By Dustin Rowles | Lists | January 27, 2014 |
By Dustin Rowles | Lists | January 27, 2014 |
On a typical weekday, my six-year-old son watches about two episodes of television. After he finishes his cello practice, he’s allowed 45 minutes before bed while his sisters are being put to sleep. Two episodes a night on Netflix obviously stacks up, and over the course of a year, my son has finally watched enough television to put together his very first seriously random list, which I obviously could not be more proud of.
Obviously, his tastes veer toward the animated, and there’s still plenty he hasn’t seen that other six year olds may have already, but we at least like to allow him enough television to assimilate into the various pop-culture discussions that must take place on the playground. “Iron Man is the best Avenger.” “Nuh, uh, poop-face. The Hulk is best.”
Your mileage may differ, based on the personality of your child. Mine is a little precocious, incredibly obsessed with birds, and insisted that I mention that his favorite thing is not watching TV, but doing other things, like playing outside, because he doesn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.
Here are those seven best shows, ranked, and he was even kind enough (patient enough) to provide short blurbs and a rating for each show based on how funny they are, how educational they are, and how action-packed they are.
7. Transformers Prime (Watch Here)
It’s a cool show that has really bad guys and really good guys. The baddest guy is Megatron except when Starscream took over after Megatron died but then (spoilers) Megatron came back alive and things got back to normal. My favorite Transformer is Optimus Prime, definitely.
Funny: 1 (out of 5)
Educational Value: O
Action: 5
6. Adventure Time (Watch Here)
It’s about lots of stuff. There’s hundreds of things it’s about. They’re trying to defeat a guy whose name I don’t remember. Please don’t write that I don’t remember his name. It does not teach me anything, though. … It’s funny, like for one reason because of a scene where the prickly guys wanted to give Finn and Jake a hug. It’s half weird, and half not weird. It’s not always funny, though, because sometimes I like poop jokes and sometimes I don’t. (Adventure Time is easily the most enjoyable kid’s show on Netflix for adults.)
Funny: 3 (out of 5)
Educational Value: 1
Action: 5
5. LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu (Watch Here)
It’s about ninjas and bad guys. The ninjas beat the bad guys with their Spinjitzu. Plus they’re all trying to be the Green Ninja who turns into the Golden Ninja. The first two episodes are very funny but it’s not very funny after that, but it’s exciting because there’s lots of adventure in it.
Funny: 2 (out of 5)
Educational Value: 2
Action: 5
4. The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (Watch Here)
The Avengers are about people attacking New York City and so the Avengers keep having to stop them. The heroes always join the Avengers, but it’s kind of scary because the bad guys sometimes almost win. It’s a cool show to watch. There’s good action in it. My favorite Avenger is Captain America because he has a shield and he can bring it back to him just like Thor.
Funny: 3 (out of 5)
Educational Value: 0
Action: 5
3. WordGirl (Watch Here)
It’s about defining words and fighting crime. It’s a good show because, I just like it, OK? Some of it is funny. The villains escape and WordGirl gets them. She has to define words that the villains don’t know and uses lots of techniques to get the bad guys, like fake jewelry to wrap them up. It’s a PBS show, but that doesn’t mean it’s lame.
Funny: 3 (out of 5)
Educational Value: 4
Action: 4
2. Phineas and Ferb (Watch Here)
It’s about Phineas and Ferb doing their inventions and Perry the Platypus attacking Dr. Doofenshmirtz after Dr. Doofenshmirtz tells Perry his plan. And if you’re going to ask if it’s funny. It is. It’s seriously funny. It’s not educational. It’s just a show that people watch. My favorite part is when Dr. Doofenshmirtz says, ‘Curse you Perry the Platypus.’ It is so funny. Write down that I don’t like the zebra that calls everyone Kevin because he creeps me out.
Funny: 5 (out of 5)
Educational Value: 1
Action: 4
1. Wild Kratts (Watch Here)
It has lots of animals and I like animals so I like that show. I can learn about animals and it’s just a lot of fun, because it has a lot of fun facts. Like, I learned there’s a type of lizard that can walk on water called the basilisk. It stars Chris and Martin. Martin’s favorite color is blue and Chris’ is green because he has a green creature power suit. (I should also mention that Wild Kratts is also on PBS, and blends animation with live-action. Older people may know these guys from their 1999 children’s series, Zoboomafoo.)
Funny: 4 (out of 5)
Educational Value: 5
Action: 2
Header Photo is the work of Nik Sardos, who you can follow on Twitter.
Related: The Best Recent Releases on Netflix Watch Instantly (2012-2013 Theatrical Releases)