by Ted Sherman

Created on: October 26, 2010

The most popular kids' shows of 2010 are the superior ones that have been around for awhile, and well deserving of their staying powers, because of their ability to attract children and parents to their postive and educational values.

1. Sesame Street: For 41 years, this classic TV program has entertained and taught kids in the United States and more than a hundred other nations. In addition to the familiar animated Muppet stars, the show has been visited or hosted by Presidents, First Ladies, astronauts, network news anchors, preachers, teachers, priests, rabbis, as well as movie, TV, rock and opera stars.

The regular Muppet characters of Sesame Street have become standards in American culture and commerce. Some of the most prominent are Big Bird, Bert, Ernie, the Cookie Monster, Snuffleeupagus and Kermit the Frog. In addition to appearing on the Public Television network and in toy stores, the characters have starred in their own show, The Muppets, and were feartured in several theater movies.   

In addition to its superior entertainment qualities, Sesame Street continually offers valuable education lessons to children of all ages. No other children’s TV show has been more influential on American culture than Sesame Street.  

2. SpongeBob Squarepants: This kids’ TV show first aired in 1993, and has been featured on the Nickelodeon network for the past seven years. It has been popular for its very simple two-dimensional cartoon style and basic juvenile humor.

The series features the adventures of the ocean-floor-residing square sponge and his pals in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. The title star lives in a sunken pineapple with Gary, his pet snail Gary, who meows like a cat. Other characters include silly Patrick Star(fish) and the arrogant and snooty Squidward Tentacles.

As with any sitcom worth noticing, live or animated, leading character SpongeBob has a love relationship. She is Sandy Cheeks, a squirrel who does ocean bottom research. Because everyone knows squirrels can’t breathe in water, she must do all of her acting in a deep-sea diving outfit.

SpongeBob Squarepants, partly because of the silly name, simple story lines and almost primitive animation, appeals to young children. However, there are many parents and other adults who have become regular fans.  

3. Barney and Friends: Barney the animated purple dinosaur, as well as green and orange Baby Bop and B.J., have graced TV screen for nearly 20 years. Barney is parent-friendly for kids, particularly the very young, because the show gently emphasizes social behavior, courtesy, good grammar and respect.

Appealing to the very young, Barney offers songs and dance numbers, encouraging the littlest ones to join in. As with other successful children’s shows, the Barney characters have become commercially popular in toy stores, traveling dance troupes, ice skating shows and other forms of live entertainment.

The most popular kids’ TV shows of 2010 are those that have endured through the decades. In each of these examples, their simple appeal has continued to capture new generations of children.

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