The things you see on children's programs!
By spalladino
@spalladino (17891)
United States
March 20, 2009 1:00pm CST
I just had the laugh of my life while watching Wonder Pets! 
I'm babysitting two of my grandchildren this afternoon and Wonder Pets is one of my 3 year old grandson's favorites so, naturally, I turned it on. I've seen this show once or twice and it's cute...very musical. In today's episode the Wonder Pets had to save the day for a trio of rats who were going to perform in Las Vegas.
Ok, here's where I'm dating myself because I recognized those rats! There were two white ones and one brown one. During their songs they identified themselves as Blue Eyes, Dino and Sammy. They were Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr...better known back in the day as The Rat Pack. That was their name on this show, too. Now, I was a little kid when they were hot but I remember them well and haven't thought about them in years. I don't know how old the writers of this show are but at least one of them has got to be in his 60's! It was just too funny! 
Back when my kis were little I noticed that quite a few of the skits and jokes on Sesame Street referenced events or people that parents watching would recognize. Personally, I think it's a great idea...it certainly caused me to pay attention to the Wonder Pets today. At least, that first episode. Do you find these adult references ientertaining, too?
I'm babysitting two of my grandchildren this afternoon and Wonder Pets is one of my 3 year old grandson's favorites so, naturally, I turned it on. I've seen this show once or twice and it's cute...very musical. In today's episode the Wonder Pets had to save the day for a trio of rats who were going to perform in Las Vegas.
Ok, here's where I'm dating myself because I recognized those rats! There were two white ones and one brown one. During their songs they identified themselves as Blue Eyes, Dino and Sammy. They were Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr...better known back in the day as The Rat Pack. That was their name on this show, too. Now, I was a little kid when they were hot but I remember them well and haven't thought about them in years. I don't know how old the writers of this show are but at least one of them has got to be in his 60's! It was just too funny!
Back when my kis were little I noticed that quite a few of the skits and jokes on Sesame Street referenced events or people that parents watching would recognize. Personally, I think it's a great idea...it certainly caused me to pay attention to the Wonder Pets today. At least, that first episode. Do you find these adult references ientertaining, too?2 people like this
9 responses
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
20 Mar 09
OMG out of all the stupid cartoon out there, I love the Wonder Pets! I really never pay attention and we weren't home today, we were off buying ducks (I'll have to post with a picture later lol) and so I didn't see the one today. My 5 year old and I usually watch it together though.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
21 Mar 09
I love ducks! We have a pair of coots who live in our canal and they have babies every year...and sometimes a gater gets them. If it wasn't for those nasty things I'd keep ducks, too.
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
21 Mar 09
Ugh gators seem to eat everything! Why do people live in Florida?
@autismmom2 (155)
• United States
20 Mar 09
Of course I cannot think of any specifics right now, but many cartoons have "adult" references in them. Many things I wonder if the children pick it up enough to repeat it, but it all goes way over their heads. I'm thinking Disney movies are the best for inappropriate content.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
21 Mar 09
Oh yeah, I can't think of any off the top of my head either but there have been many times over the years when something in a Disney movie would make me raise an eyebrow.
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
20 Mar 09
When my children were young, I did get a kick out of references to things I would remember. It's a great idea because it makes it more parent-friendly--parents might watch the show WITH their children instead of using the tv as a babysitter while they do other things.
I always enjoyed the few tv shows I let my kids watch. I'm glad you and your grandchildren are enjoying it together!
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
21 Mar 09
I always enjoy having them around but, man, do they wear me out! The youngest is almost one and she just learned how to walk so she can get into even more stuff now. We spent a lot of time playing with toys on the deck today since it was a nice day and I didn't want to send them back to mommy stinky.
@camomom (7535)
• United States
22 Mar 09
My oldest daughter LOVES Wonder Pets!!! I love the idea of kids shows referencing adult things (atleast the way that you described). It helps give the parents and kids a way to relate on the same level.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
21 Mar 09
I have not ever seen Wonder Pets although my daughter has a DS game about them. I noticed the same sort of adult references while watching the movie Shark's Tale and I particularly love the way movies like Shrek for example make adult jokes in such a way that goes over the children's heads but are hilarious to adults, they are written by very clever people. 
@katebell (80)
•
21 Mar 09
i no what you mean i think most kids programes are great i dont like some of them tho, all some are weird animals jumping up and down for 10 mins making strange noises and i dont think thats good for young minds there not going to learn any skills from it, i think the art and craft shows are good tho they show kids how to make things and be creative. i dont have any kids but i do babysit for one of my friends who is a single mum of 21 and i am always telling her off for letting her 1 year old son watch these strange tv shows that are not good for him lol, i know i should tell her of but when there is a child ivolved you just have to put things aside and say what you think id best for them.
@roniroxas (10560)
• Philippines
21 Mar 09
i have my nephew now with me and although he is just 6 months i also let him watch tv once in a while. i recognize wonder pets theme song already so when he heres it he will automatically look at the tv screen. one time they will be saving four beatles and of course we all know who that four beatles are . it is a good show and i like the duckling, ming ming
. it is a good show and i like the duckling, ming ming @deepakrishnan (53)
• India
21 Mar 09
I am the mother of two kids aged 11 and 7. I love to watch Tom and Jerry, Mr.Bean, Baby Looney Tunes, The road runner, Takeshi Castle. I love selected cartoons and I like to enjoy seeing with my kids.
