Cartoons and Puppets Aren't for Kids Anymore

I can't imagine that my parents ever did a double take when I watched Saturday morning cartoons or puppet shows. In fact, they probably just tuned them right out and assumed that I was doing kid stuff. With the help of programs like Netflix, things are different today. Parents can no longer assume that cartoons are safe, no matter what the name may lead us to believe. In fact, it's probably safe to say that cartoons are aimed more at adults today than ever before, so while you might enjoy the shows listed below, be sure to keep your kids away from these if you want to keep them innocent.

"Happy Tree Friends"

If all you could do was hear this cartoon, you would assume that it was a cutesy, bubbly cartoon that was entertaining your children. And, to be fair, it is kind of cutesy. The problem is that it's also full of death and gore. These cute little guys are really sadistic, round headed little psychos singing their way into a whole new level of adult humor. On the upside, there aren't any sexual innuendos to worry about.

"Crank Yankers"

Remember when you would call somewhere and ask if the refrigerator was running? Well, that's exactly the kind of thing you won't find on "Crank Yankers". Who knew you could make an entire season out of prank phone calls? "Crank Yankers" has taken prank calls to an all-time extreme. Now only can you find every conversation you never wanted your kids to hear. Of course, you'll notice that it's not people making these phone calls but puppets. I wonder what the old guys in the balcony on the "Muppets" would have thought!

"Drawn Together"

The idea of this cartoon is that heroes with completely different backgrounds and prejudices live together and serve as the basis for a reality television series. Their lives are recorded and put on film. It sounds like a really great way for kids to learn about different cultures and views. They even have musical numbers that make it likely to be a show that's overlooked by parents --until they actually listen to the lyric and pay attention to what's being shown. If there is a crass way to underscore any type of discrimination, "Drawn Together" has definitely found it. Of course, if you want your child to be open minded no matter how they get there, this would be the show to do it with.

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References: Personal Experience