The boys don't get a ton of screentime. I've tried to focus on encouraging them to play with toys or read a book instead, but sometimes you just gotta bring out the tablet or turn on the TV. Mama's gotta wash the dishes to feed you, yo. Or I need a break after being up all night with SOMEBODY (not to name names, but it's been Izzy) awake teething or fussing. Given that I grew up using the computer (so many educational games-- JumpStart ftw!) and watching Pokemon every day at 3 PM on KidsWB and turned out fine, we're pretty confident that they're gonna be alright. ;-)
When they do get screentime, here's their opinions (both shared and observed) on what's turned on.
Minions
Izzy and Oli love the Minions. Oli gets a little annoyed with constantly watching the storyline and will ask to mix it up with the original Despicable Me (which we have DVR'd and the DVD somewhere) aka "Gru," and he doesn't care for DM2. They both sing along to the Minions singing the Universal theme at the beginning which is ADORABLE. Negi doesn't care for it. Minions is helpfully available on Netflix, which means Oli can navigate to it himself if he wants it without accidentally ordering it on Amazon Video and then making me go through the refund process because bro I did NOT approve of that and how did you get through the parental locks anyway?! I don't mind this trilogy that definitely improved as it went on.
Dino Dan
This was a real gem to discover when Negi started going through his dinosaur phase. An Amazon Video Original, there's several seasons which is really nice. Tons of dinosaur facts and a kid interacting with realistic-looking dinosaurs on fun adventures around his town. I think it's cute and Negi loves it. Oli is hit-or-miss with the "rawrs," and Izzy doesn't care.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Oliver prefers this over the new series Mickey and the Roadster Racers(though I like the updated graphics there), and Izzy is happy when he sees Mickey Mouse. The only downside is we have to use DVR, hope it's on cable, or use OnDemand. The Spectrum app isn't very kid-friendly (particularly when I've kid-locked most of the channels on their profile) so Oli can only watch it with help. Negi doesn't care.
An Extremely Goofy Movie/Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas/Mickey's House of Villains/Mickey Mouse's Three Musketeers
All these Mickey Mouse/Disney movies on Netflix are really popular with Oli. Negi likes the House of Villains. Izzy just likes Mickey. As it's on Netflix's super kid-friendly app, Oli can watch it whenever he wants!
Paw Patrol
Same as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Oli loves it, Negi dislikes it, Izzy is alright with it. Accessibility is limited. They do frequently have marathons on Nick Jr which helps.
Teen Titans Go!
Dude this show is freaking hilarious. It reminds me of the Animaniacs for the current gen. Watch any episode and be prepared to laugh for the jokes that you got that sailed right over your kids' heads. Negi loves it (the slapstick comedy is great) and Eric and I will happily turn it on. Oli and Izzy don't like it though. Also a cable/DVR/OnDemand exclusive, unfortunately.
The Bugs Bunny Roadrunner Movie
I bought this on Amazon Video because we had the VHS when I was a kid. All the cartoons are hilarious no matter how many times you watch 'em. Definitely a great investment. Oliver can watch it whenever he wants via the Amazon Video app which is pretty kid-friendly (though not impressed with how it took removing all payment info whatsoever to stop him from ordering anything. No amount of PINs, passwords, and outright blocking Amazon Store Apps stopped him and I only found out when I got the emails). Includes the "Duck Season, Rabbit Season!" exchange which is absolute gold. Negi will protest it at first but the classic physical comedy gets him giggling. Izzy is interested.
Bubble Guppies
I love the songs (the color song is so catchy!) but only Izzy has any interest in this. Negi and Oli will tolerate it sometimes at best. Amazon Video has the first season free!
Doc McStuffins
The boys actually really like this and will sit down to watch it. I know there's a ton out there about how inclusive and educational this show is, from teaching you that anyone can be a doctor to how to wait on hold to trying again. It's another DVR/OnDemand/cable exclusive.
Shimmer and Shine
Negi likes this, and Oli will leave to play with toys if I turn it on. While the art style and voices can be a little grating to me, the constantly reinforced message of "I screwed up but it's alright we will try again next time!" is phenomenal.
Dora the Explorer
Negi went through a huge Dora phase last year, and Oli still likes to watch "Boots." We ended up buying the fourth season (first three are free) on Amazon Video and Oli can watch it if he wants. Negi doesn't often honestly. Same with Diego. Into the City is just obnoxious, but the older seasons of Dora are good.
Blaze and the Monster Machines
I love how this teaches kids about math. The boys like it because it's monster trucks who transform-- what more could you want? A couple seasons are free on Amazon.
Minecraft videos, video game longplays, HobbyKidsTV/ToyLabTV/Surprise Egg Videos on Youtube
This is all Negi's stuff. Oli and Izzy don't care. He needs help getting started and will sometimes click on a random suggested video, but once you get him set up he can browse and find what he wants to watch. They provide him with a lot of fodder and inspiration for play, I've noticed. I just wish we could get a YouTube Kids-Friendly app on their Amazon Kids Fires (which I honestly wouldn't rec to anyone just because it comes with can't-be-deleted apps like Amazon Office and you can't install anything from the Google Play store).
What do your kids enjoy, and what are your thoughts on their picks?