Which kids’ shows really DESERVE an Emmy?

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Yep — it's Daytime Emmy time!

by Karl J. Paloucek

This past Wednesday, the nominations went out for the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards, which is where a lot of the kids’ shows get recognized. The big event is set for June 25 in Los Angeles, and will be taped for broadcast on CBS June 27. Who comes out on top when it comes to kids’ programming? PBS handily takes a lead with 36 children’s programming-related nominations, followed by Nickelodeon with 25. Disney Channel narrowly edges out Cartoon Network‘s four nominations with five.

Not the strongest showing for the mighty Mouse, but with shows like The Suite Life and Wizards of Waverly Place among their more typical offerings, they’re arguably a little less focused on child development, which could be what gives PBS and Nickelodeon the edge. Looking at the list of nominees, it’s easy for me to think back to the shows that I remember from when I was growing up and try to compare them. Childhood memories being gilded as they are, it’s never a fair comparison, but I’m sure that for every show like Sesame Street or Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, there were a good number of not-so-hot shows for kids that I may have watched but which I’ve completely forgotten.

I suppose this is why, over time, I’ve gotten less bent out of shape about this sort of recognition for children’s shows or any other — awards like this can be won, the creators can have their moment whether we think their work merits it or not. But it’s the lasting impression the work leaves on its audience that determines its value in the long run.

What do you think of the shows that have been nominated? Which do you think should win? Are there any not on the list that you think should be?

Here’s a slightly abbreviated list showing this year’s Daytime Emmy nominees in children’s programming-related categories:

Outstanding Children’s Animated Program
Wordgirl (PBS)
The Backyardigans (Nickelodeon)
Curious George (PBS)
Sid the Science Kid (PBS)

Outstanding Children’s Series
Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman (PBS)
Design Squad (PBS)
The Electric Company (PBS)

New Approaches — Daytime Children’s Entertainment
Come On Over! (comeonover.com)
Fizzy’s Lunch Lab (PBS)
Design Squad (PBS)
The Electric Company (PBS)

Outstanding Preschool Children’s Series
The Wonder Pets! (Nickelodeon)
Between the Lions (PBS)
Sesame Street (PBS)

Outstanding Special Class Animated Program
Spongebob Squarepants (Nickelodeon)
The Penguins of Madagascar (Nickelodeon)
Ni Hao, Kai-lan (Nickelodeon)
Sid the Science Kid: “Getting a Shot: You Can Do It!” (PBS)

Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series
Kevin Clash as Elmo — Sesame Street (PBS)
Caroll Spinney as Big Bird — Sesame Street (PBS)
Chris Knowings as Chris Robinson — Sesame Street (PBS)
Joey Mazzarino as Stinky, Murry & Blogg — Sesame Street (PBS)
David Rudman as Baby Bear — Sesame Street (PBS)

Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program
Ed Asner as Kid Potato — Wordgirl (PBS)
Eartha Kitt as Cool Cat — The Wonder Pets! (Nickelodeon)
Amy Poehler as Bessie Higgenbottom — The Mighty B! (Nickelodeon)
Philip Seymour Hoffman as William Fillmore Toffman — Arthur (PBS)

Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program
The Mighty B! (Nickelodeon)
Spongebob Squarepants (Nickelodeon)
The Penguins of Madagascar (Nickelodeon)
Fanboy and Chum Chum (Nickelodeon)

Outstanding Directing in a Children’s Series
The Electric Company (PBS)
Design Squad (PBS)
Sesame Street (PBS)

Outstanding Writing in Animation
Wordgirl (PBS)
Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman: “Season Four Is Canceled” (PBS)
The Fairly OddParents (Nickelodeon)
Back at the Barnyard (Nickelodeon)
The Penguins of Madagascar (Nickelodeon)
Phineas & Ferb (Disney Channel)

Outstanding Writing in a Children’s Series
Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman (PBS)
The Electric Company (PBS)
Sesame Street (PBS)

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Photo Credit: Nickelodeon

1 Comment

  1. Sid the Science Kid “Getting a Shot” = Pure Propaganda

    Do they give “Best Propaganda Geared Towards Kids Award’?

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