??? I ask for the kids of the 90's to please put the shows back on that made us the way we are.
Thank you for reading.

I am a school librarian who would love to find a DVD with Wishbone episodes. There is absolutely no equal for introducing children to the classics. I know that Wishbone no longer lives at PBS, but do any DVD's?

Our family would typically give the kids a bath at 6:00 pm and then watch a show (or a show and a half) on PBS until 7:00. We loved watching Clifford (and others in the past like Curious George, Dragontales, etc.). Unfortunately, now programming stops at 5:00 for news broadcasts and adult programming. There are so many other channels that cater to adults, it's really sad to see PBS doing the same. Please bring back the 5-7 pm kid programs. Thanks!

Hi,
I'm 10 years old and I just got into wishbone books and I want to see the episodes too, but thedon't show them on TV anymore because i wasn't able to watch wishbone in the 90's.So far I'v read 4 and a half wishbone books and i started a month a go they are so interesting I am the kind of girl that would read and watch wishbone everyday. I just watch the same show everyday on youtube-The Legend of the Creepy Collars so please,please,please,please,please,please,please,please show Wishbone again for more years like 20 or 30 years so other kids can watch that is all I'm asking for please do it for the children.

Thanks,
Nadiah