With the exception of the Disney channel, Nickelodean leads the way in providing a roster of children friendly sitcoms geared towards preteens. Nickelodean has created a lineup of high quality shows that young children love, with a loyal fan base. This article will talk specifically about one of these shows, Icarly. In 2011, Icarly made its fourth season debut, and in the past seasons attracted a following of raving fans.
No kid's show can be one without a teenage cast. Icarly centers around three teenagers. The show's protagonist is Carly, an attractive young girl living in Seattle with her brother. She has two friends constantly at her side, Sam, a tomboy tough girl, and Freddy, a computer genius who is in love with Carly. Like other teen shows, this one heavily emphasizes the teen's school life, as well as Carly's life back at home. The main emphases though, is on a web show that these three form. The show provides plenty of laughs and fun appropriate for any age level. Parents will approve because it contains only acceptable content.
Being that the show is targeted specifically towards preteens, parents can count that it will not contain any vulgar scenes that will have them shielding their children's eyes, or foul language that will have them covering their children's ears. The show also contains lessons to be learned in the end. Kids may not be aware of it, but parents can look for these lessons and instill them to their children.
As previously mentioned, the show's main focus is on a web show, and this is a good thing. Lets face it, we now live in a digital age. Computer literacy is almost a necessity. This show may encourage kids to be more involved in learning computing technology. Parents can really step in here and make certain that their children learn computers the right way. This means being sure that they don't visit any adult sites, send inappropriate pictures to their friends, or chatting with random strangers over the net.
The show also teaches other potential lessons, albeit indirectly. One such lesson is friendship. In most episodes, Carly, Sam, and Freddy are always caught in some spat that puts their friendship to the test. In the end though, they find a way to set aside their differences, and preserve their friendship.
I would encourage parents to watch the show with their kids. Doing so provides several benefits. First, it gives you a chance to just sit and be with your child. Second, by knowing what they are exposed to on television, it gives you a better idea of their interests, and lets you identify with their generation. If your child is an Icarly fan, take advantage of it, and get every benefit I mentioned out of it.