The Worst Kids Shows that Every Parent Hated
Parents enthusiastically embraced children’s television, even with tons of the worst kids’ shows, wholeheartedly recognizing its merits and acknowledging the undeniable advantages it brought. Hooray for the wonders of kids’ TV! It undeniably provided immense enjoyment, at least for a select few.
While children developed an affection for numerous shows during their formative years, earning the appreciation of many parents, there were certain programs that compelled me to consider the unthinkable act of removing my own skin using a blunt butter knife, all the while humming somber funeral tunes reminiscent of the Middle Ages.
Now, without any particular order, I present to you a collection of the worst kids’ tv shows from the 2000s that tormented me and plunged my existence into an infernal abyss.
Teletubbies
With appearances resembling a bizarre fusion of a human and a tub of Play-Doh resulting from an unlikely pregnancy, Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa, and Po take center stage in one of the bad kids shows that caters best to those under the age of three or adults embarked on a perilous journey to a disheartening destination. The Teletubbies, known for having television screens implanted in their stomachs, find solace in gazing at a colossal baby-faced sun whenever a windmill fails to beckon them to playful adventures.
Undeniably thrilling, right? However, it’s worth mentioning that Tinky Winky once found himself in the midst of controversy when Jerry Falwell famously dubbed him a “gay role model.” Who knows? Perhaps I failed to grasp the profound subtext concealed within the depths of the Teletubbies’ world.
Lazy Town
Lazy Town is one of the most annoying kids shows that leaves me at a loss for words. Its cast comprises a blend of animated/CGI characters and actual performers, with the hero and villain resembling a peculiar fusion of a sleazy John Waters impersonator and an acrobatic enthusiast with a penchant for garish attire sourced from TackyCircusPants.com.
The show intends to inspire children to embrace healthy eating habits, exercise, and reject laziness, yet it curiously refers to fruits and vegetables as “sports candy.” Pardon? However, I must admit that every time it graced the television screen, it had the uncanny ability to suppress my appetite and propel me away from its clutches. So, in that regard, one could argue that its mission was successfully accomplished!
Max and Ruby
Max and Ruby, two adorable bunnies left to fend for themselves after their parents mysteriously vanished, navigate life independently until authorities inevitably intervene, arriving in their ominous van.
Max, the younger brother devoid of speech, possesses an eerie disposition that hints at a potential sociopathic nature lurking within him, while Ruby, the elder sister burdened by a relentless need for control, appears destined to succumb to a self-destructive path of excessive drinking.
However, despite the unsettling nature of this show, enduring years of exposure to it enabled me to develop an uncanny impersonation of Ruby’s voice, which I now utilize to delightfully unsettle my own children during moments of tranquility and joy.
Doodlebops
Hailing from the vibrant land of Canada, the three Doodlebops take center stage as a captivating pop band with a noble mission: to energize children and inspire them to groove to their uplifting melodies. Their music carries a resounding message of positivity, encouraging young ones to embrace movement and dance. However, it must be said that their appearance bears an uncanny resemblance to the countenances that may haunt your thoughts as you envision a perilous encounter with bath salt-sniffing individuals at the infamous Burning Man festival.
While their appearance may evoke peculiar associations, it is essential to acknowledge the positive impact the Doodlebops have had on the lives of countless children. Through their harmonious melodies and captivating stage presence, they serve as beacons of inspiration, encouraging little ones to express themselves through dance and fostering a love for music that will accompany them throughout their lives.
Barney & Friends
My stance on firearms is unwaveringly clear: I am unequivocally against them. Throughout my life, I have maintained a steadfast distance from any firearm, ensuring that I have never even laid a finger on one. However, I must confess that if, by some improbable turn of events, a shooting range were to present an opportunity to unleash a barrage of ammunition upon a colossal stuffed replica of Barney the dinosaur, my resolve might waver momentarily.
Yes, Barney, one of the old kid shows whose verbal expressions suggest a significant deficit in cognitive capacity, coupled with the most grating friendship song ever to grace the annals of human history (including the infamous “That’s What Friends Are For”).
Now, let’s be clear here, folks. My anti-gun sentiments remain intact, and I hold no desire to promote violence or harm towards any living being. However, the thought of partaking in a cathartic act of demolishing a giant stuffed Barney, whose saccharine-sweet demeanor has tested the patience of countless individuals, does have a certain appeal. It’s an ironic twist, a juxtaposition of my principles with a fleeting inclination fueled by years of enduring that earworm-inducing friendship anthem.
Which of the Bad TV Shows for Children Do You Hate the Most?
Join me in celebrating the diverse world of children’s television while cherishing the cherished memories and enduring lessons they have imparted. Let us embrace the joy, laughter, and occasional frustration that these annoying shows have brought into our lives, and continue to explore the vast realm of entertainment that captivates and inspires the next generation.