"There's one hundred and four days of summer vacation/ and school comes along just to end it/ but the annual problem with our generation is finding a good way to spend it/ like maybe..."
Thus starts the theme song of one very distinguished program, "Phineas and Ferb."
When my friends ask me what kind of shows I like to watch, I'll sling around top hits such as "New Girl," "Sons of Anarchy" (if I want to seem more bada** than I actually am), and then the inevitable "Sherlock" (just uttering the letters BBC makes everyone look like a suave intellectual). But in all honesty... I'm a sucker for series branded as "kids' shows."
I'm here to tell you that kid's TV shows are often more humorous and contain both a superior plot and more developed characters than most TV shows geared toward an adult audience. In a lot of shows these days, one can guess what is going to happen next. The show is so transparent in its eventual plot line that I find myself waiting for what I know will happen and then being disappointed when I'm right. I am no detective, but I can guarantee that if the sultry cop gave her jealous ex a key to her house, he will inevitably walk in on her and her new love interest. Surprise!
However, children's TV shows have only grown in creativity. Though the situations that the high school age characters in "Scooby Doo" deal with aren't necessarily on par with my current college lifestyle, a lot of the themes are applicable to many an age group.
In addition, the humor can't include any swear words or vulgar behavior. Surprisingly, this makes the jokes more funny by forcing the writers to be inventive with their humor, to stretch beyond the tired strain of innuendos and stupidity, giving us clever humor at its finest. Keep in mind that much like Disney movies, the screenwriters have sympathy for parents sucked into watching TV with their children and they throw in occasional, yet subtle adult humor. This only makes spotting the joke more fun when it is hidden via double entendre.
Not to mention the fact that it is nice to watch a show and not have to worry about a character suddenly dying or keeping track of who hooked up with who. In the midst of college stress and drama, a light-hearted show is just what we need.
Finally, it's lovely to enjoy a show just for the characters themselves and not feel overwhelmed by the army of stunningly hot actors and actresses that storm the screen. It is impossible to compare one's physique to an animated turtle. I mean, unless your genetic situation is truly unfortunate. Just once it is nice to have characters one can love for their personality alone.
If you are looking for a new show to watch, give one of these a try (in no particular order):
1. Avatar: The Last Airbender
Though not on Netflix, this show is a true gem as far as human struggles, hilarious friendships, and untold powers go.
2. Phineas and Ferb
A show about two brothers with wild imaginations and the capability to make their dreams a reality. Ferb's dry sarcasm is priceless.
3. Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated
Unlike the older seasons of "Scooby Doo" we grew up with, this new take on the show includes mysteries that are much harder to solve, more insight into the character's lives, and classic humor.
4. Bravest Warriors
One of my all time favorite shows, this program is so inventive with its jokes that I find myself laughing out loud. The characters are wonderfully charismatic and its futuristic premise covers everything from existential crisis to first love. Another great feature is the episodes are only 10 minutes maximum, and whole seasons can be found on YouTube.
5. Young Justice
If you are into the superhero craze, this is the show for you. A dark twist on teen heroes without all the bores of the adult world.
6. Word Girl
This one is definitely more on the juvenile side. However, I'm not gonna lie, this PBS show expanded my vocabulary by at least 25 percent.
7. Spongebob Squarepants
Need a mind-numbing laugh? Watch this show.
8. Adventure Time
An excellent hodgepodge of imaginative elements, this Emmy Award-winning series was created by the same person who penned "Bravest Warriors."
Bottom line, we should all take a walk on the child side, and next time you get asked your favorite TV show, don't be afraid to flaunt the fact that you've seen all three seasons of "Avatar."
