TV For The Whole Family, Sans Saccharine

“The debate over what should be considered ‘family TV’ is never-ending. We talk ourselves into spirals of contradiction, illogic, and subjectivity when we make big pronouncements about how to control a child’s imagination. Oddly, if you ask the Parents Television Council what kids ought to watch, the answer is reality TV.” Recoiling from that suggestion, Matthew Gilbert says the situation is not so dire. He points to “a number of recent prime time shows that have found a way to appeal to teens and their parents simultaneously, without insulting either group with sap or stupidity.”