Recommendations That
Make Life Easier
We’re your grocery store aisle, soccer sidelines and water cooler. We’re the place where you can get the scoop on where to find the good stuff on TV. And the place to share your own two cents. When you’re in the mood to find something that makes a subject come to life, lets you share your own childhood memories, provokes real food for thought or just makes you laugh... Look here!
Find the television programs your family enjoys, rate your favorites, and leave feedback for others to see. Rank the television programs your family enjoys and tell us why you think they're smart. And if you have a TiVo DVR... you’re one click away from something good on the menu!
Recent Picks:
Team Umizoomi
Ages 3-6, Nickelodeon, ScienceWhat’s Smart About It: A great preschool aged show that tackles math skills with color, energy and characters that will keep your kids engaged. From the folks who brought you Blue’s Clues, parents now have a kid’s show that goes beyond simple counting and provides a format that encourages kids to work through questions themselves.
Little Einsteins
Ages 3-6, Arts and Reading, Disney, Recommended by Common Sense MediaWhat’s Smart About It: Four precocious preschool friends make discoveries, work as a team and use their special musical talents. Each episode has a mission and journey of discovery that incorporates a celebrated piece of classical music and a renowned work of art or world culture.
American Experience
Ages 9-11, History, PBS, Recommended by Common Sense MediaWhat’s Smart About It: Do your kids need a history refresher but don’t want to watch some “boring” documentary? PBS put together an excellent docu-series that combines reenactments, historical footage and commentary to paint America’s past with vibrant colors.
Russell Simmons Presents Brave New Voices
Recommended by Common Sense MediaWhat’s Smart About It: This is not for the little ones but this show can be very moving and perhaps uplifting for teenagers. On the show youth use poetry and music to deal with the struggles they face in often violent inner city environments. The language can be strong but the messages are powerful. For Ages 14 and up.
Dr. King – Documentary
Ages 6-9, Ages 9-11, Good Ol' Values, HistoryWhat’s Smart About It: Host Tom Brokaw brings to life the heroic story of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and displays the leader’s remarkable journey for civil rights and racial integration
Rachael’s Vacation
Ages 9-11, Recommended by Parents' Choice Foundation, Safe and FunWhat’s Smart About It: Do you have a child that’s interested in international travel and fine dinning? Follow celeb chef Rachael Ray as she explores culinary histories, cultures and cuisine from around the world.
Grossology
Ages 6-9, Ages 9-11, Nickelodeon, Recommended by KIDS FIRST!, Safe and FunWhat’s Smart About It: Follow along as Ty and Abby fight invading bacteria, viruses and other nasty things on a battlefield that just happens to be in someones body…Gross! The duo usesscience and a knowledge of biology to beat back the invaders.
The Upside Down Show
Ages 3-6, Good Ol' Values, Nickelodeon, Recommended by Common Sense Media, Safe and FunWhat’s Smart About It: Two brothers that don’t get out much (literally) take preschoolers on adventures in every episode in this live action show. There are lessons taught such as cooperation, meeting friends and thinking about the world around them.
Oobi
Ages 3-6, Nickelodeon, Recommended by Common Sense MediaWhat’s Smart About It: Yup, they’re just hand puppets, but their cute simplicity is just the start of this fun and supportive world for preschoolers. Show themes are focused om making friends, good habits and dealing with problems.
Charlie & Lola
Ages 3-6, Disney, Good Ol' Values, Recommended by Common Sense Media, Safe and FunWhat’s Smart About It: Adorable British siblings are having fun learning about new foods, getting a haircut and losing a tooth. The show is simple, and kind, the characters are articulate and provide a great example for kids.
