SheZow

What some might call groundbreaking character development in an animated kids' series, others could find laced in ulterior motives -- so it's not surprising that SHEZOW has garnered some criticsm to its take on gender bending. The real question isn't why Guy's alter ego is a girl (though that is a good one) but why the show's creators thought it was necessary to put that spin on his character in a show targeted at elementary school kids. Based on the sheer mundanity of the rest of the content, it's tempting to assume they knew it didn't stand a chance on its own in the saturated superhero market. A boy hero who fights comical foes in his hometown? Easily forgettable. But a cross-gender hero who's simultaneously learning to fight villains and walk in heels? Now that's going to pique some curiosity.

Ultimately SheZow's appeal (or non-appeal) depends on your personal values, so only you can decide whether the way it addresses gender roles will raise questions you want to talk about with your kids. But if this issue doesn't bother you, then know that the show has some funny moments, is short on realistic violence, and features a surprisingly strong relationship between siblings.