Rating the Top 20 Most Popular Prime Time Broadcast TV Shows Watched by Children Ages 2-17

Not all children ages 2-17 watch age-appropriate programs, according to Nielsen Media Research. Television shows that might sound innocent enough, such as Family Guy or American Dad push the limits of decency with sexual innuendo and adult themes. On the other hand children also flock to TV shows with positive values, like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and American Idol.  Using its traffic-light ratings system the Parents Television Council analyzed the twenty most popular prime time broadcast shows among children ages 2-17, ranking the programs according to their suitability for young viewers.

Each series was rated as suitable [green], questionably suitable [yellow], or unsuitable [red] for young audiences, and then ranked from best to worst. It is interesting to note that every series on the "Most Suitable" list, and all but one of the series on the "Questionably Suitable" list are reality of game shows.

PTC ratings are based on an objective quantitative and qualitative analysis of the frequency and explicitness of foul language, sexual content, and violence present in each series. The PTC also takes into consideration time slot, target audience, themes and plotlines of each program it rates.

The message of this report is simple: parents must be informed when it comes to monitoring what their children watch on television. That's why the Parents Television Council produces these important studies: to provide families with critical information on television content so that they can make the appropriate decisions. (Read the full report.)