Evaluating High-Demand Children's Shows

The number of cuts was counted in each episode watched and divided by the episode length to find the cuts/minute, which we defined as “pacing.” This was done in accordance with past studies’ methods (Fan et al., 2021; Lillard, Li, & Boguszewski, 2015). Cuts were identified as changes in the setting or perspective shown on the screen and included transitions such as fades and zooms. In order to compare pacing between shows, the average cuts/minute across three episodes was calculated for each show.

Of all the shows, Cocomelon was found to be the fastest paced (~22 cuts/minute), with PJ Masks trailing close behind (~21 cuts/minute). Spongebob Squarepants was slowest paced (~9 cuts/minute), contrary to the results of Lillard, Li, & Boguszewski (2015) - a result that could be explained by differences in coders and episodes from the show that were evaluated.

Fantasy was defined as incidents that were impossible according to the known laws of physics, in accordance with Lillard, Li, and Boguszewski (2015). Fantastical elements that were consistently present throughout the show, such as talking animals or magical creatures, were noted. When possible, timestamps when distinct incidents of fantasy began were recorded and counted for each episode. For comparison purposes, the number of distinct fantastical incidents/minute was averaged across three episodes per show.

Shows that took place in fantasy worlds with highly fantastical elements in all aspects of the characters lives (i.e. food, magic, fantasy creatures, detachable body parts) were noted as highly fantastical and distinct incidents of fantasy were not noted or quantitatively analyzed. These shows included The Owl House, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, and SpongeBob SquarePants. Of the shows where distinct fantastical incidents could be counted, PJ Masks, was found to be most fantastical while Peppa Pig was least fantastical.

Violence was defined as any act of physical aggression. Timestamps when distinct incidents of violence began were recorded and counted for each episode. For comparison purposes, the number of distinct violent incidents/minute was averaged across three episodes per show.

SpongeBob SquarePants was found to have the highest frequency of violent incidents, with an average of 0.81 acts/minute. Paw Patrol had the lowest frequency of violent incidents, with 0 acts recorded from the three episodes evaluated.

Prosocial behavior was defined as incidents where characters demonstrated altruism, helping, sharing, comforting, or cooperating. Timestamps when distinct incidents of prosocial behavior began were recorded and counted for each episode. For comparison purposes, the number of distinct prosocial incidents/minute was averaged across three episodes per show.

All ten shows included multiple displays of prosocial behavior throughout the episodes evaluated. Sesame Street had the highest frequency of prosocial behaviors by only a slight difference from most of the other shows. SpongeBob SquarePants had the lowest frequency of prosocial behaviors.

Interactivity was defined as incidents in the show when the viewer was directly addressed and instructed or asked to perform an action such as dancing, answering a question, solving a riddle, or playing a game as opposed to simply passively watching the screen. Timestamps when distinct incidents of interactivity began were recorded and counted for each episode. For comparison purposes, the number of distinct interactive incidents/minute was averaged across three episodes per show. Of all the shows watched, only Sesame Street was found to have interactive elements incorporated into the program.