With all the recent political rumblings about the funding of PBS, the importance and value of public broadcasting has been the subject of much discussion. As I’ve noted many times here in the past, the educational programming of PBS KIDS is a daily staple here in The Rock Father house. While I grew up on SESAME STREET, my daughters are learning not only from the familiar characters that inhabit the ‘Street, but also from PBS KIDS fixtures like CAILLOU, SUPER WHY!, WORDWORLD, and my 3-year-old’s new favorite show (practically an obsession), DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD. They’re far from alone, as September ratings are out and reveal that six of the top ten shows among youngsters ages 2-5 are on PBS KIDS.
CURIOUS GEORGE was number one for the ninth consecutive month, while THOMAS & FRIENDS, THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!, SUPER WHY!, DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD and DINOSAUR TRAIN all made the top ten. Non-PBS shows included Disney’s DOC McSTUFFIN along with JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES and MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE, which tied the Nickelodeon entries SPONGEBOB ATLANTIS PANTIS and MAX AND RUBY.
Is PBS KIDS a fixture in your home? Sound off in the comments section below!