Sprout and Negative Emotions

Madeline Fretz - Shows like Sesame Street (which aired on Sprout from 2005 to 2015, as Sesame Workshop and PBS were two of the channel's founders) and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (which never aired on Sprout) are famous for talking about negative emotions and serious issues like death, divorce, cancer, violence and shootings etc. Throughout its twelve year history, I doubt Sprout has talked about these topics, but I sure wish they did. You see, on most kids' shows, the characters shy away from negative emotions and are always happy (Barney & Friends and Play School come to mind). The Nostalgia Critic pointed this out in his review of 1998's Barney's Great Adventure.

Now, today I'm going to fantasize about The Sunny Side Up Show, The Good Night Show etc dealing with negative emotions and serious issues. Parents and Kids usually isn't a place for fanfiction, but enjoy anyways. (Please note that the SSU death bit takes place around 2010/2011, as I remember seeing those hosts (Kelly, Sean, Dennisha, and Liz) the most) Read it and weep!

CHICA (squeaking): I wanna talk to Eleanor. Where is she?

LIZ: Uhh, Chica, Eleanor died. She's dead.

(Chica doesn't seem to notice)

CHICA (squeaking): Oh, okay. Maybe I'll see her another time.

KELLY: Chica, when people die, their bodies stop working. They can't breathe or talk. Eleanor's dead.

(Suddenly, Chica starts to feel sad)

SEAN: You have any questions? You can always ask us anything.

CHICA (squeaking): Uhh, how will I get to see her ever again?

DENNISHA: Chica, we still have our memories of her.

CHICA (squeaking): Yeah, we can always remember her, but I'm still a little sad.

SEAN: We all feel sad, Chica.

CHICA (squeaking): Well, it won't be the same.

KELLY: You're right, Chica. It won't be the same without her, but you know what? We're all very lucky that we got to see and know her when she was still with us. (smiles)

CHICA (squeaking): You know what, I'm really gonna miss Eleanor.

SEAN: We all will, Chica.

(Everyone engages in a group hug and comforts Chica)

So there you go. Can you imagine them dealing with tough topics like these? I believe Sprout didn't talk about these topics as they would be too difficult to grasp for their target audience. 

Click here to miss Eleanor on the Parents and Kids Share Together forum!