Sign in Subscribe
Parenting

A New Canon for Old TV: 10 Indispensable Shows for Kids to Watch

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The author reflects on the changing television landscape, having grown up with a unique childhood experience of watching classic TV shows from the 1950s and '60s. As a father, they want to introduce their tween daughters to the best of this "cultural output," aiming to provide a sense of what television was like in the 20th century. The author presents a list of 10 indispensable shows that kids today should see, highlighting a selection of iconic and influential series that shaped the medium.

Key Takeaways:

  • The author's list of 10 indispensable shows is highly subjective and intended to spark discussion, rather than creating an eternal canon.
  • "I Love Lucy" (1951) is a pioneering show that still makes sense today, offering a glimpse into antique stage in gender politics, with episodes like "Job Switching" remaining funny over 70 years later.
  • "All in the Family" (1971) is a crucial series that grew up and engaged real-world issues, such as racism, and is still constrained by the broadcast standards of the time.
  • The author chooses the episode with Sammy Davis Jr. and Louise Jefferson, which would allow them to introduce concepts of the spinoff and the portrayal of a Black family.
  • "The Jeffersons" (1975) is a landmark show that features a rich Black family, marking a significant shift in the representation of diversity on television, and exploring the concept of "movin' on up."
  • The author recommends the episode in which George tells his wife a lie, illustrating the ugliness of the N-word and its usage, without the pretense of modern TV shows.
  • "The Amos 'n Andy Show" (1951) is a dated but still entertaining show that should be seen as a contrast to the representation of Black people in the later 1950s, and despite its tacksiness, was easily as funny as "I Love Lucy."
  • "The Golden Girls" (1985) is a paragon of the sitcom genre, featuring three iconic performers and showcasing a clear grammar and formulaic structure that defined 1980s television.
  • "Cheers" (1982) is a pioneering workplace sitcom that predates "The Office," featuring a true ensemble cast and a rich relationship between Sam and Diane, making it a valuable introduction to the genre.
  • "The Twilight Zone" (1959) is a groundbreaking series that packaged memes like the idea of a parallel universe and the presence of the unknown, with cinematography that still holds up today.
  • "Fawlty Towers" (1975) is a classic British sitcom that offers a unique blend of humor, language, and pacing, providing a valuable introduction to the Britcom genre.

Statistics:

  • The author grew up watching TV from the 1950s and '60s, which is now unlikely to be encountered by younger people due to the changing television landscape.
  • The 10 shows listed on the author's list have been selected to provide a sense of what television was like in the 20th century, covering a range of genres and time periods.
  • The author's list includes shows that are no longer in syndication, but are considered essential viewing for an understanding of the cultural output of the 20th century.

Sources:

  • "I Love Lucy" (1951)
  • "All in the Family" (1971)
  • "The Jeffersons" (1975)
  • "The Amos 'n Andy Show" (1951)
  • "The Golden Girls" (1985)
  • "Cheers" (1982)
  • "The Twilight Zone" (1959)
  • "Fawlty Towers" (1975)
  • "Mannix" (1967)
  • "The Carol Burnett Show" (1967)
  • "Fleabag" (2016)
  • "The Office" (US) (2005)
  • "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1970)
  • "The Honeymooners" (1955)
  • "Are You Being Served?" (1972)

Read more