Common Sense Media Recognizes Largest Crop Yet of "Common Sense Seal for TV" Honorees
Variety of Programs Honored, but Streaming TV Services Lead the Charge Over Traditional Networks in Airing Programs Families Should Be Watching
San Francisco, CA – Common Sense Media, the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology, is announcing the fall edition of the Common Sense Seal for TV honorees. This honor aims to recognize standout new TV series and specials that offer high-quality media experiences that families can enjoy together.
The 37 Seal honorees meet Common Sense Media's highest editorial standards for overall quality based on entertainment value, engagement, and impact and offer viewers worthwhile themes, messages, and role models. This batch of honorees premiered between March 20, 2016, and October 28, 2016, and the shows are currently available on network, cable, and streaming/online platforms.
The majority of the latest Seal honorees (15) is aimed at preschoolers (age 3–4). Titles for kids age 5–7 received 12 Seals; those for kids age 8 and up received 10. Notably, of the 125 newly debuting shows aimed at kids age 13 and older, only one received the Seal (Pitch, airing on FOX).
"There are times when families want to spend a quiet night on the couch together, watching a quality TV show that both parents and kids can enjoy, and we're happy to report that there are plenty of great options out there," said James P. Steyer, CEO and founder of Common Sense Media. "We're pleased to honor these TV series and specials with the Common Sense Seal and hope that by highlighting family-friendly programs, the creative community will produce even more shows that families can bond over together."
In November 2015, the Common Sense Census found that teens and tweens spend between six and nine hours per day with entertainment media. Common Sense aims to help parents navigate the complex media landscape and find the most compelling, high-quality content available.
Through innovative research and collaborations with educators, experts in child development, and parents, Common Sense has also identified developmentally appropriate media that can be powerful tools in teaching positive character strengths. As the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) is increasingly recognized, Common Sense has developed a new tool to further curate quality media: a tagging system for TV shows and movies that demonstrates key character strengths. All Common Sense Seal for TV honorees promote one or more of the 11 essential character strengths we've identified.
Of the major TV networks, only ABC and FOX earned Seals in this period, with one and three shows honored, respectively. Streaming platforms accounted for 15 Seals, with 11 for Netflix and four for Amazon.
The Common Sense Seal for TV honorees are:
TITLE
NETWORK
AGE
DEBUT DATE
Speechless
ABC
12
9/21/2016
Thunderbirds Are Go
Amazon Prime
8
4/22/2016
An American Girl Story – Melody, 1963: Love Has to Win (Special)
Amazon Prime
8
10/18/2016
Bookaboo
Amazon Prime
3
10/28/2016
The Stinky and Dirty Show
Amazon Prime
3
9/2/2016
Peanuts
Boomerang
3
5/9/2016
Elena of Avalor
Disney
5
7/22/2016
Milo Murphy's Law
Disney XD
6
10/3/2016
Food Network Star Kids
Food Network
6
8/22/2016
Kids BBQ Championship
Food Network
7
5/23/2016
Ice Age: The Great Eggscapade (Special)
FOX
6
3/20/2016
Pitch
FOX
14
9/22/2016
The Passion Live (Special)
FOX
9
3/20/2016
Chesapeake Shores
Hallmark Channel
10
8/14/2016
Ask the Storybots
Netflix
3
8/22/2016
Beat Bugs
Netflix
3
8/1/2016
Bottersnikes and Gumbles
Netflix
5
8/12/2016
Danger Mouse
Netflix
5
4/29/2016
Justin Time GO
Netflix
3
6/24/2016
Kulipari: An Army of Frogs
Netflix
8
9/2/2016
Lost and Found Music Studios
Netflix
8
4/1/2016
Skylanders Academy
Netflix
7
10/28/2016
The Deep
Netflix
7
6/1/2016
Voltron: Legendary Defender
Netflix
8
6/10/2016
Word Party
Netflix
3
7/5/2016
Bubble Guppies: Guppy Style (Special)
Nickelodeon
4
4/29/2016
The Loud House
Nickelodeon
6
5/2/2016
All in with Cam Newton
Nickelodeon
6
6/3/2016
Legendary Dudas
Nickelodeon
7
7/9/2016
Hey Duggee
Nick Jr.
3
7/11/2016
Miffy's Adventures Big and Small
Nick Jr.
3
10/3/2016
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween
PBS Kids
3
10/28/2016
Odd Squad: The Movie (Special)
PBS Kids
4
8/1/2016
Being You
PBS/online
12
5/8/2016
Dot.
Sprout
4
10/23/2016
Noddy, Toyland Detective
Sprout
4
10/10/2016
Terrific Trucks
Sprout
3
7/9/2016
About the Common Sense Seal
Seal selections are determined by Common Sense Media's in-house team of seasoned reviewers, editors, and child-development experts based on the proven rubric for independent, age-based ratings deployed across more than 27,000 reviews of movies, TV shows, and other media since Common Sense Media was founded in 2003. The TV Seal will be given to a select number of titles each spring and fall. The Common Sense Seal for TV is an expansion of the Common Sense Seal initiative, which launched in October 2014 with a Seal for movies and has honored 83 films to date. More information is available at /seal.
About Common Sense Media's Ratings
Common Sense Media rates and reviews media based on a combination of two factors: age-appropriateness and quality. We rely on developmental guidelines culled from some of the nation's leading authorities to determine which content is appropriate for which ages. Common Sense Media reviews feature a content grid that evaluates specific elements of each title, including messages, role models, violence/scariness, sex, language, consumerism, and substance use. We know every family and every child is different, but all families need information to make great media choices. Common Sense Media reviews also include suggested discussion points for families, providing an opportunity for parents to talk about themes and issues that arise and to convey their own views and values. Common Sense Media ratings and reviews are available on our website, through our mobile app, and through our distribution partners. Our unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and are not influenced by the content creators or by our funders.
About Common Sense
Common Sense is the nation's leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a powerful voice for kids and families in the 21st century. Millions of families, educators, and policymakers turn to Common Sense every day to access our independent ratings, unbiased research, and trusted tools and advice to help navigate a rapidly changing digital landscape at home and at school. For more information, go to www.commonsense.org.
Press contact:
Michelle Hernandez, 415-553-6797
[email protected]
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