Family TV Programming is Still Popular

by Lisa P | More from this Blogger

04 Mar 2008 09:54 AM

When I was a kid, we had four television channels to watch: three networks and PBS. (My parents' idea of a remote control was telling either me or my brother to turn the knob on the television to change the channel.) Yes, I'm a little old. After seeing yet another commercial for a sitcom that represents a certain racial group as trashy, ignorant and uneducated, my husband and I reflected back upon our own childhood years and the quality programming we found in programs like Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons and The Cosby Show. Let's face it, quality family television programming during prime time really doesn't exist any more. TV schedules are loaded with versions of CSI and a vast array of so called "reality" shows that I, a former cop, actually find grotesque and offensive so I certainly wouldn't want my children watching them!

Luckily, the folks at Disney realize that some parents really do care about what their kids watch on TV. Enter ABC Family. Believe it or not, the number of viewers watching ABC Family reached new heights in 2007 and the numbers continue to grow.

While their most popular programming targets young women from ages 14 to 28, they still have a wide variety of regular shows and movies that appeal to all ages. Old favorites like 7th Heaven, Step by Step and Full House can be found alongside new favorites like Kyle XY, Gilmore Girls and Grounded for Life.

Seven years ago, industry officials panned Disney for purchasing the struggling Fox Family Channel for $5 billion. Now, they're wishing they had the Disney magic that can turn a struggling network into a qualified success.

If you're looking for quality television programming that you can watch with your kids and you've already watched the entire DVD set of the Cosby Show, take a look at ABC Family. You just may find some quality programming on television after all.

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Learn more about Lisa P

Lisa used to be a freelance writer and Community Manager for Families.com, but she has finally made the jump to novelist.

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Dale Harcombe (10321) 04 Mar 2008 04:20 PM

Brought back memories. My family and I loved Little House on the Prairie. We've bought the DVDs when we see them and still love wtachingthem. We also watched the Cosby Show. The Gilmore Girls is another favorite in our family. We are still waiting for session 7 to come out on DVD here in Australia. Then we'll probably go back and watch them all through again. We were always selective about what our children got to watch when they were young.

Lisa P (24013) 04 Mar 2008 04:25 PM

Good for you! It is nice to know that there are other parents out there who are selective about what their kids watch.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 09 Apr 2008 10:59 AM

Are you kidding? My 50-something-year-old mother watches ABC Family with her grandkids and loves it. We don't get it here. Too bad!

Lisa P (24013) 09 Apr 2008 11:07 AM

That's awesome! Too bad you don't get it where you are. For the most part, it really is good programming.

Katie-Anne Gustafsson (604) 09 May 2008 06:30 AM

TV? My boys (now 4 and 7) didn't realize that the TV didn't need some kind of round disc or video in order for it to work until my eldest was about 4! LOL Even now their TV view is restricted to what's showing on Playhouse Disney or shows similar to that ...that come on round disc or video (usually associated with Thomas the Tank Engine, Magic School Bus or Baby Einstein).

Sometimes I worry that I'm overprotecting them, but they still manage to keep up-to-date with mainstream kid culture via their peer group! The ABC Family channel sounds awesome. We have a "Gold" channel over here that does similar - tonight (Friday) is my all time fav TV show, Fame! :)

Lisa P (24013) 09 May 2008 06:36 AM

Good for you, Katie-Anne! Kids have to grow up far too fast these days. Protect them as much as you can. :-)