Sesame Studios

Name: Sesame Studios
Item: Sesame Studios
Rating: 4
Author: Emily Ashby

TV review by

Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 3+

(i)

Delightful YouTube shorts have quality content for tots.

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We think this TV show stands out for:

Character Strengths

A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

Educational Value

Some segments use educational or instructional content in subtle ways, as with an animated song that reminds kids how to brush their teeth.

Positive Messages

The show experiments with animation styles, music, and characters of all shapes and sizes (including some people). Self-expression and communication are prominent themes, especially when it comes to Marvie, the chatty, upbeat host. Empathy is another strong theme. Different shorts focus on different topics, from friendly reminders about healthy habits to a celebration of the diversity of families (including mention of same-gender parents). Singing, dancing, and artwork all have a place in this series.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Marvie is welcoming and enthusiastic. Most segments show people or characters engaged in healthy activities, from dancing to spending time with loved ones.

Sexy Stuff

Language

Consumerism

Every episode ends with a pointed appeal by Marvie for viewers to subscribe to the Sesame Studios YouTube channel (by clicking the large "Subscribe" button on the screen), send in their comments and questions (with an adult's permission), and follow the show on Facebook and Twitter.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Sesame Studios is a YouTube channel from the creators of Sesame Street. Notably absent are the Muppet characters who helped make the classic preschool show a staple in kids' media, but the Sesame influence is strong nonetheless. The shorts use diverse animation styles to illustrate quality concepts that promote prereading skills, interpersonal relationships, and personal health, among other topics. Kids will especially like the outgoing host, Marvie, but parents will want to monitor their kids while they watch, as Marvie ends every episode with reminders to subscribe to the YouTube channel and follow the show on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

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What's the story?

SESAME STUDIOS is a series of shorts hosted by a gregarious, oval-shaped being named Marvie, who welcomes viewers into her room and entertains them with songs, poems, and artwork. Much like Sesame Street, diverse characters and animation styles combine to create episodes that teach kids life skills, reinforce early learning skills, and get them moving through inspiring music and dance routines.

Is it any good?

At first blush, the idea of a Sesame production without a single Muppet character is a little jarring, but Marvie and the new Sesame crew are their own brand of awesome. She's the perfect introduction to this energetic, vibrant series, and the minutes-long episodes are a boon rather than a detriment to the show's appeal. They're like a sweet treat that satisfies with just one bite, which is great if you're working within screen-time limits.

Unlike that sweet treat, though, Sesame Studios packs some serious quality into this production with content that does well by young kids. The songs and stories are far from frivolous; they focus on valuable concepts such as being thankful for your family, taking care of health, and staying active. With a variety of animation and content, this fun series always has something new to offer viewers.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about what Sesame Studios teaches viewers. How can young kids learn about character? What was the theme of today's episode? How do the characters illustrate that theme? Was there a learning component to it?
Kids: What makes Marvie a good hostess? If you invited guests to your house, what could you do to be welcoming to them? What does it mean that actions speak louder than words? How do your actions reflect the person you are?
Kids: What are your family's rules for screen time? Are you allowed to use the internet without supervision? How do these rules help keep you safe?
How does Sesame Studios promote communication and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?