Why Our Childhood Television Shows Are Still Meaningful

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Lisa Alioto

20 April 2021 32 comments

We all have our favorite childhood television shows, whether it starts with cartoons or are the shows that led us into our adolescence.  For me, most recently it has been Little House on the Prairie.   I’ve been bingeing those episodes for days now and I started to ask myself why I am so drawn to this show.  I’ve seen it a million times, I know all the episodes, yet I’m intrigued still by every one of them.

We Align Them with our Childhood

I think that one of the reasons that we are drawn to these shows is that we align them with our childhood.  Whatever was going on with our lives at that time comes flooding back to us when we watch these shows.

Oftentimes it’s the comforting memories of being taken care of and having few stresses in life.   I remember many times watching Little House on the Prairie and my mom calling me for lunch.  Ahh… the years when someone made your meals for you and did all the clean-up..  The childhood years really are some of the least stressful for many of us.

The Quality of the Shows

Don’t get me wrong, I completely agree that there are many, many, quality shows out there now.  However, I think that they are of a different quality.  Today’s shows have technical aspects to them that just weren’t possible years ago but are present today and bring viewing shows to a whole new level.  There’s also so many new genres of televisions shows – much more of something for everyone now.

What I mean is that that shows of yesterday always seemed to have a morale to the story.  And this is so very ever-present in Little House on the Prairie.  For example, in every single show, while talking about the family’s trek across America to find a place to settle and farm land, they had a moral built into the episode for the viewer.  Also true in shows like Father Knows Best, Leave it to Beaver, Brady Bunch, etc..   You don’t necessarily see that in shows today.  While some are still filled with lessons, there is much more of a focus on entertainment value, stunts, and cool graphics.   All these things are enjoyable and bring a unique quality.  However, it’s just not the same as some of the shows of yesterday.

I thank goodness for all the streaming programs that bring to us the latest and greatest and also the oldies but goodies!

What Older Television Shows Still Catch Your Attention?

Do you have a favorite from your childhood?  What made it your favorite?  Do you still find yourself drawn to it, even as an adult?

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32 thoughts on “Why Our Childhood Television Shows Are Still Meaningful

  1. To me, Tom and Jerry was my favorite and I can still watch it now, enjoying it like i used to do. Watching it brings back so many memories which I love so much!

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Isn’t that the beauty of those older shows – the memories it brings back 🙂

  2. Natalie Barletta says:

    I agree — there is so much nostalgia when watching a childhood favorite show. For me, it’s Full House!

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Oh, I love that show too (the original version) Nataiie!

  3. For me TV time is an hour, maybe to before bedtime once the kids have gone to sleep. I don’t want to be gambling on something I don’t know. I mostly stick to the sit come I know and love from the 80s, 90s and early 00s. If I hear good reviews about something I might take the plunge, like watching game of thrones when it had already got to season 7, and binge watching the first 6 seasons in less than 3 weeks ????

    Adam – http://daddoesautism.com

    1. Lisa Alioto

      LOL – I did the very same with Game of Thrones Adam! Well worth the watch and time!

  4. I loved Step by Step and Family Matters growing up. And Saved by the Bell. Those were probably my favorites. They sure don’t make em like they used to!

    1. Lisa Alioto

      I totally agree Jennifer! I love the oldies (though I have found some new favorites) 🙂

  5. My favourite show was The Clangers, closely followed by Bagpuss. They made a new version of The Clangers a while ago and I was so happy that Flora loved it too 🙂 Lisa

    1. Lisa Alioto

      I haven’t heard of those two Lisa but it clearly sounds like they created great memories for you. 🙂

  6. I totally agree, I find so much comfort in watching TV shows from my childhood, especially anything animated!

    Anika | chaptersofmay.com

    1. Lisa Alioto

      I do too – there’s some sort of ‘safety’ feeling it bring back when we are back in our childhood years through these shows

  7. I loved and still love Little House on the Prairie. Sometimes simplicity speaks for itself. 🙂

    1. Lisa Alioto

      There is a beautiful quality to it, isn’t there Jaya? 🙂

  8. I agree that there’s so much nostalgia from childhood shows, I used to watch Gilmore Girls a lot which I still love now. I don’t remember many of my favourite shows from when I was really small but I definitely get the same feeling about movies I watched when I was younger x

    Sophie

    1. Me to Sophie – oh… the memories they bring back!

  9. Although I question some TV shows for kids as an adult, I found value in them as a kid. It gives some cool imagination as a child. I mean, I don’t mind watching Pokemon again haha. Thanks for sharing!

    Nancy ✨ exquisitely.me

    1. You’re welcome Nancy – glad you enjoyed the article! 🙂

  10. I never really get the chance to watch TV because of working different hours, but if I do, I would always and happily watch Top Gear, that’s my favourite show

    1. Lisa Alioto

      I haven’t heard of that one Luke – sounds like it was a favorite for sure!

  11. Love this post and couldn’t agree more. I have lots of nice memories and nostalgia from childhood shows!

    1. Lisa Alioto

      I do too Lauren! So, so many good childhood memories come rushing back when those shows come on.

  12. I always tend to watch old TV shows from my childhood when I’m ill and spending the day in bed. I’m not sure why I do this but I find it so comforting!!

    Roni✨
    http://www.myelevatedexistence.com

    1. Lisa Alioto

      That sounds so cozy Roni!

  13. I love watching back old shows, whether they were shows from my childhood or teenage years. I guess, like you, I find them very nostalgic and I can remember watching the shows when I was younger and what I was doing or even just remembering that I had no responsibilities and absolutely nothing to do but watch tv and find other ways of entertaining myself. Great post!

    1. Lisa Alioto

      Thank you Beth – I feel the same way about the nostalgia of watching those old shows.

  14. I love watching old shows and movies from my childhood. Especially now that you can stream them from start to finish. I enjoy watching them with my fiance and children too. It makes a fun date night or family movie night.

    1. Lisa Alioto

      What great family fun Brooke!

  15. Yep, true. Most of my childhood favourites are my all-time favourites. Plus, I don’t really fancy my childhood favourite shows being remake especially My Little Pony. The original was so lovely.

    1. Lisa Alioto

      I agree – the remakes are not as good as the originals! It’s just not the same!

  16. I love going back to shows I watched as a kid and seeing how I interpret their messages now. Sometimes I’m shocked that I was allowed to watch such a show and other times I’m really happy with it. I grew up watching a lot of the CartoonNetwork and I still love all those shows to this day! Might revisit them now after this post 🙂

    1. Lisa Alioto

      I’ve found that to be the case too Tsvetty – esp. with the show Happy Days for some reason!

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